In the heart of western Wisconsin, the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation is leading a quiet revolution fueled by strategic growth, a thriving entrepreneurial culture, and a community that refuses to settle for the status quo.
As Executive Director Luke Hanson explains, “We’ve grown at such a high rate in the past five years that we’re now focused on ensuring our growth is strategic, growth that truly benefits the community.” With Eau Claire currently ranked third in Wisconsin for population growth, behind only Milwaukee and Madison, the region is quickly becoming a magnet for people and businesses seeking a better quality of life and a sense of belonging.
The roots of the EDC reach back to the late 1980s, when Eau Claire faced a major economic setback due to the closure of the Uniroyal tire plant. The community was left with a large, displaced workforce and a dire need for reinvention. That challenge led to the founding of the Eau Claire Area EDC, an organization committed to building a more resilient, diverse local economy.
Today, the EDC continues that legacy with a focus on four strategic pillars: business recruitment, business retention/expansion, entrepreneurship, and place-making. Each of these areas is supported by tailored programs and collaborative partnerships designed to meet the region’s evolving needs.
One of the standout factors behind Eau Claire’s rising prominence is its growing population. The county is one of the few in Wisconsin experiencing consistent demographic expansion, with projections estimating an increase of roughly 2,000 new residents over the next three to five years. This growth is more than a statistic; it’s a foundational asset for the business community.
“Eau Claire is a place where people want to be,” says Hanson. “And businesses are following suit.” A growing population means a more robust labor pool, greater consumer demand, and more innovation. It also signifies that Eau Claire is offering something many other communities cannot: an enviable quality of life.
Residents and newcomers alike are drawn to Eau Claire’s mix of modern amenities and small-town charm. The region boasts a state-of-the-art performing arts venue, the Pablo Center at the Confluence, alongside a brand-new indoor sports complex that regularly hosts regional and national tournaments. “We’ve brought people in from Germany, the UK, China, and India,” says Hanson. “When we show them the Pablo Center, it sends a clear message: Eau Claire is thriving.”
Eau Claire’s rapid population growth is mirrored in its physical development. The county has achieved an astounding 45 percent increase in assessed value since 2019. “Our net new construction growth rate is over 2 percent year over year,” Hanson reports. “That’s hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and we’re just getting started.” Three major construction projects, each valued at more than a quarter billion dollars, are already on the books and scheduled to break ground by 2026. This construction boom is not accidental—it’s a result of deliberate planning, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to supporting both existing and new businesses.
This impressive momentum has helped Eau Claire earn the top spot in Wisconsin for net new construction growth rate, a title the EDC is determined to keep. But Hanson is quick to point out that it’s not just about building for building’s sake. “We don’t want to outgrow our values,” he stresses. “Growth should be about improving our community, not just expanding it.”
Unlike many regions that rely on broad incentives to lure companies, the Eau Claire Area EDC takes a different approach, one rooted in customization and collaboration. “We don’t throw a wet paper towel at the wall and see what sticks anymore,” Hanson says with a chuckle. “We take a very targeted approach.”
This means speaking directly with business owners, understanding what their needs are, and figuring out how Eau Claire can provide meaningful, long-term solutions. “We work closely with our local businesses to understand what types of companies would complement our existing industries,” Hanson explains. “Then we go out and actively recruit those businesses.”
This tailored strategy ensures that every new addition to Eau Claire’s economy strengthens the community fabric rather than straining it. And with a small but highly effective staff, just Hanson and project manager Emily Fliehr, the EDC operates as a nimble, well-connected hub, pulling in support from regional partners, chambers of commerce, the city and county governments, and the Small Business Development Center. “We may be a staff of two, but we are a conduit to a much larger network,” says Hanson. “We’re built to collaborate.”
At the heart of Eau Claire’s economic evolution lies a passion for entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like the Idea Challenge and Startup 48, local innovators are given a chance to secure funding, mentorship, and access to state-level competitions. And these programs are more than just financial incentives; they’re community builders, encouraging risk-taking, creativity, and collaboration among the next generation of entrepreneurs. The EDC also connects startups with local investors and business owners who might be interested in licensing or partnering with them.
And it’s working—the startup ecosystem in Eau Claire is thriving. From software to specialty retail, the area is seeing increased activity from entrepreneurs who want to launch and scale their ventures in a community that’s invested in their success.
The EDC also works hand-in-hand with higher education institutions to foster entrepreneurial interest early on. Collaborative events, mentorship pairings, and innovation challenges offer students and emerging professionals a clear path into the startup ecosystem. It’s a long-term investment in both talent retention and homegrown ingenuity.
Beyond attracting and retaining businesses, the EDC also plays a key role in what Hanson calls “place-making.” This effort focuses on creating spaces and experiences that make Eau Claire a desirable place to live and work. Parks, planning, downtown aesthetics, and cultural experiences all play a role in this initiative.
“We want businesses to come here because their employees want to live here,” Hanson says. “That’s why place-making matters. It’s about creating a community people are proud to call home.”
Place-making also includes improving livability metrics like walkability, safety, and public space access, all of which contribute to employee satisfaction and help companies retain top talent. From summer concerts in Phoenix Park to scenic trails connecting downtown to the Chippewa River, Eau Claire is cultivating not just a workforce but a way of life.
Another major factor in Eau Claire’s growing success is its ideal geographic location. Just an hour east of the Twin Cities, the region offers access to a major metropolitan area without the traffic, congestion, or skyrocketing housing prices. “We have affordable housing, no traffic, and a much better quality of life,” Hanson notes.
This combination of convenience and comfort makes Eau Claire especially appealing to remote workers, small business owners, and companies looking to escape the overheads of urban centers without sacrificing connectivity or culture. The EDC is actively working to improve infrastructure around this appeal as well, from expanded broadband access to transportation upgrades. The goal is to ensure Eau Claire’s physical and digital connections remain just as strong as its community ties.
Looking ahead, Hanson is optimistic and ambitious. With large-scale projects on the horizon and an economy that’s diversified and dynamic, the future of Eau Claire looks bright. “We’re still on a high growth trajectory,” he says, “and we’re seeing bigger and better projects come through the pipeline every year.”
But even as the city builds upward and outward, the EDC remains grounded in its core mission: helping people succeed. Whether that’s a manufacturer looking to expand, a startup pitching its first idea, or a national firm exploring a new regional headquarters, Eau Claire has built a system that listens first, acts strategically, and measures success by community impact.
Hanson emphasizes that the EDC maintains an open-door approach, encouraging conversations with anyone interested in exploring opportunities in the Eau Claire area. The region offers a rare blend of genuine community values and forward-looking growth, an ideal environment for individuals and businesses ready to thrive.
