Marathon County committees on Dec. 3 authorized staff to release a request for proposals framework to solicit redevelopment plans for the UWSP Wausau campus, following public comments from local nonprofits and arts groups urging preservation of community assets.

Administrator Leonard told the joint Extension Education and Economic Development Committee and the Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee that the county appears eligible for up to $2,000,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) branch-campus grant program and recommended an open RFP process. "We believe we're eligible by all indications," Leonard said during the presentation of memos and the RFP framework.

Several public speakers urged the RFP path. Yao Yang, pastor of Cross Church in Schofield, asked the county to pursue an RFP so local nonprofits could propose uses and potentially acquire space for community programs. Arts advocates including Jonathan Smith, Rick Lafrombois and Paul Radke asked the county to preserve the Veninga theater as a community-performing-arts asset; Tim Parker of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin said his group intends to be an RFP applicant or partner.

Staff reviewed the draft RFP framework and template (drawn from a recent Thomas Street RFP), recommended an eight-week proposal window to allow collaboration among local groups, and proposed that proposers apply for whole buildings or entire building footprints rather than fractional spaces. Staff also noted UW representatives indicated a willingness to allow venues to be booked through the end of 2026 while the county and proposers work through next steps.

The Extension Education and Economic Development Committee approved a resolution authorizing staff to proceed with the RFP framework on a voice vote. The Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee adopted the same resolution at its separate vote; staff said both committees would present a recommendation to the full County Board as the process advances. Leonard emphasized that any final sale of county property would require County Board approval under existing statutory authority.

Next steps include finalizing the RFP language (incorporating committee feedback such as a mission/vision statement and clarity about existing tenants), publicizing baseline information for proposers, scheduling mandatory site walkthroughs and accepting proposals under the draft timeline. The committees asked staff to note in the RFP that Marathon County intends to partner on grant applications, including the possible WEDC branch grant, so proposers know the county’s potential role in financing facility improvements.

Action: Committees approved a resolution authorizing staff to release the UWSP Wausau campus RFP framework and to proceed with outreach and evaluation steps; the County Board will receive committee recommendations before any final sale or long-term lease is executed.