VILLAGE OF MARATHON CITY, Wis. (WSAU) -- Village officials in Marathon City are going to be getting some extra help with downtown development over the next several years thanks to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Marathon City is one of 22 communities that have joined the Connect Communities Program, which will help city leaders get access to programs and tools to expand economic opportunities. Village administrator Andy Kurtz says they're happy to receive the help from the WEDC. "We're engaged in planning, constantly, and trying to improve the village. And sometimes we struggle with not having the right toolsets and contacts, and this program provides us that."
The program is a compliment to the Wisconsin Main Street program which is aimed at larger municipalities. Kurtz says businesses will be able to get new help growing their locations once the program gets going. "Develop plans, create grant programs, and leverage our TIF district in a manner that allows for new business development or redevelopment within our downtown district." But it's not only new business that will be getting the help. "[We're] working with the current businesses in town, to ensure that they have availability to resources whether it be they want to put a new facade or facia on their building or looking for marketing assistance or things like that."
Mosinee was an inaugural member of the program last year, and Kurtz says the two communities have already been working together to see how they can help get training and pool resources to improve both communities