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Council asked to bless three grant‑eligible projects: convention center refresh, Grand Oshkosh match and joint public‑safety training center
Summary
Staff asked council at the Oct. 15 workshop to approve three projects for October and early‑November grant and match deadlines: a $2 million convention‑center refresh application, a $5 million municipal match for Grand Oshkosh improvements contingent on fundraising, and a proposed $4 million joint public‑safety training center.
City staff asked the council at an Oct. 15 workshop to signal support for three near‑term projects the city wants to include in the 2026 CIP and in state grant or matching applications.
First, staff proposed a $2,000,000 refresh of the Oshkosh Convention Center—new carpets, paint, wall coverings, AV equipment, furniture, doors, lighting, acoustical tiles, window treatments, restrooms and IT upgrades—and said the state has a matching grant program that would match up to $2,000,000 (the state program has roughly $50,000,000 available statewide). Staff requested council approval in time to include the project in the grant application processes that require a council approval by Oct. 31.
Second, the city has a $5,000,000 commitment to match fundraising by Grand Oshkosh should the non‑profit reach a $5,000,000 fundraising threshold to support upgrades that include a two‑story addition, ADA improvements, seating and façade upgrades. Staff said if the city secures the state match for the convention center project it could reduce the city’s out‑of‑pocket contribution to such venue upgrades.
Third, staff described a proposed joint public‑safety training center—including both fire and police training needs—budgeted at $4,000,000 in the 2026 request. The city described potential benefits for both departments but flagged that more detailed departmental analysis could be provided before final approval.
Staff asked the council to consider approving these items (or the CIP that contains them) at the Oct. 28 council meeting so the city can meet grant timelines and continue fundraising and planning. Staff noted other projects (for example the pedestrian bridge) would be considered after their respective public hearings.
Ending: Councilmembers said they had no immediate objections to bringing the proposals forward for Oct. 28 consideration and asked staff to provide more detail as necessary about financing options (including state trust‑fund loans) and grant conditions before formal commitment.
