Challenge:

The Redmond Co. proposed building a new Walgreens at a key intersection in downtown Mukwonago, on property occupied by a closed fast-food restaurant. The village board rejected a needed rezoning, however, after a crowd of residents opposed the Walgreens on grounds that it supposedly did not fit in with the downtown area.

Execution:

The Lynne Broydrick Group undertook an extensive canvassing effort throughout the village, informing residents of the project and its benefits. The initiative awakened a “silent majority” that had not been aware of the village board's action.

Result:

Guided by the Lynne Broydrick Group, a grassroots citizens group collected signatures and put an advisory referendum about the project on a spring election ballot. The referendum passed and several new village trustees were elected. One of the new board's first actions was to approve the Walgreens rezoning.