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West Bend finance committee approves conditional Make My Move contract tied to WEDC grant

City of West Bend Common Council (joint committee meetings) · February 17, 2026

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Summary

The finance committee approved a conditional product-and-services agreement with Make My Move and the West Bend Chamber to seek a WEDC relocation grant that would fund a roughly $370,000 talent-attraction program; the city’s exposure is estimated at $5,000–$10,000 if the grant is awarded.

The West Bend finance committee voted Feb. 16 to approve a conditional contract with Make My Move and the West Bend Chamber of Commerce to operate a talent-attraction program if the city is awarded a state WEDC relocation grant.

Jesse (city administrator) told the committee the joint city–chamber application asks the state for grant funds that would seed a program primarily funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. “It is approximately a $370,000 program cost offset primarily through the state grant,” Jesse said, adding that the city’s direct cost was expected to be roughly $5,000–$10,000 and that the city would use contingency funds if needed.

Scott McCauley, representing Make My Move, described how the company will market West Bend on its platform, vet applicants and report results. McCauley said Make My Move operates national campaigns and that the state program is structured as pay-for-performance: communities receive half of awarded funds at program start and the remainder once performance milestones are met. “We will come back 3 months and 6 months later and share with you the data,” McCauley said, describing follow-up reporting on profile views, applications and placements.

Tony Gumineau of the West Bend Chamber said the Chamber welcomes the partnership and would assist with outreach to local employers.

Committee members asked about budget impacts, who would be eligible and how targets are set. McCauley and Jesse confirmed the grant requires that movers not be current Wisconsin residents and that certain income and job thresholds apply; McCauley said the program includes background and income verification and requires job-offer documentation.

Jesse said the city would not be liable for the program unless the state awarded the grant; the contract includes language delaying the program start until the grant is received. The finance committee approved the contract by voice vote; Alderman Sparks moved to approve and Alderman Sizer seconded the motion.

Next steps: the grant decision is expected by May; if awarded, Make My Move will begin national recruitment and the program will run on the two‑year schedule described during the presentation. The committee recorded no dissent at its Feb. 16 vote.