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Waukesha council approves CDBG reallocation, adopts 2026 allocation prioritizing ADA, inclusion specialist
Summary
The Waukesha Common Council approved a $16,000 reduction to a 2025 CDBG public-infrastructure line and passed a 2026 Community Development Block Grant allocation that emphasizes ADA facility upgrades, an inclusion specialist for parks programming and public art funding.
The Waukesha Common Council on June 3 approved a CDBG reallocation for 2025 that reduces the public‑infrastructure line item by about $16,000, and adopted a separate resolution setting estimated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations for 2026 that earmarks a substantial portion for ADA improvements and funds an inclusion specialist and public art projects.
Jennifer, a community development staff member who presented the items, said the city’s 2025 grant award came in lower than the spring estimate. “The grant funds will be reduced by about $16,000,” she told the council, and the recommended revision reduces the public‑infrastructure line item after coordination with Public Works. The 2025 reallocation passed unanimously.
The council separately approved a 2026 allocation (amount given as an estimate on the record) that Jennifer said includes “a large chunk of funding for ADA improvements” as part of the city’s strategic plan to upgrade facilities for accessibility. She also told the council that the allocations being considered had been recommended by the city’s CDBG board.
The council and staff discussed how much of any CDBG award can be used for programming. Jennifer said federal rules limit programming dollars to 25% of overall grant funds: “The programming dollars are limited to 25% of the overall grant funds.” Council members were told they may reallocate awarded funds within those federal constraints.
Melissa Lipska, Parks and Forestry Operations Manager, described the inclusion specialist role that the Parks and Recreation Department proposes to support with CDBG programming funds. “We use [the inclusion specialist] a lot in our before and after school programs,” Lipska said, adding the position supports summer programs and some classes by training staff, working one‑on‑one with participants and developing individualized support plans.
Lipska said the inclusion specialist works year‑round in a part‑time/seasonal capacity to remain below benefits thresholds. She said the role supports children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans brought from the school district and helps integrate participants with varied needs into mainstream programs.
The 2026 allocation also includes funding for public art, described in the staff presentation as supporting placemaking in Freedman Alley. Jennifer said the city typically seeks grant funding rather than tax levy dollars to support public art.
The motion to approve the 2026 CDBG allocation passed 12‑1. Council members were told the 2026 plan is an estimate and may be revised when the final grant award is known.
The council was reminded that it may revise allocations recommended by the CDBG board, subject to the 25% programming cap and other federal rules. Staff said the CDBG board had reviewed and recommended the allocations before the council vote.
