County board backs letter of support for Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership TRG application

The Marathon County Board authorized a letter of support for the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership’s application to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Talent Relocation Grant (TRG) program.

Supervisor Zhang moved the resolution and Supervisor Lemmer seconded. Administrator Leonard told the board the program’s operational details remain to be finalized but said the TRG is a relocation program aimed at bringing households to Wisconsin; applications in other counties have been made both by employers and employees. Supervisor Mirage noted the packet shows household eligibility requires residency outside Wisconsin, an individual household income of at least $55,000 and an application to the grant recipient. The packet also references fiscal-year 2026 funding of $5,000,000 with an award size of $500,000 per municipality and a required 20% match; Administrator Leonard said the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership — the grant applicant — would be responsible for providing the match and the county would not be required to contribute those funds.

Supervisor Marshall asked about the 20% match funding source; Administrator Leonard said the applicant (Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership) would provide the match and municipalities would not be asked to provide it. Supervisor Zhang added that in-kind donations or partner staff time could count toward the match.

The board voted to approve the letter of support; the motion carried but was not unanimous. The resolution does not obligate county funds and the program’s precise application rules and administration will be determined by the grant recipient and WEDC if awarded.