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BID votes to apply for WEDC Main Street onboarding cohort
Summary
The BID approved staff applying to WEDC’s Connected Communities/Main Street cohort; the program requires board participation in training and on-site visits but has no direct application fee.
The Downtown West Bend BID voted to authorize staff to apply for the WEDC Connected Communities/Main Street onboarding cohort. John (staff member) described the program as a cohort model the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is launching to move connected communities into Main Street status and outlined participation requirements.
The program requires multiple commitments from the community: about 10 virtual webinars, one in-person training, two on-site visits and some local staff time. John said the program asks for evidence of local capacity such as a dedicated staff person and a budget above a threshold (staff referenced a $70,000 budget criterion). There is no out-of-pocket application fee; the benefit includes access to free design and façade resources and a potential funding boost for downtown initiatives.
A board member moved that John apply for the program; another board member seconded the motion. The board voted by voice to approve the application and directed John to submit the application and participate if accepted. No further board funding commitments were made as part of the vote.
John and at least one board member volunteered to handle much of the required training and travel if selected. The motion passed by voice vote (aye).
