Marathon County looking to attract new talent to the area

Marathon county is in the running for funding through the Talent Recruitment Grant Program.

The program is aimed at supporting local efforts to attract and incentivize out-of-state talent to relocate to Wisconsin municipalities.

Renae Krings is senior director with the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership (GWPP). She gave a presentation on the program to the county Extension, Education, and Economic Development Committee last week.

“The grant period opened on Monday, Jan. 5, and closes on Jan. 30,” Krings said. “It’s a very tight window and we do anticipate a highly competitive application process.”

GWPP has already submitted an application for the grant on behalf of Marathon County.

“We’ve designed the program to include aspects focused on keeping people here and integrating them deeply into our local communities,” she said. “We want to support these individuals to grow roots and make lasting connections.” 

This year is the first for the Talent Recruitment Grant Program.

A total of $5 million in funding is available statewide with a $500,000 cap on the amount any single municipality can receive.

Applicants have to provide matching funds equal to least 20 percent of the total project cost through cash, local investment, and in-kind donations.

Krings said their plan is to seek support from local foundations and community partners to provide the matching funds. 

“The incentives are designed to help an individual relocate here,” she said.

The committee voted to recommend the county board ask county administrator Lance Leonhard to write a letter of support for the application.