Marshfield nonprofits present 2026 funding requests focused on downtown revitalization and business support

Representatives of two local nonprofit organizations presented requests for the City of Marshfield’s 2026 budget and asked the Finance, Budget and Personnel Committee to forward their proposals to the full City Council for consideration.

Steve Barr, Marshfield’s city administrator, introduced the presentations and said the requests will be considered as part of the 2026 budgeting process. Sierra, representing the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, and Ben Bauer, vice president of the Main Street Marshfield board, described programs aimed at business retention, downtown marketing, beautification and workforce development.

Sierra said business retention is a core part of her work and reported conducting 14 business check-ins so far this year and supporting about 15–16 ribbon cuttings in 2025. She told the committee the foundation recently applied for a small-business development grant that would provide $250,000 if awarded; she said the foundation will know the outcome in December. Sierra also raised concerns about an aging and declining population, noted a need for more childcare and qualified caregivers, and said housing prospects include a private owner, Kathy Reiner, who owns 83 acres being discussed for possible development.

Ben Bauer and Jenna from Main Street Marshfield outlined two primary themes in their request: district promotion/marketing and downtown beautification. They asked the city to continue matching funds for marketing grants to help small businesses with branding, websites and campaigns, and to support a “welcome-back” grant program that has funded rear-entrance and façade improvements, seating, and murals. Jenna said County funding for a mural and related beautification did not come through for 2026 because the county asked whether the city would provide funding; Main Street said county funders wanted to see city support before committing funds.

Committee members did not take a formal vote on the funding requests during the meeting. One committee member commented that highlighting Marshfield to younger residents is important, and the committee chair said he would encourage full council members to watch the presentations and bring questions to the council meeting. The chair asked both presenters to attend the following Tuesday’s council meeting if possible so council members could view the presentations before budget deliberations.

Presenters emphasized collaboration across organizations — Main Street, the community foundation, the city and Visit Marshfield — and focused on measurable activities such as marketing grants, a concierge program, and continued beautification efforts intended to increase downtown foot traffic and private reinvestment.

No funding amount from the city was approved at the committee level; the items will be part of full-council budget discussions.