As data center development expands across Wisconsin and the Midwest, communities are increasingly being approached by developers seeking land, electricity, and water. While these projects can bring significant investment, they also raise complex questions related to zoning, infrastructure capacity, public finance, and environmental impacts. This Innovative Cities Lecture equips planners and local officials with the foundational knowledge needed before a data center proposal arrives

Communities of every size are facing mounting housing shortages—from overall supply constraints to the lack of affordable options. This Innovative Cities Lecture explores practical strategies for expanding housing availability through the experiences of a mid-sized Wisconsin city (La Crosse) and a small Minnesota community (Wabasha).

As extreme rain events become more frequent, communities are rethinking how stormwater moves across urban landscapes. This session explores the use of overland flow paths—subtle, landscape-based features within neighborhoods and public rights-of-way that temporarily store, slow, and convey stormwater without relying on expensive tunnels or lift stations.