Forest County Community Assembly

Finding housing that meets the needs of people who live and work in Forest County is becoming increasingly challenging. Rising costs, limited year-round housing options, an aging housing stock, and the growing number of seasonal homes are creating housing challenges for residents and the local workforce. These issues are complex and addressing them requires hearing from people with different experiences and perspectives.

We invite Forest County residents to be part of our Community Assembly on Housing on November 7. This is not your traditional public meeting. It is a nonpartisan, facilitated process that will bring together a representative group of residents to learn about the local housing landscape and develop concrete recommendations for the County Board.

The process

36 Forest County residents will be chosen by lottery to take part.

• You do not need to be an expert to participate. Your experience as someone who lives in the community is what matters most.
• If selected, you’ll receive $100 for full participation.

You don’t need to be an expert

Whether you’ve lived in Forest County your whole life or arrived more recently, your experience as a community member is exactly what this process needs. As a participant, you will:

• Learn about Forest County’s housing landscape and challenges;
• Hear a range of perspectives from fellow residents;
• Deliberate in small groups to consider possible housing solutions and weigh trade-offs; and
• Help develop recommendations to inform the Forest County Board

Important dates

To be considered, please apply by October 16, 2026. If selected, you will be notified by October 23.

Hosts

Sponsor: Forest County Board of Supervisors

Organizers: UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs and the Division of Extension Community Development Institute