PROPOSAL FOR CDBG - CLOSE Economic …calcluster2.co.calumet.wi.us/calendar/Revolving Loan Fund...PROPOSAL FOR CDBG - CLOSE Economic Development Plan Prepared for: Calumet County,

PROPOSAL FORCDBG - CLOSE Economic Development Plan

Prepared for:Calumet County, WIJune 13, 2019

Photo courtesy of Redfin.com

BEL Brands, Hilbert, Wisconsin - photo courtesy of Google Maps

Billion Iron Works, Brillion, Wisconsin - photo courtesy of www.foundrymag.com

Tecumseh Site Plan, New Holstein, Wisconsin, photo courtesy of wearegreenbay.com

June 13, 2019

Mary KohrellCommunity Economic Development DirectorCalumet County206 Court StreetChilton, WI 53014

Re: Proposal for Calumet County CDBG-CLOSE Economic Development Plan

Dear Ms. Kohrell:

We understand that Calumet County intends to support economic development in its communities through efforts to address housing needs and targeted redevelopment. The focus on housing is a smart and important approach to economic development – many communities across Wisconsin are currently struggling to attract workforce, in part because they are struggling to offer housing that is both affordable and desirable.

MSA Professional Services, Inc. (MSA) has a strong track record in each aspect of this project. We routinely assist communities with CDBG program applications and administration, including the CDBG-CLOSE ED program specifically. We have conducted many housing studies for communities across Wisconsin to evaluate gaps between supply and demand and strategies to fill those gaps. And, we are often engaged in redevelopment planning in a variety of settings, including for small cities and villages.

We see two critical ingredients to the success of this project: engagement with stakeholders in the participant communities, and a realistic evaluation of needs, wants and opportunities associated with the housing market and blighted sites. Our scope is designed to focus your attention and funding resources on realistic projects that can have a genuine impact in these communities. We will collaborate with you through every step of the process to keep the project focused on this goal.

I am happy to answer any questions or provide additional information about our professional capacities. We are willing to adjust our approach to best complement the City’s goals. Please feel free to contact me at (920) 545-2086 or by email at [email protected].

Sincerely,MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Art Bahr Jason Valerius, AICP Project Manager Sr. Project Planner

Table of Contents

LETTER OF INTEREST An introduction to our team and qualifications

FIRM OVERVIEW 3 A summary of who we are and what we do

SCOPE OF WORK 5 Our plan for your project complete with deliverables and major benchmarks

DESCRIPTION OF FINAL PLAN 8 A summary of what to expect for the final plan

SUMMARY OF PROJECT TEAM 9 Key staff resumes

SIMILAR PROJECTS 14 Past successful projects like yours that we’ve completed, references included

PROJECT TIMELINE 19 Our timeframe for completing your project

PROJECT BUDGET 19 A breakdown of anticipated costs.

MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC.4321 W. College Avenue, Suite 200, Appleton WI 54914

Contact: Art Bahr

Phone: (920) 545-2086

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.msa-ps.com

MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC.

3MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC.

FIRM OVERVIEW

LOCATIONS IN:

GEORGIA • IOWA • MINNESOTA

ILLINOIS • WISCONSIN

“ENABLING PEOPLE TO POSITIVELY IMPACT THE LIVES OF OTHERS” SINCE 1962

EXCEEDED

94%OF CLIENT EXPECTATIONS IN THE LAST YEAR

$500 MILLION GRANTS & LOW-INTEREST LOANS we’ve helped our clients secure to offset the cost of infrastructure projects

100% employee owned

ZWEIG “BEST FIRMS TO WORK FOR” HONOREE

170LICENSED + CERTIFIED

PROFESSIONALS(AIA, AICP, CFM, CNU-A, CPG,

DES, EIT, GIT, GISP, LEED® AP, MA,

PE, PG, PH, PLA, PLS, PTOE, SE,

TSP )

63INDUSTRY AWARDS EARNED SINCE 2010

325TEAM MEMBERS

MSA Professional Services, Inc.MSA Professional Services, Inc. (MSA) specializes in the sustainable development of communities. We achieve this by building honest, open relationships that go beyond the project to become a trusted source of expertise and support for immediate challenges and long-term goals. Big or small, we do whatever it takes to meet each need, working to make communities stronger in the process. It’s more than a project. It’s a commitment.

MSA’s roots reach back to the 1930s. Once a rural land survey company, our firm now consists of approximately 325 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts and environmental scientists. MSA excels at helping clients identify grant and funding sources and then delivering high quality, cost-effective solutions.

LOCATIONS IN:

GEORGIA • IOWA • MINNESOTA

ILLINOIS • WISCONSIN

4 MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC.

FIRM OVERVIEW

Your success matters.

Client Service Quality Assurance Program

Our firm constantly strives to improve our processes and tailor the services we provide to best suit each of our clients. As part of our ongoing quality assurance program, we periodically request feedback from clients and project stakeholders to create better project outcomes for you.

These easy-to-complete surveys offer you the opportunity to comment on several areas of our performance throughout the duration of your project, which in turn helps us adapt our processes to your unique needs. Your feedback is specific to your project, and is returned directly to the people working with you. We pledge to respond to any issues you identify as the project proceeds.

Unlike any survey you’ve ever taken before, your response will initiate specific improvement for you and your project. To fully demonstrate this program, you will soon receive a survey requesting your feedback on our ability to meet your expectations throughout the proposal process. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to respond, experience the process first-hand, and see how we follow-up to your feedback.

How it will work during your project:

1. The project manager or another team member asks for your feedback electronically.

2. You respond to a six-eight question, two-three minute survey.

3. Your response is immediately routed to the project team via email.

4. If any of your responses indicate exceptional performance or a problem, someone on the project team will follow-up and discuss ways to either improve the process, or make sure we continue to provide the level of service you desire.

5. We document any process changes and communicate them to the project team and back to you.

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Corporate Overview

As a full-service consulting firm, MSA Professional Services, Inc. (MSA) is all about creating communities that work. We partner with clients to help solve today’s complex and multi-faceted infrastructure challenges and improve the quality of neighborhoods. Our focus is to provide exceptional professional services that build strong communities where we live, work and play.

MSA’s roots reach back to the 1930s. Once a rural land survey company, our firm now consists of approximately 325 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts and environmental scientists. MSA excels at helping clients identify grant and funding sources and then delivering high quality, cost-effective solutions. Based in 16 offices across six states, our technical teams collaborate to assist communities throughout the United States.


SCOPE OF WORK

CDBG-CLOSE Planning Grant ApplicationMSA’s proposed approach to Calumet County’s CDBG-CLOSE Planning grant focuses on community and owner input. We will facilitate communications with the DOA for review of the project’s eligibility with the Department of Administration staff. MSA will then participate in the public hearing process, whereby the voice of the community can be heard. The approach to the grant writing aspect of the project will include a detailed and systematic completion of the grant application.

County Staff InputMSA will gather information and input from the county staff to provide a concise description of the grant application’s project needs. Based on the input and MSA’s CDBG grant application experience, a Project Need Narrative will be crafted and presented to the DOA for the grant eligibility review process. All other information gathered will then be used in compiling a thorough grant application. We would recommend one meeting with a county official for the purpose of gathering information for the application.

Public Input OpportunityMSA will assist in the creation of a Public Participation Plan, which will outline the process for which a Public Hearing can be scheduled. MSA will assist in the drafting of the meeting agenda and required documents entailed in the hearing public notices. We will facilitate the public hearing and use the gathered information to meet the requirements of the grant application.

Grant Application CreationWe will provide all resolutions required for county board approval. The creation of the application will include processes that ensure the plan’s compliance with federal regulations that require that the plan meets a national objective. The areas of concentration for the Calumet CDBG Grant Applications will be: low- to moderate-income residents, limited clientele, and prevention or elimination of slum and blight. The preparation of the application will include a budget summary and inclusion of any previous plans which may support the proposed planning grant.

Grant Application TimelineA conservative estimate for the completion of the Grant Application, submission, and DOA award would be approximately three (3)months. This timeline would include: gathering of background information, requirements for public notice of the hearing, creation and approval of resolutions, crafting of the application, and a period for DOA review, questions, and award announcement.

CDBG-CLOSE Planning Grant AdministrationMSA’s proposed approach to Calumet County’s CDBG-CLOSE Planning Grant Administration focuses on the requirements of the grant award as specified in the current Department of Administration CDBG Implementation Handbook.

Contracting with the DOAMSA will review the grant agreement for accuracy, assist in negotiating the DOA/Owner contract and obtain required signatures.

Environmental ReviewMSA will complete environmental reviews where required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). In project areas requiring Environmental Review, we will use a four-step process: project classification, project review, public notice, and document submittal. Upon completion and DOA approval of the four-step process, we will request release of grant funds, if required.

Grant Recordkeeping: CDBG Program & Project FilesWe will establish and maintain the following CDBG-PLNG files:1. Application files.2. Grant agreement.3. Financial management.4. Equal opportunity.5. Environmental review.6. DOA monitoring/inspection file.7. Project closeout file.8. General correspondence files.9. Citizen participation.


SCOPE OF WORK

Financial Management

A. Assist with the establishment of the Grant Account according to 24 CFR 570.497 and Treasury Circular 1075.

• Depository certifications.• Signature certifications.

B. Establish system to handle program income according to CFR 570.494 Attachment E, OMB Circular A-102.

C. Maintain financial records as required in Circular A-87; Attachments C, G and H, OMB Circular A-102.

• Draw-down register.• Federal cash control register.• Cash disbursement journal.• Local contributions journal.• Semi-annual reports.

D. Assist Owner in establishing separate checking accounts to disburse funds and pay bills (all checks reviewed and approved by Owner prior to disbursement). Owner will cut all checks to be disbursed by CDBG-PFED Program.

E. Draw down funds from DOA, as necessary.

F. Advise Owner to schedule/conduct interim or final “single audit” as may be required by the CDBG program.

Satisfy Equal Opportunity RequirementsA. Develop and maintain demographic profiles of the community

by census data - relating to race, ethnicity, sex, age and head of households.

B. Develop and maintain racial, ethnic, gender, age and handicap data showing the extent to which these categories of persons have participated in, or benefited from, CDBG programs and activities.

C. Document all equal opportunity-related activities including compliance monitoring.

D. Include applicable equal opportunity language in bidding specifications and contract documents.

E. Complete and submit the required equal opportunity reports/attend DOA monitoring visits.

DOA MonitoringWe will prepare and submit all required reports to the DOA and assist Calumet County at all DOA program monitoring visits prior to submittal of the closeout material to DOA.

Citizen Participation ComplianceA. Assist with creation of CDBG Committee, as applicable.

B. Help implement Citizen Participation Plan, per DOA requirements.

C. Attend/conduct required citizen participation hearing to provide the public with information regarding the CDBG program (near project completion).

D. Assist Owner in responding to citizen questions, complaints and/or grievances.

Close Out CDBG-PLNG ProgramA. Advise owner to schedule/conduct final “single audit.”

B. Submit the final quarterly report.

C. Submit the Certificate of Completion.

D. Submit the Final report.

E. Submit the Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise Contractor/Subcontractor Record.

Economic Development PlanMSA’s proposed approach to Calumet County’s Economic Development Plan focuses on collecting community input and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data to understand workforce and elder housing supply and demand within each of the eight communities (Cities of Brillion, Chilton, and New Holstein, and the Villages of Harrison, Hilbert, Potter, Sherwood and Stockbridge). We will provide clear, prioritized policy recommendations and alternatives to close identified gaps in the market. Affordability of all housing types is a critical concern, and

CDBG-CLOSE Program Affects Communities in Wisconsin

Our MSA funding team is ready and able to provide any assistance you may need along the way. Navigating the often complex funding waters is what we do – and what we enjoy. If your community is on these lists, contact us today to discuss next steps and optimal solutions. Each community on the list MUST take action, regardless if your community wants to utilize the funds or not. We look forward to lending a hand.

Learn more at: www.msa-ps.com/cdbg-close-pro-gram-affects-communities-in-wisconsin-illinois/

https://www.msa-ps.com/cdbg-close-program-affects-communities-in-wisconsin-illinois/

https://www.msa-ps.com/cdbg-close-program-affects-communities-in-wisconsin-illinois/


SCOPE OF WORK

this analysis will directly address workforce and aging resident housing needs.

Our approach also includes simultaneous analysis of redevelopment opportunities in each of the five focus communities (Cities of Brillion, Chilton, New Holstein, Hilbert and the Village of Sherwood) as potential sites for new housing and other development, as identified through stakeholder engagement and the housing market analysis. We will make recommendations about the type and intensity of new development deemed viable on each site, specifically including consideration of housing market options.

Stakeholder Engagement Stakeholder conversations are critical to the success of this economic development plan. We want to spend time with people who understand the local housing market and people in each of the participating communities.

1. Working GroupWe recommend a Working Group of staff from each participating municipality and the County from which we can seek input on stakeholder engagement, initial findings, and recommendations. We will hold a project kickoff meeting with the group to review project objectives, meeting and deliverable schedules, and stakeholder input coordination. We will also use this meeting for a preliminary discussion of housing and redevelopment issues and opportunities.

We will also meet with the Working Group two additional times throughout the process. The second meeting will be to review the draft housing market and redevelopment site analyses. The final meeting will be to review and discuss recommendations for the use of CDBG-CLOSE funds. We will conduct the first meeting in person and subsequent meetings remotely via Skype for Business.

2. Community MeetingsWe would like each of the primary communities (Brillion, Chilton, New Holstein, Hilbert and Sherwood) to host a meeting for the purposes of discussing both the housing market and the key local redevelopment site(s). Participants will be identified in consultation with the Working Group, but could include community staff, key elected officials, and other local leaders. The other three participating communities could participate as part of a neighbor’s meeting (e.g. Potter in Hilbert, Harrison in Sherwood, and Stockbridge in Chilton or Hilbert).

3. Housing Expert Interviews We will conduct up to ten interviews with local housing experts, including developers, builders, realtors and landlords familiar with the participating communities. Some of these could occur as part of the Local Community Discussions, while others will be stand-alone conversations. The purpose of these meetings is to better understand the market through the eyes of people who work in it – these conversations qualify and clarify the other data we collect.

Housing Market AnalysisThe housing analysis will contain an overview of the county-wide housing market, plus select focus on the Calumet County submarkets of the eight identified cities and villages. Our quantitative analysis will include data from local plans and studies, the U.S. Census Bureau, Multiple Listing Service (Realtors Association of Northeast Wisconsin), U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, local municipal data, and others. We will analyze the following:

1. General Housing Supply Data and Trendsa. Occupancy (owner vs. renter occupancy).b. Type (attached vs. detached, number of units in building).c. Age (date of construction).d. Value (home values, rental rates).e. Building Permit Trends.f. Ordinance, Regulation, and Policy (barriers and

opportunities).

2. General Housing Demand Data and Trendsa. Employment and Labor Trends (commuting patterns,

wages, links between housing and economic development).

Photo courtesy of Realtor.com


SCOPE OF WORK, DESCRIPTION OF FINAL PLAN

b. Population and households (historic and projected, median age).

c. Vacancy rates.d. Real Estate Trends (financing, sales, size and cost

demand, etc.).e. Property tax rates.

3. Specific Housing Demand Data and Trendsa. Workforce Housing (market growth share, occupancy

analysis, demand growth projections).b. Elder Housing (market growth share, occupancy analysis,

demand growth projections).

4. Specific Housing Demand Data and Trendsa. Estimate general demand for housing to 2030 and

specific demand for workforce and elder housing (links between types of household growth and future demand/need).

b. Discuss primary deficiencies in workforce housing and elder housing markets.

c. Identify additional deficiencies in the current market.

Redevelopment OpportunitiesOur analysis of redevelopment opportunity in the five focus communities will include the following steps:• Review of existing plans and studies, including the

comprehensive plan for each of the eight participating communities and any site-specific plans in the five target communities.

• Visits to the five target community sites to document current conditions and spatial relationships.

• Identification of critical site needs necessary to enable redevelopment, including demolition, environmental remediation, and infrastructure improvements.

• Recommendations for the type, intensity and amount of new development, with particular focus on the suitability of the site for new housing.

CDBG-CLOSE Fund RecommendationsMSA will provide recommendations on how to best utilize remaining CDBG-CLOSE funds. As part of the plan, MSA will research potential projects that would meet the requirements of CDBG grant eligibility. MSA has previously partnered with clients for such purposes. As part of the CDBG-CLOSE opportunity search we will work with county representatives, reviewing comprehensive and capital improvement plans. With our extensive experience in identifying CDBG-eligible projects, we have been able to qualify grant applications, and in many cases align cooperative funding efforts between counties and municipalities.

Description of Final PlanThe following components will be included in the economic development plan:

1. Executive SummaryWe will summarize the essential findings and recommendations from the plan. The centerpiece will be a clear and concise presentation of any market gaps related to workforce and elder housing and strategies to close those gaps, as well as recommendations for the five identified redevelopment sites.

2. Housing Market Analysisa. General Housing Supply Analysis (County-wide and

community-specific)b. Submarket Supply Analysis (Community-specific)

• Single Family/Neighborhood Stock, Development.• Workforce Housing/ED Opportunities• Aging Population Housing Opportunities, Options.• Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Opportunities.

c. General Housing Demand Analysis (County-wide and community-specific)

d. Specific Housing Demand Analysis (County-wide and community-specific)• Affordable Housing. • Senior Housing Analysis.

e. Current and Future Vision, Demand, and Need (Linking Demand and Supply)• Current Gaps and Need.• General Projected Demand by unit type, tenure,

income and age/ability.• Strategies for Future Opportunity (Matching Supply

and Demand). f. Implementation Toolkit (Conclusions/Prioritized

Recommendations)• Best Practices – Implementation Lessons from Peers.• Funding tools and techniques. • Recommended Strategies and Actions for the

County and City/Village submarkets.

3. Redevelopment Opportunities Analysisa. Blight evaluations of the five identified redevelopment

sites.b. Redevelopment recommendations for redevelopment sites.

4. CDBG-CLOSE Fund RecommendationsIdentification of projects prioritized for funding assistance that meet each of these criteria: A) address housing needs, B) address blight elimination needs, C) compatible with local preferences, and D) CDBG-eligible.


SUMMARY OF PROJECT TEAM

Organizational Chart

Jason Valerius, AICP Senior Planner, Project Manager

Matt FraterHousing Specialist

Dick Lyster, PGSenior Hydrogeologist

Steve Tremlett, AICP, CNU-AUrban Designer

Becky Binz, AICPHousing Specialist

Art Bahr Project Manager



Art brings 13 years of experience working with various Wisconsin communities regarding CDBG, USDA-RD, DNR, and Wisconsin TIF funding. Art’s unique experience in government administration and public/private utilities allow for an in-depth understanding of budgeting and funding. He has successfully guided many reconstruction and new construction projects. As a previous Municipal Administrator and elected official, he understands the difficult decisions and positions an official must make. In all of his positions, he has also taken great pride in his ability to form “win-win” relationships with local, state and federal regulators. He’s a proven professional able to adapt and apply skills to attain any goal. Art is a team player and leader with strong communications skills and high standards of ethics and honesty.

SELECTED PROJECT EXPERTISE• Fire Department Facility Construction, CDBG-PF Funding Application,

Village of White Lake, WI*• 5th Avenue Reconstruction Project, CDBG-PF and CDBG-CLOSE

Funding Applications, City of Antigo, WI*• Tamarack Street Reconstruction Project, CDBG-PF Funding

Application, Village of Randolph, WI*• S. Metonga, W. Jackson, W. Madison Street/Utility Reconstruction

Project, CDBG-PF Funding Application and Administration, City of Crandon, WI*

• W. 12th Street and Robert Street, Street/Utility Reconstruction, CDBG Funding Application and Administration, City of Clintonville, WI*

• CDBG-CLOSE Cooperative Fund Use, Langlade County/City of Antigo, WI*• Fond Du Lac County CDBG-Close Funding Use Assistance and

Identification, Fond Du Lac County, WI*• Gresham Municipal Utilities, Relicensing of FERC Hydro Projects

#2464 and #2484, Gresham, WI*• Gresham Municipal Utilities Automated Meter Reading Infrastructure

Installation, Gresham, WI*• Multiple Street Improvement Projects, Gresham, WI*• Gresham Municipal Utilities Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade,

Gresham, WI*• Multiple Funding and Funding Administration Projects, Gresham, WI*

Author“CDBG-CLOSE Program Affects Communities in Wisconsin, Illinois,” MSA Insights Blog Piece

EducationA.S., Leadership DevelopmentNortheast Wisconsin Technical College

Registrations/Affiliations2nd Class Power EngineerMidwest Hydro Users GroupAmerican Society of Civil EngineersWastewater Operators of WisconsinWisconsin Society of Land SurveyorsAmerican Public Works AssociationWisconsin Rural Water Association

Areas of Expertise• CDBG-PF Funding• CDBG-CLOSE Program• CDBG-ED Funding• CDBG-PLNG Funding• DNR Funding• Wisconsin TIF Law• Project Management • Public Works Management • OSHA/Construction Safety • Regulatory Compliance • LEAN Principles

Art BahrPROJECT MANAGER

* Completed prior to joining MSA.



Jason has more than 15 years of community planning and design experience across the Midwest. He has lead the development of comprehensive plans, neighborhood plans and zoning ordinances. Trained in both planning and architecture, he has applied his urban design expertise to the creation of design standards and guidelines for municipalities, and also the design and entitlement process for private development. As Team Leader for the Madison-based Planning and Design team, Jason manages a talented staff with expertise ranging from comprehensive planning and transportation planning to park and recreation plans, landscape architecture, and urban design. Jason serves as the President of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Planning Association.

SELECTED PROJECT EXPERTISEHousing Study, Stevens Point, WI

Evaluated the function and health of the local housing market through a synthesis of parcel data, Census data, community survey results and interviews with local experts. Prepared a set of recommendation packages to help City leaders decide how and where to invest in housing to support overall community vitality.

Strategic Housing Plan, Fitchburg, WILed an evaluation of housing needs and trends in the City of Fitchburg which recommended best practice programs to help provide for a balanced and fair housing market in the City.

City of Janesville Consolidated Plan, Janesville, WI Oversaw the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan development, including data analysis, program development and project selection.

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, Superior, Oshkosh, Madison, Green Bay, WI

Led completion of a fair housing analysis for the City as required by HUD, including data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and action recommendations to help the City affirmatively further fair housing

EducationM.S., Architecture & Urban PlanningUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

B.A., Government/PsychologyLawrence University

CertificationsAmerican Institute of Certified Planners

Areas of Expertise• Urban Design and Sustainable

Design• Development and

Redevelopment Planning• Comprehensive Planning• Housing and Fair Housing

Studies• Multijurisdictional Planning and

Agreements• Public Involvement and

Deliberative Processes

Jason Valerius, AICPPRINCIPAL PLANNER



With more than 10 years of consulting experience, Steve has taken on primary roles in downtown planning and design projects, commercial/residential development concept plans, bike/pedestrian plans, and the development of comprehensive plans and design standards. His architectural and planning background includes emphases in mixed-use and green building design, urban redevelopment, and urban design using a variety of applications, including AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, GIS, SketchUp and Microsoft Office Applications.

EducationM.S., Architecture & Urban PlanningUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

B.S., ArchitectureUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

CertificationsAmerican Institute of Certified PlannersCongress of New Urbanism – Accredited

Selected Project ExperienceArrowhead Redevelopment Plan, Fitchburg, WI

Evaluated the existing business park and documented current conditions. Based on constraints and existing business expansion plans, developed full buildout alternatives for existing businesses and design for new roadways and lots in the undeveloped portions of the study area. Created a final preferred master plan for the study area based on feedback through the public process. Generated an economic performa based on the projected development potential for each site and proposed public improvements for the entire study area. Documented the entire process in a final plan with an array of illustrations and maps.

Downtown Planning Projects for Various CommunitiesBalsam Lake, WI; Cross Plains, WI; Fitchburg, WI; Gilbert, MN; Guthrie Center, IA; Holmen, WI; La Crescent, MN; Mauston, WI; Platteville, WI; Port Byron, IL; Richland Center, WI; Rock Island, IL; Rothschild, WI; Sauk City, WI

Stephen Tremlett, AICP, CNU-A Urban Designer, Project Planner

Becky is a planner experienced in a wide variety of community planning projects including Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (CORPs), Comprehensive Plans, housing studies, grant writing, and river corridor planning. Her project management experience includes housing plans and studies, CORPs, a neighborhood plan health impact assessment and outreach and education for the Rock River Stormwater Group.

EducationM.S., Urban and Regional PlanningUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

B.A., Economics and SpanishUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

RegistrationAmerican Institute of Certified Planners

Selected Project ExperienceCity of Superior Consolidated Plan, Superior, WI

Developed Consolidated Plan using IDIS which identified housing and community development priorities and facilitated meetings.

Housing Study, Stevens Point, WI Analyzed housing supply, demand, other issues and housing supply gaps. Assisted with recommendations to address each housing supply gap with one or more city-initiated strategies to close the gap.

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, Green Bay, WI

Led completion of fair housing analysis as required by HUD, including data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and action recommendations to help the City further fair housing.

Madison Darbo-Worthington-Starkweather Neighborhood Plan Health Impact Analysis, Madison, WI

Responsible for synthesizing data on various health characteristics in the neighborhood, evaluating the likely impact of neighborhood plan recommendations on selected health measures within the neighborhood, offering strategies to manage adverse health impacts and maximize health benefits and facilitating meetings.

Becky Binz, AICP Housing Specialist



Matt is a member of the Planning Team at MSA, working to advance municipal strength and collaboration through coordinated and comprehensive planning frameworks. A planner by training, Matthew has experience in housing, community, and economic development practice that works to advance equity for disinvested communities. He is a graduate of the Urban and Regional Planning program at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, also holding a degree in Urban Studies/Planning, History, and Community Development from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, where he collaborated with small business owners, immigrant families, and low-income households working to overcome barriers to access and opportunity.

EducationM.S., Urban & Regional PlanningUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

B.S., Urban StudiesUniversity of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Selected Project Experience2020 Consolidated Plan, Madison, WI*

Comprehensive data analysis of community needs and trends in homelessness, economic development, and housing used to determine and prioritize funding and determine efficiency of municipal and partner programs.

2019 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, Madison, WI*

Authored report that included data analysis and mapping. Proposed strategies & actions to overcome impediments within existing adopted policy frameworks, leading inter-agency team to refine and prioritize strategies for implementation and potential of impact.

Biennial Housing Report Supplement – Race/Ethnicity, Madison, WI*

Developed methodologies and reported on housing market conditions within the City of Madison, WI as experienced and impacted by individual and household race/ethnicity. Included reporting of best practices and local policy recommendations.

*Denotes experience prior to MSA.

Matt FraterHousing Specialist

Dick Lyster, PGSenior Hydrogeologist

Dick performs the duties of team leader and project manager on a wide variety of environmental engineering projects. He has performed more than 40 Phase I and Phase II Hazardous Materials Assessments per the WisDOT Facility Design Manual procedures. Additionally, Mr. Lyster has experience conducting an assortment of environmental feasibility studies and site investigations. He has completed environmental assessments for a number of downtown community redevelopment projects, including brownfield site assessment grant projects and transportation design projects.

EducationB.S., Geology and GeophysicsUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

M.S., Graduate Course Work, HydrogeologyWright State University, Dayton Ohio

RegistrationProfessional Geologist, WI, ILAIPG Professional GeologistRegistered PECFA Consultant, WI

Selected Project ExperienceUW-Madison Campus Drive Bike & Pedestrian Path, Madison, WI

Performed Environmental Review of proposed new corridor for a multi-use pedestrian path in Madison and University of Wisconsin campus.

Central Park, Madison, WIConducted Phase 1 Haz Mat and Phase 2 Subsurface Investigations. Developed Materials Management Plan for redevelopment of historic commercial area for use as a new City Park.

Former Gardner Manufacturing Brownfield, Horicon, WIProvided brownfield redevelopment grant and assessment services.

Baraboo City Services Facility, Baraboo, WIServed as project manager throughout the redevelopment of historic railroad yard and salvage company site for future use as City Services Center.


SIMILAR PROJECTS

CDBG-PF Application/CoordinationAntigo, WI

MSA worked with Langlade County, Langlade County Economic Development Corporation, Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA - DECHR), and the City of Antigo to find a process which would maximize funding opportunities for Antigo’s 5th Avenue Reconstruction Project.

The CDBG-CLOSE Program had yet to be fully vetted during the planning of this project. The CLOSE Program offered potential non-competitive grants for the entities who had previously been involved in CDBG-ED Revolving Loan Fund programs. Being a newly mandated program, MSA took it upon themselves to assist the entities involved. Through facilitation and mutual communications facilitated by MSA, a plan for maximizing the CDBG funding opportunity took shape.

Resolutions were carefully crafted by the Langlade County Board and the City of Antigo detailing permissible use of the county’s CDBG RLF. The City of Antigo agreed to remit payment for the county’s RLF accounts receivables to the DOA. In return, Langlade County agree to provide use of their maximum CDBG-CLOSE grant to the City.

MSA worked with the City of Antigo to submit a grant application for a CDBG-PF grant which would be used concurrently, with the CLOSE grant on the 5th Avenue project. Coordination of using the two grant funds for the project was approved by the DOA.

SUMMARY OF MAXIMIZING THE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES:• Project Total Estimate: $4,600,000• CDBG-CLOSE Grant: $1,300,000• CDBG-PF Grant: $1,000,000• Estimated Cost After Grant Award: $2,300,000

The City of Antigo also maximized its CDBG funding opportunity by being able to apply the CLOSE grant portion of the project as their required match funding of $333,333, thereby reducing their overall projected project cost even further.

Antigo’s 5th Avenue had once been the heart of the city, populated by local shops and services providers. Over the years the street’s infrastructure has exceeded its expected life. The coordination of the CDBG programs and the cooperative attitudes of the county and city will once again return the avenue to an appealing venue for business and public use.

Reference

Mark Desotell, Director of Administrative Services(715) [email protected]

• Cooperative effort with Langlade County to use the county’s CDBG-CLOSE funds.

• Involved coordination between: Langlade County Board, Langlade Economic Development Corp., City of Antigo, MSA and Wisconsin Department of Admin. (DECHR)

• A 2019 City of Antigo CDBG-PF application is to be used in conjunction with Langlade counties CDBG-CLOSE to maximize funding potential.

FAST FACTS

Courtesy of GoogleMaps


SIMILAR PROJECTS

The City of Stevens Point has several enviable community strengths, including a stable and growing employment base and a University of Wisconsin campus. Despite these strengths, the City has been struggling to attract investment in new and existing housing units, while that investment lands in surrounding jurisdictions. The City is willing to invest resources to guide and encourage development, but wanted guidance on how best to do that.

In 2017 MSA conducted a holistic study of the local and regional housing market, evaluating the dynamics of these markets through a synthesis of Census data, parcel data, home sales data, a community survey, and interviews with local experts in various aspects of the market. Through this process we identified several critical factors inhibiting investment, including a lack of available land for growth, regulatory hurdles to multifamily development (especially in existing neighborhoods), and an overabundance of low-quality homes that owners aren’t improving and buyers are avoiding. We also affirmed the value of some current practices and policies to regulate student rental housing units.

The study identifies a series of gaps in the housing market and offers strategies to close those gaps, including regulatory adjustments, neighborhood planning efforts, public infrastructure investments, and a menu of potential incentive programs.

See this Housing Study at: https://issuu.com/msaprofessionalservices/docs/10616010_stevens_point_housing_stud

Housing StudyStevens Point, WI

2017 CITY OF STEVENSPOINT HOUSING STUDY

July 5, 2017

Prepared for the City of Stevens Point By MSA Professional Services, Inc.

REFERENCE INFOMichael Ostrowski, CEcD, AICP

Director of Community Development/Redevelopment Authority (715) 346-1568

[email protected]


SIMILAR PROJECTS

The City of Marshfield is in an enviable position as a jobs importer, drawing a large daily working population from the surrounding region. But, while employment has been growing, the City population has not, and limited new housing is being built. The City hired MSA to evaluate the housing market, identify gaps between supply and demand, and propose strategies to close those gaps.

MSA developed a methodology that examined the community from demographic, socioeconomic, physical, and economic perspectives. Data from a variety of sources describing the housing stock and market were supplemented with interviews of key individuals familiar with the market and a community survey to assess opinions about the City’s housing options. Gaps in the supply of housing were identified, and strategies to close those gaps proposed.

This project included the compilation and production of a variety of maps depicting such items as age of residential structure, number of commercial (rental) units by structure, property value per square foot of living area, single-family residential structures by number of stories, and more. MSA utilized the City’s CAD base parcels in the creation of this project in conjunction with property description files created by MSA to create these unique “snapshots” of the community’s residential fabric.

Housing StudyMarshfield, WI

REFERENCE INFOJason Angell, Director of Planning & Economic Development

(715) 486-2074


SIMILAR PROJECTS

The planning area (rebranded as “Pavilion Marketplace”) is located in the Village’s northernmost corner, north of WIS-29. The planning area is bisected by Business Highway 51 (Grand Avenue), connecting the Village of Rothschild with the City of Wausau. Land uses in this area are reminiscent of 1940s-1970s development, including several deteriorating strip malls and low-density residential development.

MSA worked with the Village of Rothschild to develop a master plan to redevelop the commercial corridor and neighboring Pavilion Park into a mixed-use commercial corridor with higher density residential development, enhanced site and building designs, and bicycle/pedestrian-friendly accommodations. The plan identified approximately $15 million in future infrastructure projects over a 20-year period.

The project was broken out into three phases:

1. Preparation of a land use and transportation plan for mixed-use commercial corridor.

2. Preparation of a park master plan for the adjacent Pavilion Park.

3. Creation of a TIF district to include the redevelopment area and park to provide one potential funding source for infrastructure improvements.

The American Planning Association - Small Town and Rural Planning Division, presented a national award to the Village of Rothschild and MSA for the Rothschild Pavilion Marketplace Redevelopment Plan and Pavilion Park Master Plan.

Pavilion Marketplace Redevelopment PlanRothschild, WI

REFERENCE INFOTim Vergara, PE (715) 359-3660

[email protected]


SIMILAR PROJECTS

The City of Mauston wanted to create standards for buildings and streetscaping, provide a plan for the Riverside Park, and address redevelopment strategies for two blocks of the downtown razed by the Mauston Redevelopment Authority to create a sense of place and spur revitalization.

In 2010, Mauston selected MSA to develop a Downtown Redevelopment Plan. Through the process, MSA held several meetings with important stakeholders, including a specially-appointed Downtown Planning Committee, City staff, business owners, and residents. MSA reviewed previous plans (including a 2008 Walkabout Survey), conducted a visual preference survey, and analyzed the existing urban context.

The adopted plan included a Master Plan for Riverside Park, a comprehensive streetscape plan, building and site design standards, a redevelopment opportunities map, a future land use map, redevelopment concept maps, implementation strategies and funding resources to ensure the successful revitalization of downtown Mauston.

In 2012, part of the plan became a reality with the reconstruction of Mansion Street and improvements in Riverside Park. The redevelopment of the park was the first step in renewing a sense of place and fostering community pride within the City. Further recommended improvements have been completed including reconstructing Main Street with streetscape enhancements based on the plan’s typical section and representative photos. Plus, a strategically placed parking lot was constructed near the County Courhouse to alleviate parking pressure around this facility, as well as provide a connection between the downtown and the previously under-utilized Riverside Park.

The implementation of the plan’s recommendations helped to improve the aesthetic and appeal of the downtown, as well as establish a well-connected downtown park and provide a much-needed community gathering space.

REFERENCE INFONathan Thiel, Administrator-Clerk-Treasurer

(608) [email protected]

Downtown Master Plan & ImplementationMauston, WI

AWARD - WINNING PROJECTWinner of the 2010 APA-STaR Award

Excellence in Small Town & Rural Planning


PROJECT TIMELINE

PROJECT BUDGET

Project Timeline

Project Budget

MONTH TASKMonth 1 Execution of contract for services

Working Group Meeting #1 - KickoffMonths 1-3 Grant Application, submission, and awardMonths 4-5 Interviews and focus groups to discuss housing market and redevelopment sites; site visitsMonth 6 Opportunities search and evaluation for CDBG-CLOSE funding utilizationMonth 7-8 Submittal of first draft of housing market and redevelopment sites analyses

Working Group Meeting #2 – presentation and discussion of first draft Month 9 Working Group Meeting #3 – presentation and discussion of recommendations for

redevelopment sitesMonth 10 Submittal of final draft of full report

TASK HOURS COSTGrant Application $7,000Grant Administration $4,000Research and Analysis $20,000Meetings and Stakeholder Input $17,000CDBG-CLOSE Fund Project Identification $3,500Plan Writing, Report Preparation $15,000

TOTAL $66,500

Documents

PROPOSAL FOR CDBG - CLOSE Economic …calcluster2.co.calumet.wi.us/calendar/Revolving Loan Fund...PROPOSAL FOR CDBG - CLOSE Economic Development Plan Prepared for: Calumet County,