Brownfields Redevelopment Financial Incentives


Many levels of government have established programs that assist developers and end-users in redeveloping brownfield properties in Milwaukee.

For more information contact Karen Dettmer at 414-286-5642.

Financial incentives include:

MEDC Site Assessment Matching Grant Program: The Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation offers up to $25,000 in matching funds for site assessment, confirmatory sampling, and development of remedial action plans.

Wisconsin Remediation Tax Credits: Up to 50% of testing and remediation costs can be credited against state business income taxes in Milwaukee Development Zones.

WI Department of Commerce Brownfield Grants: up to $1,250,000 for acquisition, demolition, and remediation on brownfield properties where redevelopment projects will create jobs. A 50% private match is required.

Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF): Low interest loans for projects ranging from $200,000 to $1,100,000 for financing environmental cleanup on brownfield properties undergoing redevelopment with strong job creation.

Milwaukee County Brownfield Grants: for land reuse development projects that lead to the retention and creation of jobs.

Menomonee Valley Remediation Grants: to cover demolition, geotechnical, and remediation costs related to redevelopment projects located in the Menomonee Valley.

Block Grant Testing and Remediation Program: for redevelopment projects within Milwaukee's community development block grant area.

Purchase of Tax Delinquent Brownfield Sites: over 200 tax delinquent properties are available for purchase from the City of Milwaukee through state provision 75.106. Back taxes and liens against the property are eliminated as part of the process.

Development Zone Job Creation Tax Credits: redevelopment projects that create new jobs in development zones can receive a tax credit for up to $6,000 for each new job.

MEDC Tax Credits and Low Interest Loans: to assist businesses in the financing of brownfields redevelopment projects for their start-up, expansion or relocation.

Federal Tax Incentive for Brownfields Redevelopment: allows taxpayers to expense cleanup costs in the year in which they are incurred, rather than capitalizing such costs over the life of the property.

Other development incentives may also be available depending on the nature and location of your redevelopment proposal.