Through a promotional campaign centered around the phrase “it takes a village,” journalism students created a brand proposal, materials like merchandise, postcards, pamphlets; events, and collaborations with small businesses to create a strong sense of community identity in Melrose. Contact: UniverCityAlliance@wisc.edu […]
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As the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more widespread across all sectors, including local government, Iowa County sought to develop policy guidance for its employees. This report includes a Generative AI Use Policy and a User Guide to empower county employees to utilize Generative AI in ways that safeguard data privacy, security, and accuracy. […]
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There are a variety of legal barriers and ambiguities impacting Wisconsin counties’ ability to share services. This report explores common barriers to shared services identified by Wisconsin county officials and experts, recommends solutions, and highlights examples of successful collaboration happening throughout the state. Contact: UniverCityAlliance@wisc.edu […]
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Badger Consulting students conducted a financial analysis to assess the best options for Iowa County to share highway equipment and services with other nearby county governments. The recommendations provided are informed by the financial analysis as well as robust stakeholder engagement with surrounding counties. Contact: UniverCity Alliance […]
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Shared services have become more common in Wisconsin due to the variety of benefits these collaborations can offer for cost savings, expanded staff and resource capacity, and innovation through knowledge sharing. This report provided a list of suggested shared services for the county and evaluated the feasibility and benefits of each to recommend the three […]
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Two UniverCity Alliance Scholars developed and distributed a community survey to gain feedback from residents on their priorities for environmental sustainability. This input informed the final report, which recommends actions and potential funding sources to support environemntal sustainability initiatives related to energy, waste, wetland protection, and flood and climate resilience. Contact: UniverCityAlliance@wisc.edu […]
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To address environmental sustainability, the Village of DeForest collaborated with a graduate student who developed a framework to determine varied levels of protection of natural areas that allows for a variety of development. The goal of the project was to protect surface water quality by reducing the phosphorus load entering the Yahara River from untreated […]
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Following a comprehensive evaluation of information technology operations within Chippewa County and its neighboring counties, a Wisconsin School of Business graduate student recommended a phased implementation plan for balancing workloads and improving efficiencies within the county’s IT department. This report includes an analysis of existing department processes and compares these with staffing levels and workload […]
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A group of students conducted in-depth research into areas of Chippewa County’s IT department, including ticket management, system categorization, and staff training with the goal of addressing efficiency and effectiveness. They ultimately recommended five strategic solutions that address current challenges and potential future developments. UniverCity Alliance contact: UniverCityAlliance@wisc.edu […]
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To better understand how to engage youth in local government, this report considers potential barriers, opportunities, and models for youth participation in local governance. UniverCity Contact Info: UniverCityAlliance@wisc.edu […]
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