Krystal Freimark

This Community Health Assessment for Racine County aims to collect, review, and analyze health data to understand the community's health status and the factors influencing it. The report details key areas including ranked health issues, community needs, social vulnerability, socioeconomic disparities (poverty, education, housing), child well-being, social connectedness, crime, environmental health, physical environment, access to clinical care, physical and mental health, communicable diseases, preventable illnesses and injuries, nutrition, physical activity, and health behaviors and outcomes. The assessment is intended to inform and guide the Racine County Public Health Division's actions and programming to address identified health challenges and improve overall community well-being.

This 3-Year Strategic Plan for Racine County Human Services outlines a roadmap for building community resilience, driven by core values of Responsiveness, Connection, Dedication, Kindness, and Boldness. The plan is structured around three strategic goals: Connect with the Community and Build Trust, Work Smarter Together, and Make Support Easier to Access. These goals aim to enhance community engagement, streamline internal operations, and simplify access to services, ultimately working towards a community where individuals and families can thrive and reach their fullest potential.

The meeting addressed housing issues in Racine County, including limited proprietary for-sale communities, scattered lot subdivisions, and low lot supplies. The lack of properly positioned for-sale housing product is putting extreme pressure on the existing home market. The rental apartment sector has a very low vacancy rate. A forecast was presented indicating a need for 4,450 new housing units over the next 5 years.

The meeting included discussions on the quarterly results against the strategic plan, the 2021 audited financial statements report, current financial statements through February, and minutes from the last meeting. The council focused on industrial development, talent attraction and retention, and business funding solutions. The presentation included Racine County demographics, workforce composition, in and out migration, and business financing solutions. The discussion then shifted to venture capital, with guest speakers from Rock River Ventures and 4490 Ventures.

The meeting included a review of the annual strategic plan results and guidance for the organization's mission. The council discussed current financial statements, the 2022 financial audit report, and the quarterly report. The RCEDC's Talent Attraction Initiative is hosting two Racine County tours for HR professionals and business leaders. The RCEDC's 40th annual celebration will be held Thursday, May 4th, at the Delta Marriott Hotel in Mount Pleasant. The panel discussed current industrial real estate trends in southeast Wisconsin and Racine County.