STRATEGY

Our Services

At Innovative Public Advisors, we partner with municipalities across Wisconsin to strengthen governance, align priorities, and chart clear paths forward. Our team of experienced public-sector leaders brings practical expertise and creative solutions to the table, helping communities meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Strategic Planning

We guide local governments through proven, collaborative processes to define clear goals, measurable outcomes, and actionable plans. From council workshops to multi-year implementation plans, we ensure leaders, staff, and residents are working together toward a shared vision.

Communications Plans

Intentional communication is key to building trust and confidence between municipal leaders and the communities they serve. At IPA, we understand that effective messaging is more than just sharing information—it’s about creating connection, informing, and engaging.

We are experienced professionals in municipal communications with firsthand experience developing Communications Departments and professionals, crafting internal/external strategies that resonate with residents, employees, elected officials, businesses, partners, and visitors (tourism). Whether navigating a challenging issue, rolling out a new initiative, or implementing a multi-year communications plan, we help municipalities communicate with purpose and impact.

Our communications services include:

• Strategic Communications Plans: Comprehensive plans that align messaging with organizational goals, outline clear communication channels, and provide step-by-step strategies for both internal and external engagement.

• Strategic Messaging: Crafting clear, consistent messages that reflect your community’s values and priorities.

• Public Engagement: Designing surveys, workshops, and digital tools that invite meaningful input from residents.

• Media and Digital Strategy: Guiding your use of social media, websites, newsletters, and press outreach.

• Crisis Communication: Preparing proactive strategies to manage unexpected events with transparency and calm leadership.

• Internal Communication: Supporting councils, boards, and staff with tools to improve collaboration and alignment.

• Referendum Informational Campaigns: Developing nonpartisan, fact-based communication strategies that help residents understand the issues, costs, and impacts behind ballot questions, so they can make informed decisions at the polls.

By being intentional and proactive, municipalities can shape the conversation, build stronger relationships, and ensure the community feels informed, respected, and engaged.

Governance Training and Workshops

Strong governance is the foundation of effective leadership. Our tailored workshops for elected officials and staff cover council–administrator roles, decision-making processes, and leadership development. We also facilitate Real Colors® personality assessments to improve teamwork and communication.

Referendum Informational Campaigns

When communities face important decisions at the ballot box, clear and accessible information is essential. IPA specializes in helping municipalities design nonpartisan, fact-based informational campaigns that engage and inform residents. We work with leaders to prepare presentations, FAQs, digital content, and public engagement sessions that ensure residents understand the issue, the financial impacts, and the long-term benefits or trade-offs. Our goal is to build transparency, reduce confusion, and equip voters to make informed decisions.

Additional Strategy Solutions

• Organizational Assessments

• Department Head and Council Workshops

• Mission, Vision, and Values Development

• Policy and Procedure Review

• Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Why IPA?

Our team includes former city administrators, department directors, and subject matter experts who have been in your shoes. We understand the complexities of municipal government and deliver strategies that are practical, results-driven, and grounded in Wisconsin’s unique municipal context.

Learn more! Contact Jess Wildes at 262-339-5658 or Jay Shambeau at 262-355-6102.