Todays cookie cutter method of sub division development is a path of least resistance approach to land use that allows some Developers interests for short term profits to legally be allowed to sacrifice a regions rural identity . This destroys a regions ability to harness potential business and educational opportunities tied to heritage based goods and services that can lead to long term economic gain and prosperity where people can live in place
“Developer Economies” destroy generational opportunities to grow and prosper beyond that of unhealthy fast food convenience stores & big box retail corridors. Franchise economies have eroded Americas independent footprint, a part of the very foundation that America was built on. Investments in agricultural principals, opportunities and practices can be prioritized when developing new infrastructure on historically rural farmlands. Citizens in the Unincorporated areas along with leaders in Agriculture should have a greater role in policymaking at the local planning table to ensure agricultural assets and conservation principals are prioritized into new housing or commercial developments. Our nation and democracy cannot remain independent if we don't provide pathways for younger generations to live in sustainable communities tied to their own local economy. We can do more to inspire leaders of tomorrow
We believe by helping to better promote rural economic development blueprints and policies that include measures for protecting our natural and historic resources, we enable communities to move forward stronger and more able to withstand the challenges that come from increasing land development to accommodate population, annexation, and demands that leave people vulnerable within a changing climate.
The US RURAL CHAMBER / Alliance For Rural Economic Development/ARED approach represents a separate “lane” of thinking about ” economic development“ that considers agricultural principals, practices and protections for historical and environmental assets as a new paradigm for how we plan for commercial and residential development on historically rural fertile farmland In unincorporated communities. Through reform, we can look at these rural areas as a vital “eco system” that serve as the principal foundations on which to build
Making a pathway to building vibrant stay in place communities that are anchored in agricultural values fosters local independence & resiliency and ultimately sustainability that allows for a stay in place locally based prosperous affluient economy . These values ultimately increase a towns economic vitality and potential for growth by anchoring an innovative approach to increasing land value through maintaining rural characteristics & historic preservation that can be proudly passed down thru generations.
With a “Cant Make New Land” philosophy, appropriate infrastructure needs to be placed in the paradigm of local needs for goods and services that offer humane and promising opportunities for economic independence rooted in agricultural history and civics eduction-virtuous pathways that helped build the guardrails of American society. Our mission is to maintain those guardrails of knowlege and values to help inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders and representatives all bound by the values of citizenship
Built in 1898 the one room BADGER SCHOOL was the home of the In Living Word Church for 22 years, Now it is being revitalized to be a local rural history museum and office for preservation and civics advocacy. We welcome visitors to come see the school house, and step back in time to see a glimpse into the agricultural history of Rural Dane County, WI and the Township of COTTAGE GROVE. Currently visits are by appointment only. We encourage schools, teachers, and other educators to visit. Call 615 491 3668 for info
