Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

05/06/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Betsy Ralph as a Commissioner to the Regional Planning Commission. Betsy has resided in Platteville since 2003 when she moved back to the area to attend college at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Currently, she is an instructor at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and a member of the Platteville Schools Board of Education, where she serves as board clerk. Betsy is interested in building and developing thriving communities in southwest Wisconsin.

05/04/2026

We don’t always get the chance to work alongside someone who leaves such a meaningful impact and Ellen is certainly one of those people.
While it’s hard to say goodbye to a Senior Planner who has contributed so much to our organization, our communities, and beyond, we are excited to see what lies ahead for her in this next chapter. Ellen’s dedication, insight, and positive spirit will be greatly missed.
We were lucky to send her off in a way that felt very “Ellen” hiking local trails and learning more about our area. A beautiful setting to say “see you later” to a truly wonderful person.
We look forward to continuing to work with her in a new capacity and to future collaboration between our organizations. Wishing her all the best in this next adventure!

02/23/2026

After 8½ years of dedicated service, Kate has decided it’s time to slow life down a bit and focus on her passions — and a little more travel.

During her time at SWWRPC, Kate has been a true champion for our region. She worked tirelessly alongside small businesses, connected entrepreneurs and community leaders, and consistently brought attention to the people, ideas, and initiatives that make our communities stronger. Her ability to network, collaborate, and shine a light on opportunity has left a lasting impact across southwest Wisconsin.

Kate will be greatly missed here at SWWRPC — both professionally and personally. At the same time, we know this is not goodbye to her influence. She has a natural gift for bringing people together and brightening every community she touches, and we are confident she will continue to do just that in this next chapter.

Please join us in thanking Kate for 8½ years of service and wishing her all the best in her well-deserved retirement!

01/13/2026

Join us in beautiful Argyle on Thursday, February 5 for one of two roundtable discussion groups. These sessions bring together individuals from various regions of Wisconsin to share best practices, strategies and challenges around a common theme- this spring's themes will be Business Support/Retention and Placemaking. This session will be held at the newly renovated LA Rossing building (216 E Milwaukee St) in Argyle. Doors open at 8:30 with coffee and snacks, discussion runs from 9-noon with the opportunity for networking lunch following. Feel free to invite others from your community to attend as well. It's a great introduction to community revitalization topics and strategy. Register here: 0db02fed-7fc7-4d20-87d9-05112033008e@a4d0c603-9c7f-4293-b89c-a08c1a8eb571?fbclid=IwY2xjawPR4xJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaUU01VjZQWUpPS2N2QTFoc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsD0UULYfWJt7qlSBXaVIUBalHThQeM4oDX-8UoFN8BswSO4kN7veQC--vBV_aem_7p0xuu2wVD2T2MBXIC1r8A" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/0db02fed-7fc7-4d20-87d9-05112033008e@a4d0c603-9c7f-4293-b89c-a08c1a8eb571?fbclid=IwY2xjawPR4xJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaUU01VjZQWUpPS2N2QTFoc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsD0UULYfWJt7qlSBXaVIUBalHThQeM4oDX-8UoFN8BswSO4kN7veQC--vBV_aem_7p0xuu2wVD2T2MBXIC1r8A

01/06/2026

With the new year comes new resolutions, new ideas for growth and development. Reach out to to SWWRPC if you need assistance in figuring out the path forward for your community, organization or association. We are here to help. Shout out to Argyle for completing their Comprehensive Plan and Outdoor Recreation Plan - onward and upward in Argyle!

12/11/2025

Welcome to Natalie! She is our new Regional Planner and will be taking a region-wide look at how southwestern Wisconsin can continue to flourish. She loves to be engaged in and involved her community, as well as promoting and enhancing sustainable local food systems. In her spare time she gardens and forages in the summer and this winter you’ll find her whittling, reading, and drawing. Her other favorite outside activities include hiking, camping, rock climbing, skiing, and kayaking. Reach out to the Planning Commission if you want to improve your community or have questions on funding your business. We are here to help!

12/02/2025

Its all hands on desk at SWWRPC! Jacob and Ellen give Natalie a hand to reconfigure her workspace. Stay tuned to learn more about Natalie and her new role at the RPC.

11/24/2025

Please help us welcome Mei Mei as our new GIS Planner. Before joining SWWRPC, Mei Mei worked for the Wisconsin DNR doing policy and GIS work for the Wisconsin State Park System. She is passionate about using data and maps to present complex information in an understandable way to ultimately address critical issues and drive change. She grew up in Middleton, and graduated UW-Madison in Sociology and Geography. Mei Mei loves trying new food recipes and restaurants. She loves to read - so book recommendations are always welcome.

Welcome to the team Mei Mei!

10/30/2025

GRANT COUNTY HWY DEPT. and WI SALT WISE HOST
WINTER EQUIPMENT OPEN HOUSE
Grant County Hwy Dept. Showcases Snow and Ice Control Equipment

(Grant County, WI)– Grant County Hwy Dept. invites local municipalities, neighboring counties, policymakers, and others involved in winter maintenance to a winter equipment open house. Our goal is to accelerate local adoption of best practices in snow and ice control.
The Grant County Hwy Dept. has made significant improvements to their winter maintenance program in recent years. Expect peer-to-peer conversations with municipal operators, mechanics, management staff, etc. We will discuss current practices and facilitate planning for agency next steps through a show-and-tell of winter maintenance equipment.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025
9:00am-11:00am - Recommended arrival time for pics/interviews: 10:15am
916 Elm Street, Lancaster, WI, 53813

Wisconsin Salt Wise, event co-sponsor, is coordinating eight equipment open houses this fall with the following local partners: UW-Parkside, Ashland County, Wausau, Beaver Dam, Sheboygan County, Outagamie County, Grant County, and Green County. WI Salt Wise is a coalition of organizations from across Wisconsin working together to reduce salt pollution in our lakes, streams, and drinking water. Our primary goals are to: educate residents, leaders and winter maintenance professionals on salt pollution and solutions, provide training and promote best practices and recognize contractors committed to using the right amount of salt for conditions.

CONTACT: Allison Madison
Program Manager
Wisconsin Salt Wise
608-334-8698
[email protected]
Visit www.wisaltwise.com to learn more.

Be Salt Wise in Wisconsin

10/08/2025

Join us Thursday at a 4pm reception and 5pm presentation at the Platteville Public Library to learn more about Pulling Together - A Handbook for Community Change. Everyone in the region is welcome and there is no fee.