Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) distributed the fifth and final Innovation Planning Grant (IPG) payment on June 2. This brought the initial IPG program to a close, allowing the agency to prepare for the next step: launching the Innovation Grant program.
The IPG and Innovation Grant programs (sec. 79.038, Wis. Stats.) were authorized under 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 and administered by DOR. Their goal is to incentivize local governments (counties, municipalities and tribes) to reduce spending by transferring and consolidating allowable services or duties, resulting in a cost savings of at least 10%. Eligible services include public safety, fire protection, emergency services, public works, information
technology, public health and more. The IPG funds were designed to help cover staffing and consulting expenses while planning for the larger Innovation Grants.
“The participation for this grant program was a great success,” said David Casey, Department of Revenue Secretary Designee. In all, DOR approved 68 requests from municipalities and tribes statewide, distributing a total of $2,997,992. Payment details can be found on DOR’s website at https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Report/IPG-Payments.aspx.
“Almost the entire $3 million allocated for these planning grants was utilized, which demonstrates a strong commitment from local governments and tribes to explore innovative solutions for consolidating services and cost savings”, said Valeah Foy, Division Administrator of DOR’s State and Local Finance Division. “Thank you to all who applied for the planning grants. We look forward to your continued engagement with the upcoming Innovation Grant program!”
Now that the application period for IPG funds has closed and all monies have been distributed, the Innovation Grant program will launch this summer with $300 million in funding available. For general information and resources, visit DOR’s Innovation Grants web page at https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/SLF/IG.aspx.
