Building Communities That Thrive: Reflections on CivicCom in Janesville
Strong communities are shaped over time. They grow through intentional planning, shared values, and people who care deeply about how their city evolves—not just for today, but for the future.
Recently, some of our team members attended CivicCom at the Janesville Performing Arts Center, a community-focused event hosted by Forward Janesville Inc. (the Janesville Chamber of Commerce) and sponsored by Quint & Rishi Studer. The event brought together local leaders, planners, and community members to explore how thoughtful design and long-term vision help communities thrive.
Speakers Victor Dover and Joe Kohl shared real-world examples of how communities across the country have invested in places that are walkable, connected, healthy, and valuable over time. The conversation highlighted how intentional planning can support daily life, strengthen local businesses, and create environments where people feel connected to where they live.
Why These Conversations Matter in Janesville
Janesville has a strong sense of identity rooted in its neighborhoods, schools, parks, businesses, and shared spaces. From established residential areas to growing parts of the city, the way Janesville plans and invests in itself plays an important role in shaping quality of life for residents.
Community-focused, public conversations like CivicCom help bring awareness to how planning and design influence everyday experiences—how people move through their city, access amenities, and interact with their surroundings. When communities are designed with people in mind, the benefits extend well beyond physical spaces. Thoughtful planning can encourage connection, support local businesses, and contribute to long-term stability and pride across the city.
A Lifestyle Perspective on Real Estate
Our perspective has long been that real estate is about more than properties. It’s about the way people live within a community, it's about connection, and it's about everyday life. A home is part of a larger environment that shapes daily moments—schools where friendships begin, sidewalks that encourage conversation, green spaces where memories are made, and neighborhoods that bring people together over time.
This way of thinking closely aligns with the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate lifestyle approach, which looks beyond individual homes to the broader experience of living within a community where daily moments, relationships, and shared spaces shape how life feels.
Events like CivicCom reinforce the importance of understanding how homes, neighborhoods, and community planning are interconnected. Conversations around growth, design, and long-term vision play a meaningful role in shaping how people experience life in Janesville.
Looking Ahead
We appreciate opportunities to listen, learn, and stay engaged in conversations that help shape the future of Janesville. Strong communities are built through collaboration—when residents, local businesses, and leaders come together to share ideas and work toward common goals.
Janesville has already taken meaningful steps in this direction, from continued investment and planning in the downtown area to recent additions like the Woodman's Sports and Convention Center, which has become an important gathering place for sports, events, and community connection. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to creating spaces that support how people live, connect, and spend time together.
As Janesville continues to evolve, ongoing dialogue around planning, design, and community values will remain essential. These conversations help ensure that growth supports not just development, but connection, livability, and a strong sense of place throughout the city.
If you’re interested in learning more about what makes Janesville & Southern Wisconsin a great place to live, we invite you to explore our Community Pages and discover insights into local neighborhoods, amenities, and lifestyle.
