County WEDC grant secures $50,000 for New London businesses; city hires joint grant writer

City staff reported on April 22 that the Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation has been awarded a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) small business development grant and that the county‑level award includes a city commitment of $50,000 to support New London businesses.

Staff said the WEDC program initially had not awarded the county application, but additional state funds became available and the county’s application was next in line. The $50,000 city commitment — separate from the city’s economic development reserve balance discussed earlier — will be administered through the Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation with local input. Staff asked the committee to expect future updates as the county distributes those funds.

Staff also announced that a joint grant writer position shared between the city, the chamber and the school district was filled. The new hire is Payton Lanier, who lives in Hortonville and has local grant experience; staff said Lanier will be invited to a future meeting to introduce her role and how the committee can coordinate grant priorities.

Staff additionally reported development and project timelines for several downtown projects, including a planned closing on a property (referred to as the 'beer carton' in discussion) and progress on an apartment project that staff now estimates will likely reach occupancy in early 2026 rather than late 2025. Committee members asked for ongoing updates on the county‑administered grant and city funds when distributions occur.