Projects

The infrastructure is the building foundation.
We need to maintain and improve the infrastructure and services of Cuba. The village is currently focusing on upgrading its water and sewage infrastructure.
Other focuses are traffic management, public spaces, bike lanes, trails, streetscapes, parking, wayfinding, and public art (ex: murals).

How you can help:
Participate in the life of the village. Attend village events and programs. Attend town meetings and share constructive ideas for improving the village. Get involved with local planning. Volunteer! Your help is needed! Ask the village about grants or loans to repair your property and sidewalk.

We need to boost the local economy by helping existing local businesses thrive through training programs, microloans, co-op businesses, farmers’ markets, etc (which is the mission of the chamber of commerce), and by supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging new businesses to open which is the goal of the O’Malley’s Business Center.

How you can help:
Shop locally – Make an effort to do as much of your shopping as possible within the village and write positive online reviews and compliment them on jobs well done!
Attend local events like Dairy Days, the Garlic Festival, and the Small Town Christmas.
Bank locally and hire local businesses. Support the Cuba library.
Build our “Social Capital”: Donate your time and skills to community initiatives that interest you.
Stay informed. Check the Cuba Facebook page, Village of Cuba, Chamber of Commerce FB page, and Cuba lake page, etc.

We need to create jobs. This is the hard one! While we are surrounded by 4 universities we don’t keep and attract new talent to our area because we don’t have enough industries and good-paying jobs. Meanwhile, we need to attract industries (role of the IDA) but they have no interest in implanting themselves in an area where they will have a hard time finding the right talent and won’t have any fiscal advantage!
On a smaller scale, our focus is on incubating the entrepreneurship mindset in the community so more people create their own jobs and we try to attract talented workers who work remotely and want to live in a quiet and safe village in beautiful and comfortable housing.

How you can help:
Hire local providers for things like lawn care, childcare, home repair, pet grooming, etc. This supports micro-enterprises. Tell your friends and family who work remotely about the advantages of living in Cuba.
Are you interested in starting your own business? Get the training and help you need with Accord! Get involved at the O’Malley’s Business Center.

We are Revitalizing Main Street. We are renovating apartments to bring more families downtown but we also work on renovating facades, signage, and lighting to improve aesthetics and make Main Street an inviting gathering place. We also encourage other owners to do the same. This is a group effort and it takes time and money to achieve! But we can only succeed if everyone participates in this effort!

How you can help:
Keep your property well-maintained. Plant flowers. Pick up litter. Volunteer to be part of the Beautification Committee which is doing a wonderful job keeping the town green and colorful.
Cuba is already a beautiful village! Together we can make it even more pleasing to live in!

We need to play up Cuba’s rich history, charm, natural attractions, or other assets to draw in visitors. We need to partner with regional tourism campaigns and add tourism infrastructure like shops, restaurants, and hotels.

How you can help:
Yes! You can help tourism: Share positive news about the village on social media and with your friends and family. Write positive reviews for your favorite local shops. Word of mouth is powerful for improving public perception. Invite friends and family to your home for vacation and use your extra rooms as rental units!

We need to update the aging housing stock, build new affordable housing options, and offer incentives for fixing up homes. Good-quality housing will attract new residents.

How you can help:
Voice our needs. Share input at town meetings about types of housing lacking in the village like senior housing, or affordable and quality rentals.
Take pride in your home. Make repairs and upgrades. Give it a new coat of paint. Maintain your yard and plant flowers and bushes.
Have you thought of renovating a dilapidated house in the neighborhood and using it for rental income?
If you have experience renovating houses, volunteer your skills.

Invest in the community: Host events and activities that bring people together and foster civic pride. Support community groups and projects that enhance the quality of life.

How you can help:
Volunteer! Build on Cuba’s Social Capital! Offer your time and skills to help with community projects and local groups.
Support your neighbors: look out for those who may need a hand. Organize fundraising to help those in need. Organize or sponsor youth activities so the young generation connects to Cuba. Host block parties, potlucks, and gatherings to bring residents together. Report any safety issues or vandalism immediately to protect the area. Advocate for community needs to local government and business leaders.

Partner with others: Collaborate with nearby towns, the county/state, nonprofits, businesses, etc., to maximize resources and funding opportunities.

How you can help:
Participate! – Introduce yourself to new residents. Take part in community activities and events.
Join the Chamber of Commerce and collaborate on ‘shop local’ campaigns, special events, and beautification projects. Partner with the Cuba Rushford School or our Cuba Library and support educational programs that invest in the village’s youth and future workforce. Offer to serve on the village committees.