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Economic Development

Forward Janesville is a combined chamber of commerce and private economic development organization. The organization formed in the early 1990s when the Janesville Area Chamber of Commerce merged with the Janesville Economic Development Corporation to become Forward Janesville (FJ). The goal of the merger was to cultivate a strong local business environment so existing companies could grow and expand while new companies had reasons to start up or locate here. Having those traditional economic development activities embedded in a chamber of commerce helped ensure that businesses were leading the way on economic development. 

At its heart, economic development is community development. Since its founding, FJ's economic development activities have been guided by community needs.

  • In the early-nineties, FJ focused on business attraction.
  • From the mid to late-nineties, FJ focused on business retention and expansion.
  • After September 11, 2001, FJ doubled-down on business retention and expansion because the uncertain economic environment was significantly impacting our members.
  • Then, with the dual setbacks of the 2008 Financial Crisis and the 2009 closing of General Motors (GM), FJ worked with county partners to establish Rock County 5.0, a five-year strategy to refresh and revitalize Rock County's economy. That regional work continues today through our active participation in the Rock County Development Alliance.
  • In the aughts, FJ started getting involved in quality of life projects. FJ was the private-sector champion of the public-private-partnership that led to the ARISENow Town Square. To spur revitalization along the Milton Ave. Corridor, FJ led a private sector coaliton that partnered with the City of Janesville on the Woodman's Sports and Convention Center (WSCC). FJ's sister organization, the Forward Foundation, donated the historic First National Bank to the Children's Museum of Rock County to build a children's museum in Janesville.

As FJ's economic development activities continue to evolve, we are focused on supporting community-centered economic development and its six key steps. 

 

Key Steps

for community-centered economic development

Diversified local economies with strong business environments are core to sustainable community growth. Diversified economies are more stable and resilient because employment does not rely too heavily on one employer or sector for vibrancy. Furthermore, a strong business environment helps balance the property tax burden so residents are not shouldering more than they can afford. Community-centered economic development understands the community’s needs and uses them to inform the development process while ensuring projects add diversity to the economy and help strengthen the overall business environment.

Engage the community early, often & throughout

Each development project is unique and communities have valid questions about job creation, environmental impact, utility rates and more. Take time to understand their concerns and address them with relevant information in a variety of formats and venues.

Choose an experienced partner

A developer’s track record matters. Avoid pitfalls by requiring deep industry experience, demonstrated success in project completion and robust community engagement plans.

Structure meaningful agreements

Communities can use development agreements, ordinances, community benefits agreements, and other policy mechanisms to align the project with local needs and priorities. Strong agreements maximize community benefit and experienced developers expect them.

Deliver on speed to market

Local government should establish strong relationships with developers and utility partners and streamline regulations and permitting for on-time completion.

Plan how tax revenue will be spent

Property taxes are the largest revenue source for local government. A robust business sector reduces the residential burden. Plan how revenue will be spent.

Build your local workforce

Work with K-12 and higher education partners to build a talent pipeline and continuously skill and re-skill the workforce. That way, local people are the ones on the construction site and filling permanent job opportunities.

 

Key Steps to Community-Centered Development was developed as a result of extensive interviews Forward Janesville staff and Government Relations Council members had with the property development, public infrastructure, business and economic development communities about project processes and best practices in summer/fall 2025.

illustration of highway and building photos