The Village of Lena, Wisconsin
Light Up Lena
A USDA-funded partnership sparked a bold 5-year vision for Downtown Lena, turning small, strategic improvements into a powerful catalyst for community pride and revitalization.
Revitalization Plan
In the summer of 2024, TEDCOR and the Village of Lena partnered with Downtown Strategies to develop a 5-year Strategic Action Plan for Downtown Lena. The project was funded through a USDA grant and focused on enhancing and accelerating current revitalization efforts occurring downtown.
Community Progress
Starting Point
Before Partnership
- Apathy
- Lack of Community Pride
Projects Completed
Since Partnership
- Downtown Flower Planters
- Restriped Streets
- Installed Overhead String Lights
- Developing Façade Grant
- Updating Development Codes
Insights & Challenges
Through the process, community input revealed that apathy and a lack of pride were major barriers holding the village back, even though its downtown core benefitted from a strong base of locally owned bars and restaurants. The challenge was that these businesses were spread out, which made it difficult to connect visitors to the broader district. The Strategic Action Plan focused on short-term projects that could beautify the district, strengthen connections, and boost community pride.
You all definitely lit the match.
Downtown illuminated
Early Wins & Momentum
Within the first four months, the local Action Team launched visible
improvements, including updating flower planters; restriping the
downtown streets; developing an incentive and cheat sheet for
renovating historic buildings; and updating development codes to
streamline private sector projects. While each effort had impact, the
installation of overhead string lights along Main Street became the true catalyst, energizing local pride and drawing regional attention as proof of what even a small village of 500 can achieve.
We've Been in Your Shoes
The partnership between Downtown Strategies and Clewiston has transformed a dormant CRA into a proactive force for downtown revitalization. Through strategic planning and hands-on support, the community is on track to unveil a selfie wall mural in Summer 2025, celebrating its agricultural roots and inviting visitors to experience “America’s Sweetest Town.” This success demonstrates the power of small-scale, community-driven projects to spark lasting change.
We are a team of former practitioners.
- Main Street Director
- Tourism Director
- Community Development Director
- Main Street Board of Directors Chairperson
- Tourism Board of Directors Chairperson
- Design Committee Chairperson
- Volunteer
- Planning and Zoning Commissioner
- Board of Directors Member
- Downtown Association Member
