News and Updates

New Publication: Labor Shortages, Productivity, and Economic Growth in Wisconsin

June 8, 2025

City skyscrapers reaching up into a blue sky.

Mckenzie Boyce and Steven Deller published new research in the UW Extension WIndicator series outlining Wisconsin struggles with heightened labor shortages. They advise communities should look at strategies beyond productivity growth to meet these new challenges. Read the full report here!

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In the news: “The Wobbly Infrastructure Behind Aging in Rural Communities” in Shelterforce

Shelterforce interviewed Erin Gaede about rural housing challenges for older adults. The article highlights findings from the Rural Livability Project, showing how housing costs, deteriorating…

In the News: Rural Livability Research Featured in News Works Lab

News Works Lab interviewed Erin Gaede about her research on private equity firms buying up rural manufactured homes. Read the feature here!

New Publication: “Some Rural Residents are Trading Nutrition for Shelter” in the Daily Yonder

Erin Gaede, Yang Cheng, and Tessa Conroy wrote an article for the Daily Yonder based on their research about the impact of housing financial stress…