1000 Friends of Wisconsin is on Bluesky!

Find us there: @1000FriendsWisc.bsky.social

Make a plan to vote!

The next statewide election is

Tuesday, April 1st.

For more information about what is on the ballot, how to register, and where to vote, visit the My Vote WI website.

Meet our new Executive Director!

A message from outgoing Executive Director Deb Nemeth:

"As some of you may know, I will be leaving 1000 Friends as Executive Director as of April 1, 2025. I have learned so much over the years from all of you, the amazing staff and dedicated board. It has been a privilege to be a part of this organization as it has evolved to meet current needs over the years without losing site of the original mission.

Please join me in welcoming Trevor Roark as the new 1000 Friends Executive Director based in Stevens Point. Check out his broad background experience! There is no doubt I am leaving 1000 Friends in good hands with Trevor and our incredible staff!"

Read more about Trevor on our website

Daniel O. Ash, President, Field Foundation and Milwaukee Stakeholders Panel

"When residents come together to organize and plan for their neighborhoods, and then actually see capital flow and

projects materialize, it creates the conditions for trust building and wealth building—both of which are desperately needed in our communities." – Daniel O. Ash, President

Daniel Ash is president of the Field Foundation, a private and independent foundation that invests in civic infrastructure, the cultural sector, local news outlets, and organizers to support power building in Chicago. Alongside its strategic partners, the Field Foundation distributes more than $10 million annually to nonprofit organizations and leaders, focusing primarily on the city’s South and West Sides.

Structural Integrity: How Community Power Reinforces Community

Wealth Building

A Conversation with Daniel O. Ash hosted by Dr. Kirk E. Harris, Founding Director, UW-Milwaukee Center for Equity Practices and Planning Justice

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 5:30-7:30pm

School of Architecture and Urban Planning

2131 E. Hartford Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53211

Join us for an illuminating discussion on the vital connection between community power and community wealth. Planners and Architects know that equitable placemaking depends on properly reinforced elements working together. In this dynamic conversation with stakeholders and leaders from the City of Milwaukee, Daniel O. Ash will share insights from his experiences leading the Field Foundation and championing community-driven approaches to development. Together, we will explore practical strategies for ensuring community voice and control become the foundation for sustainable wealth creation in historically disinvested neighborhoods. And we will examine how Milwaukee can pioneer development models that build economic assets while preserving neighborhood identity and preventing displacement—reimagining an urban development approach where both power and prosperity remain in community.

We've extended the application deadline for the West Allis Transportation Academy to March 26! There's still time to sign up. Learn more on our website and register today!

The West Allis Transportation Academy is a free 9-week (April 2 - May 28) course open to anyone who wants to connect the dots between how our streets, sidewalks, and transit systems are designed and the impact on our everyday lives. We demystify transportation systems and help bridge the gap between members of the public and decision makers. Learn about transportation plans and processes, hear from local and national experts invited as guest speakers, take local tours, and best of all, connect with others in your community.

Questions? Email [email protected]

April 21-29, 2025

Hosted by:

Th Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies

and the Office of Sustainability.

Earth Fest at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will bring together all things environment and sustainability and unite our campus over the one resource and interest we all share: our world. Dive into groundbreaking research or dig in the dirt at community gardens. Sift and winnow the latest research or sort and filter recyclables. Make career connections for your future or master sustainable techniques for your home.

Earth Fest is for all members of the Badger community: from students to alumni, faculty to friends, and seasoned experts to future Badgers. Check out the amazing schedule here.

Mark Your Calendars

APA-Wisconsin Annual Conference

September 11-12, 2025

La Crosse Center

2024 Highlights - take a look!

Take a look at our 2024 highlights! We're excited to share what we've been up to this year. 2025 is filled with even bigger plans for a busy year! We appreciate your support and helping us make this all happen.