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Waukesha council OKs staff applications for two WEDC grants to fund alley work and small‑business loans
Summary
The council unanimously authorized staff to apply for a WEDC Vibrant Spaces grant (up to $50,000 match-eligible for Friedman Alley) and a WEDC Small Business Development grant to expand the central city storefront loan program citywide, targeting low‑to‑moderate‑income areas.
The Waukesha Common Council unanimously approved two separate resolutions on Oct. 15 authorizing city staff to apply for Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation grants to support local economic and neighborhood projects.
The first authorization would allow the city to apply for a WEDC Vibrant Spaces grant of up to $50,000 to support implementation of the previously approved Friedman Alley plan. City staff (Jeff) said existing city funds and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations would serve as local matching dollars if the application is successful.
The second resolution authorizes an application to a new WEDC Small Business Development program to expand the central city storefront loan program citywide and direct assistance toward low‑to‑moderate‑income neighborhoods. Jeff said the program is not ARPA funded, requires no local match and would be administered using existing staff capacity; loans would typically be low‑ or no‑interest with a mortgage recorded against the property to secure repayment.
Both resolutions were described as authorizing applications only; if awarded, the council would return to accept funds and approve any required program details.
Council members asked about strings attached to the grants and safeguards on loan defaults; staff said the Friedman Alley match had already been budgeted in the CIP and that storefront loans are secured by recorded mortgages.
