Proposal to downgrade metro areas could slow economic growth in Janesville

JANESVILLE (WKOW) -- Federal officials are considering a proposal that could have a significant impact on the economic future of dozens of communities across the country.

A committee of statisticians is proposing to downgrade 144 communities that are currently designated as metropolitan statistical areas. It would require a metro area to have at least 100,000 residents in its core city, doubling the current requirement. Cities with core populations between 50,000 and 100,000 people would become “micropolitan" statistical areas.

That would impact several communities in Wisconsin, including Janesville/Beloit, Wausau/Weston, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac and Oshkosh/Neenah...
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