Supporting Strong Towns’ Vision for Housing Solutions in Sauk County

At Strong Towns, the mission is clear: to build stronger, more resilient communities through thoughtful, incremental development. They focus on small-scale changes that allow neighborhoods to evolve naturally over time without being hindered by restrictive zoning or sudden disruptive transformations. By promoting local leadership and empowering residents, Strong Towns advocates for housing markets that meet the needs of everyday people while preserving the character of neighborhoods.

Here at the Sauk County Development Corporation (SCDC), while we are not affiliated with Strong Towns, we fully support their vision of incremental change and community-driven growth. Our focus at SCDC is on driving sustainable economic development, encouraging private investment, and creating strategic opportunities that benefit our region. We know that healthy housing markets are a vital part of a thriving local economy, and in that sense, our goals align with those of Strong Towns.

Legalizing Incremental Change: Why It Matters

Today, housing markets in towns and cities across America are strained. Prices are rising, supply is limited, and many people are finding it challenging to secure affordable housing. This is where Strong Towns' concept of incremental development comes into play. Instead of relying on large, disruptive projects or top-down policies, Strong Towns believes that neighborhoods should be allowed to grow gradually. For example, allowing a single-family lot to be transformed into a duplex or small apartment can provide more housing options without fundamentally changing the character of the community.

At SCDC, we understand the importance of this approach. While Strong Towns emphasizes housing as a critical part of community vitality, we also recognize that a robust local economy is built on more than just housing. Our mission extends to helping businesses grow, attracting investments, and supporting regional strategies to drive economic stability. However, we know that having a responsive, accessible housing market is crucial for supporting the workforce and ensuring the long-term success of our communities.

Balancing Change with Stability

One of Strong Towns’ guiding principles is that "No neighborhood should experience radical change, but no neighborhood can be exempt from change." This philosophy resonates with us at SCDC because we believe in balanced growth—preserving what makes our communities unique while allowing them to evolve to meet current needs. Neighborhoods that are locked in place by zoning restrictions or fear of change can stagnate, preventing necessary development that would allow new residents and businesses to thrive.

At the same time, radical transformations, such as unchecked gentrification, can displace people and disrupt the social fabric. That’s why we advocate for careful, community-driven development that considers the needs of all stakeholders. The type of small, steady growth promoted by Strong Towns ensures that neighborhoods can adapt while maintaining their identity—a balance that we strive to achieve in our economic development initiatives as well.

How SCDC and Strong Towns Align

While our methods may differ, the underlying philosophy of fostering local growth and resilience connects SCDC and Strong Towns. SCDC focuses on economic development by working with businesses and local governments to create environments where private investment can flourish. Strong Towns approaches this from the perspective of incremental housing, arguing that the next development step should be allowed by right in every neighborhood. Both organizations believe in the power of local leadership and community engagement to create long-lasting, positive change.

At SCDC, we see housing and economic stability as interconnected. By supporting Strong Towns’ vision of incremental development, we aim to help Sauk County communities not just survive but thrive. Healthy housing markets provide the foundation for a vibrant workforce, while robust economic development ensures long-term sustainability for the region.

Building Strong Communities, One Step at a Time

Whether it’s through facilitating private investments or supporting incremental housing growth, both SCDC and Strong Towns believe in the importance of community-driven change. Legalizing incremental development helps create neighborhoods that are more affordable, adaptable, and resilient, which in turn supports the broader economic goals we’re working toward at SCDC.

If you share our vision for a thriving, resilient Sauk County, let's work together. Whether you're interested in incremental housing or broader economic development, we can collaborate to strengthen our region—one step at a time.