Examining the "American Dream" In Menomonee Falls

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "DisPatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses, and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. There are so many changes happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities.

At Patch, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

Despite an economic downturn that has lasted longer than expected, development in the village continues to push forward. Nationally recognized corporations like , and are looking to expand or set up new facilities in the village.

A worn down Main Street corridor also got a boost this year with the opening of the Radisson Hotel. A new will also revamp a tired shopping center as well. In downtown Menomonee Falls, businesses have capitalized on of their businesses as well. Falls continues to hum in difficult times.

However, many businesses have closed up shop and vacancies in storefronts are numerous in the shopping centers around the village.

The affects of budget cuts and a recession are still being felt at home. The housing market in Menomonee Falls , but few homes foreclosed. The Menomonee Falls School District also balanced a budget all while cuts in funding in district history.

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams which a multitude of people are working toward. Looking out across nearly almost 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills.

We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated, and locals who've taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Menomonee Falls neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

"DisPatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our Patch sites.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Menomonee Falls go to the heart of your American Dream.