By Abby Block – Grant Coordinator for the City of Sheboygan and Katelyn Piper – Community Development Director for the United Way of Sheboygan County
The Sheboygan Area Nonprofit Network (SANN) recently hosted a two-part event series that featured three City leaders speaking on a variety of topics including their roles and responsibilities, the state of the City today, and how collaboration and innovative ideas will shape the Sheboygan of tomorrow.
At the first event, held on May 12, 2021, Director of Planning and Development, Chad Pelishek, gave an overview of his department’s two divisions and their current projects and future goals. The Building Inspection Division is responsible for inspecting properties, issuing building permits and contractor licenses, and code enforcement. Planning and Development is charged with managing everything from federal Community Development Block Grant dollars which fund nonprofits, infrastructure projects and revolving loans for businesses and housing rehabilitation; new residential and commercial development; neighborhood revitalization efforts like the Façade and Landscaping program; and serving as liaison to the City’s 12 neighborhood associations.
Chad’s presentation included a brief overview of the Affordable Housing Market Study completed by the City of Sheboygan earlier this spring. As area nonprofits continue to assist community members who struggle with housing insecurity, the City is looking to the sector for its expertise and to eliminate barriers to housing through collaboration. Among other outreach and infrastructure improvements, intended next steps include:
- Establishing a diverse housing committee in conjunction with already established housing groups;
- Purchasing and marketing City-owned properties; and
- Allowing Multi-Family Units as a Permitted Use.
The city’s relationship with nonprofits is long-standing and Chad pointed out some of the many projects the City has collaborated on to make Sheboygan a vibrant place to live, including City Green programing, Placemaking projects, and numerous funding allocations to support mental health, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, budget counseling, childcare, and transportation. Click HERE for Chad’s full PowerPoint presentation.
Both relatively new to their roles but not to City Hall, Mayor Ryan Sorenson and Administrator Todd Wolf were the focus of the second event May 19, 2021. Increasing efficiency and effectiveness, the need to be good stewards and run the City like a business, and finding new approaches that go beyond the status quo were common themes as they discussed:
- Their experience and path to City Hall
- The challenges facing Sheboygan and how they’re working to meet them
- Their vision for the City moving forward
- Opportunities for increased municipal and nonprofit collaboration
- The need for improved communication
A recording of the conversation, filmed by local television station WSCS, is available HERE.
All three leaders were unanimous in urging nonprofit professionals to reach out, both when there is a need and also when opportunities arise for partnerships, collaborations, and valuable discussions. The Sheboygan Area Nonprofit Network thanks the Mayor, City Administrator, and Director of Planning and Development for their frank responses and the attendees for submitting questions and helping shape the direction of the conversations.
About SANN
Bringing professional development opportunities to nonprofit folks of all kinds since 2016, the Sheboygan Area Nonprofit Network and its free programs are made possible by a small group of volunteers. Connecting attendees with the networks, ideas, and resources to affect change and strengthen the community we serve, SANN offers valuable education for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers. To learn more about the group, view upcoming events, and subscribe to SANN’s email newsletters, please follow them on Facebook.