The City of Sun Prairie helped host the regular meeting of Smart Growth Greater Madison to the new Badgerland Financial facility on Wednesday July 15th, where approximately 30 attendees representing a wide array of development interests from around the Madison region came to learn more about opportunities in the Sun Prairie market.
Mayor Paul Esser provided welcoming comments. In his remarks he emphasized that the City remained very open to quality development opportunities, encouraged those in attendance to bring forward projects, and expressed hope that there would be a chance to work together in the near future.
Director of Economic Development Neil Stechschulte then presented on development opportunities ranging from retail and restaurant opportunities in Sun Prairie’s Westside Neighborhood, redevelopment opportunities in the central Main Street corridor, industrial and employment uses in the Sun Prairie Business Park, and continued expansion of office and mixed-use projects in the Downtown Cannery Square area.
Mr. Stechschulte went on to discuss the City’s competitive position. “Our proximity to all the amenities Madison has to offer, including the area’s interstates and the airport, makes us a very attractive location for any sort of business. Add to that being one of the most affordable places to live and work in Dane County, and a quality of life that comes from great schools, great shopping, and other local amenities, and it’s clear we have a lot of good things going for us.”
Stechschulte also pointed out that other City-related services play a major role in attracting new development to the City, including a predictable development review process and attractive electric rates. “Sun Prairie has been very deliberate in making sure we have competitive advantages built right into how we do things, both on the front end and over time.”
Stechschulte also addressed potential hurdles moving forward including long term availability of workforce, access to a range of housing options across the income spectrum, and a growing concern about having more local and regional transportation alternatives. “In regards to issues like these, we’re in the same boat as much of Dane County, the State of Wisconsin, and even the Nation. We have to do a better job at identifying local solutions that are affordable and effective to ensure we remain competitive.”
Carole Schaeffer, Executive Director, said of Smart Growth Greater Madison’s decision to hold their in Sun Prairie, “[We] were thrilled to hear about economic development opportunities in Sun Prairie. Sun Prairie is a community that exemplifies vibrancy, public private partnership, and ongoing growth potential in the region. It was our intent to raise awareness of smart growth as a community resource, as well as learning about the many exciting opportunities that are available in Sun Prairie.”
If you have any questions about the Economic Development of the City of Sun Prairie or are interested in doing a project in Sun Prairie please contact Neil Stechschulte, 608-825-1107 or business@cityofsunprairie.com. For a copy of the presentation please visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/266/Economic-Development.
About Smart Growth Greater Madison
Smart Growth Greater Madison (SGGM) is the advocacy organization for Dane County Real Estate Developers. The mission of SGGM is to further rational public policy as it pertains to development in Dane County.
Carole Schaeffer, Executive Director
Smart Growth Greater Madison
schaeff@smartgrowthgreatermadison.com
smartgrowthgreatermadison.com/
About the City of Sun Prairie
The City of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin (population 31,213) is located immediately northeast of the City of Madison in Dane County. It has traditionally been one of the fastest growing residential communities in Wisconsin.
Today, it is home to one of the fastest growing retail areas in the state, has one of the most successful downtown redevelopment areas anywhere, and continues to grow as one of the region's most successful employment centers.
Neil Stechschulte, Director of Economic Development
608-825-1107
nstechschulte@cityofsunprairie.com
www.cityofsunprairie.com/economic-development
@SunPrairie365
www.facebook.com/SunPrairie365