The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is now accepting applications for the Innovation Planning Grant, aimed at assisting municipalities and federally recognized tribes with populations under 5,000. The grant will provide funding for staffing or consultant expenses to help plan the transfer of allowable services or duties, in accordance with Section 79.038(2) of Wisconsin Statutes.
The Innovation Planning Grant is part of a broader initiative created under 2023 Wisconsin Act 12, which also includes the Innovation Grant program. These programs encourage smaller communities to consolidate services in a way that results in a cost savings of at least 10%. The planning grant is specifically designed to help municipalities and tribes prepare for the Innovation Grant, which is set to launch in the summer of 2025.
Key Details:
Eligible Applicants: Municipalities and tribes with populations not exceeding 5,000.
Funding: $3 million in total available funding, with up to $100,000 awarded to each approved application.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025.
Application Process: Municipal clerks and tribe representatives can apply via MyDORGov using Form SL-400. DOR will begin reviewing applications in January 2025.
The goal of the program is to facilitate the consolidation of services and responsibilities between local governments, resulting in both efficiency and cost savings. These planning grants will help communities assess the feasibility and logistics of such consolidations ahead of the larger Innovation Grant rollout in 2025.
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