The Wausau Economic Development Committee voted Jan. 6 to publish an open-ended request for interest (RFI) for the North 2nd Street site after staff reported minimal developer interest by the Dec. 19 response deadline.

City staff said earlier outreach produced a single initial response that later withdrew; to broaden interest staff recommended removing the artificial deadline and reviewing proposals as they arrive. "My recommendation is that we publish the RFI with an open deadline," staff told the committee.

Alder Killian urged a modest marketing push — including website and social posts and illustrative materials — so potential applicants understand development options for the street.

Committee members also raised questions about land banking and use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Director Fiferick explained CDBG rules do not permit idle land-banking using block grant funds, but said the city is not currently at risk of HUD recapture if it shows active progress on the project: "We're not in jeopardy at this point of having HUD come back and say we need to repay this," the director said.

The committee approved the open-ended RFI on a motion and voice vote and directed staff to pursue additional outreach and return with any responsive proposals as they come in.