Community Development Investment Grant

The Community Development Investment Grant is administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, a state-level economic development agency focused on strengthening local economies across Wisconsin. The program is designed to support community revitalization by funding projects that mobilize local stakeholders, leverage private investment, and improve the economic competitiveness of communities. It specifically targets urban, small city, and rural areas, reflecting a broad statewide commitment to inclusive development and infrastructure enhancement. The primary purpose of the program is to incentivize catalytic, shovel-ready redevelopment projects that generate measurable economic and community benefits. These projects are expected to enhance job opportunities, increase property values, and attract additional investment from both public and private partners. The program emphasizes community-driven initiatives, particularly those located in commercial corridors or downtown areas, though it is not limited to those geographies. The intent is to fund projects that serve as anchors or catalysts for broader revitalization. Funding through this program supports a range of capital development activities. Eligible uses include building renovation, historic preservation, demolition, new construction, infrastructure improvements, and the relocation of buildings associated with the project. Projects must align with one or more defined development strategies such as creating destination attractions, rehabilitating underutilized or landmark structures, supporting infill development, advancing historic preservation, improving infrastructure for downtown stakeholders, or developing mixed-use properties that are not exclusively residential. Applicants are required to provide matching funds as part of the program’s cost-sharing structure. The standard requirement is a 3:1 match of non-state funds to the grant amount requested. However, this requirement may be reduced to 1:1 under certain conditions, including projects located in economically distressed communities, rural areas, designated opportunity zones, or specific districts within Wisconsin Main Street communities. Additionally, projects that incorporate childcare services or housing expansion may also qualify for the reduced match requirement. In some disaster-related cases, matching requirements may be reduced or waived. Eligibility for the program includes municipalities such as cities, villages, towns, and counties, as well as tribal entities and other governmental authorities. Private developers may also apply if they are designated by a municipality to do so. Applicants must secure a formal resolution from their governing body authorizing submission. The application process begins with outreach to a WEDC account manager to assess project fit and alignment with program goals. Upon approval, applicants are invited to submit a formal application through the Network Wisconsin system, where it undergoes underwriting and review. Evaluation of proposals is based on several criteria including community impact, financial feasibility, readiness to proceed, alignment with regional economic strategies, and the degree of public-private collaboration. Additional considerations include support for diverse businesses, incorporation of clean energy technologies, and contribution to quality urban design. Successful applicants are required to submit annual performance reports documenting capital investment, property value changes, and other metrics tied to project outcomes. Records must be retained for at least three years following the final report. The program operates on a continuous application basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline for submission. This rolling structure allows communities to apply when projects are ready to proceed. Awards are determined throughout the fiscal year, and while no fixed notification timeline is specified, applications are reviewed after submission and assigned to underwriters. The program has been in operation since 2013 and continues to evolve, with periodic updates to eligibility, funding structures, and evaluation priorities to reflect changing economic development needs.

Ensure project is shovel ready with secured financing demonstrate measurable economic impact and strong public private partnerships align with regional economic strategies