The Economic Development Division at the City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin is dedicated to helping attract, retain, and grow business in the Chippewa Valley region. If you have questions about our services, reach out to one of our team members for assistance.
Economic Development Supervisor
jacob.wiensch@eauclairewi.gov
Jacob works on the division’s business attraction and retention initiatives and oversees our financial and property assistance programs.
Marketing & Communications Specialist
kendall.sukopp@eauclairewi.gov
Kendall facilitates the division’s marketing plans, communicates with our regional partners, and manages property listings.
The City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division exists to strengthen the region’s economic vitality and work cooperatively with private industries, regional economic development partners, and government agencies to promote investment in local projects. Ultimately, our desired outcome is a year-over-year boost in household incomes, job opportunities, and business growth throughout the community. We achieve this by working toward the following objectives:
Recruitment, Retention, & Incentives
Attract new businesses with appropriate benefits and incentives while retaining existing ones
Redevelopment
Support redevelopment and adaptive re-use of contaminated, blighted, functionally obsolete, and under-utilized properties
Downtown Revitalization
Aid in the ongoing revitalization of the greater downtown area to strengthen its status as a vibrant city center
Site & Asset Readiness
Maintain an inventory of fully-serviced land ready for development throughout the city as an attraction to business recruitment, relocation, and start-ups
Target Enterprises
Focus economic development support on targeted enterprises that attract an educated, trained labor force to Eau Claire
Entrepreneurship
Attract entrepreneurs who are most likely to succeed at establishing new industries and adding diverse employment opportunities
Skilled & Educated Workforce
Foster development of a competitive workforce needed to meet the demands of the contemporary economy
Quality of Place
Invest in the cultural, recreational, and leisurely amenities in Eau Claire that encourage businesses and people to thrive
Sustainable Development
Protect and enhance the beauty of natural resources through sustainable development practices that balance growth and protection
Community Leadership
Provide outcome-focused leadership for collaborative economic development efforts in Eau Claire and the broader region
The City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division offers the following services to the community in order to foster sustainable economic growth, attract investment, and support local businesses.
We facilitate business recruitment and retention through targeted strategies, financial incentives, and support programs tailored to meet the needs of businesses.
We assist existing and prospective businesses with site selection by building relationships with area brokers and maintaining an extensive property database.
We support entrepreneurs through mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to resources aimed at promoting business development and success.
We collaborate with local stakeholders, organizations, and government entities to advance our shared economic goals and contribute to sustainable growth.
We collect statistical data to provide valuable insight into our local economy that can aid in informed decision-making for businesses and policymakers.
We encourage community involvement among our partners, work on student talent retention with area universities, and offer creative resources to businesses.
The City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division operates under a set of guiding principles designed to foster sustainable growth, innovation, and inclusivity throughout the Chippewa Valley. By adhering to these principles, we provide a clear framework for decision-making, help build trust among stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, and ensure that all economic initiatives align with the long-term vision and values of the Eau Claire, Wisconsin community.
Principle #1: Collaboration
We will foster collaboration among government, businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to leverage collective strengths while also establishing public-private partnerships to encourage investment and modernization.
Principle #2: Innovation
We will foster an environment that encourages both innovation and the adoption of new technologies and will support research and development initiatives to keep the economy competitive on a global scale.
Principle #3: Transparency
We will create a business-friendly environment with clear and predictable regulations to attract and retain businesses and will work to streamline communication processes to reduce inefficiencies.
Principle #4: Sustainability
We will promote environmentally sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic viability without compromising future resources and will encourage development of green industries and technologies.
Principle #6: Resilience
We will develop policies that empower the economy to adapt to changing circumstances and global economic shifts and will establish contingency plans to mitigate the impact of economic downturns.
Follow our blog for the most recent updates on our division’s projects.
The division’s revamped website, brochures, and other marketing materials were redesigned to promote Eau Claire.
Estilo Salon in Eau Claire’s Water Street Historic District extends a can-do spirit to the City’s Commercial Building Façade Loan Program.
At the end of February, a few team members from our division traveled to Madison for a day-long discussion with legislators.
This interview with the Eau Claire Planning Division shares insight into how staff keeps development humming along.
In March 2023, Eau Claire and Altoona partnered for a Regional Housing Study aimed at examining housing market conditions.
Our Business Relations Coordinator shares her experience moving to Eau Claire and introduces the division’s new blog.
