Redevelopment commission reassigns urban renewal funds, plans to restart grant program

At its meeting following the council session, the Milwaukee Redevelopment Commission's executive director Joseph Bielio updated the commission on a reallocation of urban renewal funds and plans to restart the URA grant program.

Bielio said staff "reapportioned some funds" from construction line items into grant and marketing/tourism line items, noting the commission moved about $1 million back into the grant line because construction activity had not progressed as earlier anticipated. He said the reactivated grant program will begin in the next month and will operate alongside a citywide program funded with CET funds; staff are preparing guidance so applicants can determine which program bucket applies to their project.

Nut graf: The commission's reprioritization aims to make grant funding available again for downtown projects and to coordinate urban renewal grants with the citywide CET-funded program while keeping funding streams distinct, Bielio said.

Bielio asked for continued coordination with economic development staff; council members and the commission praised staff work and said they expect grant solicitations to return to active status soon. No formal vote to approve the reallocation was recorded in the public remarks; the commission approved prior meeting minutes and adjourned.

Ending: Commission staff will bring program details and solicitations to the commission and city staff in the coming weeks; project applicants are advised to watch for program announcements.