The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is preparing to open the second application period for its Innovation Grant program

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is preparing to open the second application period for its Innovation Grant program starting October 1. Established under 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 and modified by 2025 Wisconsin Act 15, the initiative assists counties, municipalities, and tribal nations in streamlining public operations by transferring specific services and duties to other eligible entities. During its initial round, the program successfully awarded $72 million to fund 35 service transfers, generating 81 distinct community impacts.

Designed to lower costs and boost overall operational efficiency, the Innovation Grant provides critical funding to local units of government and tribal nations that agree to transfer allowable services to neighboring governments, tribal entities, non-profit organizations, or private providers. The grant covers a broad spectrum of essential public functions, including public safety, law enforcement, fire protection, emergency services, courts, jails, public works, information technology, economic development, tourism, administrative duties like payroll and staffing, public health, housing, planning, zoning, parks, recreation, training, and communications.

A prime example of a successful consolidated model involves the City of West Allis and the City of Wauwatosa, which transferred their fire protection and emergency services to the Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue Corporation. This transfer successfully reduced operating costs while enhancing overall service quality and responsiveness.

With nearly $228 million available for the second application round, eligible municipalities, counties, and tribal nations can receive up to $10 million annually, distributed across up to four annual payments. Detailed application guidelines and instructions are available on the DOR Innovation Grants webpage.