Planning & Zoning

Comprehensive Plan

Per state statute, beginning January 1, 2010, every municipality in the state of Wisconsin was required to have a comprehensive plan. A Comprehensive Plan includes the following nine elements:

Issues and Opportunities
Housing
Transportation
Utilities and Community Facilities
Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural Resources
Economic Development
Intergovernmental Cooperation
Land Use
Implementation

These plans are required to be updated no less than every ten years. To assist with this update process, we have contracted with Chris Holtkamp and his team from the University of River Falls. Chris has helped several other communities with their comprehensive plans; we are excited to have him guiding us.

Data Results

Final Plan
The Village of Ellsworth Board approved the update to the Comprehensive Plan on Monday, October 3, 2022.

Approved Updated Comprehensive Plan

Strategic Plan

The Village of Ellsworth Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for our community’s growth, development, and long-term success. Developed collaboratively by Village leaders, staff, and community partners, the plan outlines key priorities, goals, and actions that guide decision-making and investments to ensure Ellsworth continues to thrive.

The Village of Ellsworth Board approved the update to the Strategic Plan on Monday, September 8, 2025.

2025-2029 Strategic Plan

2018 Design Ellsworth Report

In 2018, a community visioning initiative led by UW–Extension brought together residents, business owners, and local leaders to create the Design Ellsworth Report—a plan focused on revitalization, placemaking, and smart growth. The report captured community-driven ideas and priorities that have since inspired many of the projects and improvements shaping Ellsworth today.

Design-Ellsworth-Summary-Report.pdf

Complete Outdoor Recreation Plan

The Village of Ellsworth Complete Outdoor Recreation Plan serves as a comprehensive guide for the development, improvement, and preservation of the community’s parks, trails, and recreational spaces. Developed with input from residents, Village staff, and community partners, the plan identifies current needs, future opportunities, and strategic investments to ensure accessible, high-quality outdoor amenities for all.

The Village of Ellsworth Board approved the update to the Complete Outdoor Recreation Plan on Monday, January 6, 2025.

2024-2029 Comprehensive Outdoor Rec. Plan

Downtown Design Guidelines

Ellsworth’s Downtown Design Guidelines were created to help shape a consistent, welcoming, and visually appealing downtown experience. Developed through a partnership with UW–River Falls and the Community Development Authority, the guidelines offer practical direction for property improvements, signage, and façade updates that reflect the community’s shared vision for downtown vitality.

The Village Board approved the Downtown Design Guidelines on November 4, 2024.

Downtown Design Guidelines

East End Redevelopment District Plan

The East End Redevelopment District Plan outlines a strategic vision for revitalizing one of Ellsworth’s key commercial corridors. Developed in collaboration with MSA Professional Services, Village leaders, and community stakeholders, the plan provides a framework for future growth, infrastructure improvements, and private investment that will strengthen the East End as a vibrant gateway to Ellsworth.

The Village of Ellsworth Board approved the update to the Strategic Plan on Monday, October 6, 2025.

2025 East End Redevelopment Report