Wausau City Council approves 2023 CDBG program allocations after public hearings

Wausau's Finance Committee has taken a significant step forward by approving the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds during their recent meeting on May 27, 2025. The committee's decision, which received unanimous support, is expected to enhance local community projects and services.

The CDBG program, which provides federal funding to support community development initiatives, has allocated a total of $578,864 for this year. This amount was confirmed after a thorough evaluation process involving public hearings and recommendations from the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The committee held two public hearings in the fall, allowing local organizations to present their funding requests. Following these hearings, the CAC ranked the proposals and made recommendations based on community needs.

During the meeting, Alder Henke moved to approve the funding allocations, which was seconded by Alder McElhinney. The committee discussed the importance of transparency in the allocation process, noting that they wait for the final funding amount before presenting it to avoid confusion. This year’s allocation reflects a slight decrease from the anticipated amount, but adjustments were made from the administrative budget to accommodate the change.

The committee also addressed inquiries regarding organizations that applied for funding but did not receive grants. A detailed chart was provided, listing all funding requests alongside the CAC's recommendations and the final allocations.

This approval marks a crucial moment for Wausau, as the allocated funds will support various community projects aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. The Finance Committee's commitment to careful evaluation and community engagement underscores the city's dedication to fostering development and addressing local needs. As the implementation of these funds begins, the community can look forward to tangible improvements in services and infrastructure.