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Wausau opts to pursue WEDC certified-site designation for Innovation Way business campus
Summary
The Economic Development Committee authorized proceeding with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's certified sites program to prepare roughly 99.5 acres at Innovation Way, which staff says will make sites more attractive to larger employers.
The City of Wausau Economic Development Committee on Dec. 2 authorized staff to proceed with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) certified sites program for the city's business campus off Innovation Way.
City staff said the campus contains about 99.5 acres, roughly 70% of which is developable after wetlands are considered, and that certifying the sites would make them more attractive to developers who seek "shovel-ready" parcels with completed due diligence. Melinda Osterberg, WEDC regional director, described the program's third-party due diligence and gave examples where certified sites attracted large projects (e.g., an aluminum facility and data-center projects in other Wisconsin communities).
Staff noted WEDC is providing a pilot grant in the current year to cover part of due-diligence costs, making it an opportune time to apply. Committee members supported the step as part of long-term job and industrial-site strategy. Alder Neal moved approval; the motion was seconded and the committee approved proceeding.
Sources: WEDC presentation by Melinda Osterberg and city staff remarks, Dec. 2, 2025 Economic Development Committee meeting.
