The Middleton Tourism Commission approved three destination partnership grants during its Nov. 18 meeting.

Ice Age Trail Alliance: Commissioners approved a destination partnership grant calculated at $10 per qualified room night, not to exceed $5,000, for the Alliance’s April 22–25 conference at the Madison Marriott West, including off-site tours in Middleton. Amy Lord of the Ice Age Trail Alliance described an expected Saturday dinner of 400–450 attendees and said shuttle service would help attendees visit downtown Middleton. Staff will issue an award letter outlining eligible room-block documentation and post-event reporting requirements.

Stonehorse Green: The commission debated whether funding shade infrastructure fit the state room-tax statute’s requirement that funded items be primarily used by visitors. Commissioners expressed concern about setting a precedent for funding infrastructure, asked about the quoted unit cost for picnic tables, and discussed alternatives including smaller sponsorship amounts. After discussion commissioners agreed to fund $5,000 toward Stonehorse Green’s shading project (the applicant had requested $30,000 toward a $65,000 project). Staff will follow up with a letter and decide whether to apply the award to this year’s grant dollars.

WISTCA: The commission approved a $5,000 destination partnership grant for WISTCA’s February event at the Marriott, noting WISTCA’s long-standing relationship with the city and the event’s shoulder-season timing.

All three motions were carried by voice vote. Staff clarified that qualifying room nights must be in a verified room block and that post-event reports will be required.