2023 Wisconsin Act 12 established a grant program to encourage local government efficiency and savings through intergovernmental cooperation.

Counties and municipalities that can show at least 10% savings within 3 years by contracting for or transferring services to another entity may be awarded up to 25% of the prior year's cost for that service. Public, safety, fire, and EMS services are prioritized, but eligible services also include courts, jails, training, communications, information technology, administration, public works, economic development, tourism, public health, housing, planning, zoning, parks, and recreation.

The Department of Revenue program has a budget of $300 million and is set to begin on July 1, 2024. While application materials have not yet been released, municipalities are encouraged to begin discussing options to pursue this opportunity. For questions, please contact lgs@wisconsin.gov.

The State of Wisconsin Department of Administration (WI DOA) has been awarded $107 million for the Flexible Facilities Program to provide grants to units of general local government (UGLGs) and tribal governments for the purpose of carrying out critical capital projects directly enabling work, education, and health monitoring. Funding is available for the construction of new or renovation or expansion of existing community facilities that will offer reliable, affordable high-speed internet and other digital connectivity technology that will directly enable work, education, and healthcare monitoring, including remote options. The program encourages focusing on economically distressed areas, supporting community empowerment, and adopting strong labor practices.

Eligible Projects include: The construction, renovation or expansion of community facilities and purchase and installation of affordable broadband infrastructure and other digital connectivity technology that will directly provide work, education, and health monitoring. Libraries, senior citizen centers, youth centers, and general community centers are examples of eligible facilities. General construction or improvement of traditional schools is ineligible under this program.

The WI DOA's Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) is administering this grant program. Applications for the Flexible Facilities Grant program are due in April 2024. The maximum award amount per project is $4,250,000.

For more information, please email FlexibleFacilitiesProgram@wisconsin.gov or visit DEHCR's program overview website provided below.

Applications for the State of Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for public facilities will be available within the next week.

The CDBG Public Facilities (PF) grant helps support infrastructure and facility projects for communities. Examples of eligible projects include improvements, repairs, or expansions of streets, drainage systems, water and sewer systems, sidewalks, and community centers. Grants are limited to projects that, if implemented, meet a CDBG National Objective. The CDBGPF application is due 5/16/2024. For more information on the CDBG-PF program or to find a copy of the application or to view the application training, click here.

The CDBG Planning (PLNG) grant funds support community efforts to address improving community opportunities and vitality. Examples of eligible projects include the development of comprehensive plans, community development plans, and small area and neighborhood plans. Grants are limited to projects that, if implemented, meet a CDBG National Objective. Applications are accepted year-round. For more information on the CDBG-PLNG program or to find a copy of the application or to view the application training, click here.

We can help. Give our office a call and we can discuss the best approach for your community. Contact Dennis Lawrence at 715-849-5510 extension 304 or dlawrence@ncwrpc.org.