RIVER FALLS - The City of River Falls has been recognized as a Gold Tier member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Connect Communities Program, an initiative that works with municipalities to advance downtown and historic commercial corridor revitalization efforts.

River Falls is one of 97 communities in Wisconsin participating in the program. The Connect Communities participants have access to tools, training, and technical assistance for advancing revitalization efforts in their respective.

“This is a great opportunity for the City of River Falls to tap into the WEDC’s network of resources as we think ahead to the revitalization of our historic downtown,” said Mayor Alison Page. “In order to be able to maintain the vitality and the strength of our downtown, the support we will have as part of the Connect Communities program will be very beneficial.”

As a Gold Tier member of the Connect Communities Program, River Falls has access to services such as Main Street workshops focused on downtown revitalization topics, property renderings by WEDC Downtown Development staff, custom research and reporting, and more.

“Downtown River Falls is an important part of our community and its identity,” said Joleen Larson, President of the River Falls Business Improvement District (BID) Board. “The opportunity to be involved in the Connect Communities program will give us additional tools and resources to build on what makes downtown River Falls special and help ensure it remains a vibrant destination for years to come.”

The Connect Communities program, which launched in 2013, is centered on the Main Street America Four Point Approach to revitalization. Those four points consist of organization, design, economic vitality, and promotion.

Submitted by City of River Falls