Committee endorses Long Chang Marketplace's WEDC grant application, 5-0

The Community Development Committee voted unanimously on March 11 to endorse Long Chang Marketplace’s application to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for a community development investment grant of up to $250,000.

Steph Lina, the committee’s new economic development specialist, told the panel the city’s resolution is an expression of support for Long Chang’s application and “there’s no financial risk to the city,” saying the endorsement would help advance goals in the city’s comprehensive plan for neighborhood commercial nodes.

Why it matters: Long Chang Marketplace, described by committee members as more than a retail space and as a neighborhood cultural hub, seeks the WEDC grant to support continued development and programming. Alder Denise Fenton (District 6) called the marketplace “a community center” that hosts city events, and Alder Meltzer praised owners Mayua and Chongya for their neighborhood work.

At the meeting, a motion to approve the resolution was moved and seconded and the committee recorded a 5-0 vote in favor. The endorsement authorizes submittal of the grant application only; committee members and staff said it does not obligate the city to provide funding if the grant is awarded.

Mayua, representing Long Chang Marketplace, told the committee the project has been a multi-year effort and outlined services at the site, including lounge, therapy, daycare, children’s and seniors programming, and small-business support. “We have been working really hard on getting this project moved,” Mayua said, asking the committee for its support to improve the neighborhood.

The committee’s approval sends a formal statement of support with the application to WEDC. No further committee action on the item was recorded at the meeting.