While completing his La Follette degree, John O’Malley (MIPA ’23) partnered with UW–Madison’s UniverCity Alliance on a project that inspired a new Homestead Credit Incentive program. According to Adams County Economic Development, the incentive, first offered in 2024, is designed to support the construction of new homes and encourage workers to establish residency in Adams County through the purchase of existing properties.
The partnership offered O’Malley a practical internship experience that could demonstrate his research abilities to future employers.
“It was nice to have a community partner view me as a real resource for them,” O’Malley said. “I’m very pleased they decided to take some action on the grant program, because that was my favorite proposal based off how other rural midwestern communities have successfully addressed population decline.”