OUR MISSION
At the Rural Policy Institute (RPI), our mission is to empower rural communities across the state by supporting rigorous research, fostering informed dialogue, and educating policy-makers about solutions that drive generational growth and prosperity in our rural areas. We are committed to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that our rural regions face, ensuring that they are heard, understood, and well-supported in the policy-making process.
WISCONSIN'S RURAL-URBAN BALANCE
FULL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE
The Rural Policy Institute (RPI) is proud to release the full Wisconsin’s Rural-Urban Balance report, providing a first-of-its-kind, data-driven definition of what it means to be “rural” in Wisconsin. The report highlights the state’s strong rural presence and projects continued growth in rural areas.
It also examines how, even with recent legislative map changes, districts with significant rural influence remain high. Additionally, the report explores trends in rural growth and economic development, offering key insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping Wisconsin’s rural future.
Read the full report here:
Full Report
Post Election Add.
White Paper
OUR VISION
Our vision is of a thriving and resilient rural Wisconsin, where all communities have access to the resources, opportunities, and policies needed to flourish. We aspire to be a leading catalyst for positive change in our state's rural areas, serving as a trusted source of knowledge, innovative solutions, and a bridge between local communities and policymakers. Through evidence-based research, collaboration, and advocacy education, we aim to create a future where rural Wisconsin stands as a model for sustainable development, growth, and a high quality of life for all its residents.
OUR BOARD
Kelliann Blazek is the inaugural Fellow with the Rural Policy Institute. Kelliann previously served as the Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture and Rural Policy at the White House Domestic Policy Council and was the first Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. She has worked on agriculture and rural policy for a Member of Congress, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and Harvard Law School’s Food Law and Policy Clinic. She serves on the board of Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin and the World Beef Expo. Kelliann grew up on her family’s farm in rural Wisconsin.
Bob Welch is the Executive Director of the Rural Policy Institute. A graduate of MATC and Ripon College, Bob is a land-surveyor by profession, and served in the State Legislature for twenty years. Bob was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1984, quickly rising to leadership positions. After ten years of service, Bob was elected to the State Senate in 1995, and served until 2004. The eventual sale of the surveying business allowed Bob and Jeanne to expand and diversify the services of The Welch Group. An active member of national political organizations, Bob has expertise in both national and international policy and business.
Mike Koles serves as President of the Rural Policy Institute, and is also the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Towns Association, a collaboration of 1,251 towns and 25 villages representing over 10,000 local officials, which specializes in providing education, lobbying, and legal information to public servants and volunteers. He has worked in the public or non-profit sectors for over 20 years, including 16 years as a Professor of Community Development for the University of Wisconsin-Extension where he taught comprehensive planning, local government finance, leadership development, strategic planning, and community-economic development.
Jason Mugnaini serves on the board of the Rural Policy Institute and is the Executive Director of Government Relations at Wisconsin Farm Bureau. Mugnaini has over a decade of legislative experience, most recently as chief of staff to State Senator Robert Cowles, serving Shawano, Outagamie, Waupaca and Brown counties. Jason has a track record of legislative success on agricultural, rural and water issues, as well as experience in government oversight and accountability, having served as clerk of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee for several years.
Rob Richard serves on the board of the Rural Policy Institute and is the President and CEO of Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, a statewide trade organization representing electric cooperatives operating throughout Wisconsin. He also serves as the executive director of the Federated Youth Foundation (FYF). FYF is a nonprofit organization formed in 1971 to administer a trust that Wisconsin co-ops of all kinds use to support a wide variety of community projects.
Peter Welch serves as an advisor to the Rural Policy Institute and is the Managing Partner and President of The Welch Group. Peter has over a decade of experience in public affairs in health care, education, and non-profit management. His expertise includes lobbying, strategic planning, organizational growth, non-dues revenue, and partnership development. At The Welch Group, Peter lobbies for a number of healthcare, renewable energy, and nonprofit clients, while overseeing business operations, business development, and association management operations. Before joining the family firm, he most recently served as COO at the state Medical Society, overseeing all aspects of advocacy, membership, and communications. Peter holds a BA from Lawrence University, and a MA from Arizona State University.
PARTNERS
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
Wisconsin Towns Association
Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association
The Welch Group
Rural Policy Institute
2 E. Mifflin St., Suite 804
Madison, WI 53703
608.819.0150