In December 2024, the City of Eau Claire and Ayres Associates held our first brownfields workshop designed to give developers, city officials, and experts an opportunity to discuss the transformative opportunities offered by redeveloping brownfield sites through the City’s EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Program.
The workshop aimed to actively engage stakeholders in Eau Claire’s brownfield redevelopment efforts with three primary goals in mind: gaining valuable insights, encouraging dialogue, and identifying key redevelopment sites. After an introduction and refreshments, Ayres Associates provided an overview of the brownfields program, emphasizing priority development areas and opportunities for future projects. Discussions with developers delved into site-specific challenges, financing strategies, public-private partnerships, and sustainability initiatives, followed by an open Q&A session before concluding with a recap of actionable steps and closing remarks from the organizing team.
Developer Insights
The interactive discussion yielded valuable feedback from developers, focusing on nine key areas:
- Factors making Eau Claire attractive for development projects.
- Challenges in development, including regulatory processes and infrastructure needs.
- Desired incentives and resources to facilitate development.
- Perspectives on redeveloping brownfield sites and making such projects viable.
- Importance of infill projects and rehabilitation of existing properties.
- Specific sites or areas of interest and anticipated challenges.
- Experiences with beneficial partnerships, including public-private collaborations.
- Support needed from the City, such as streamlined permitting and zoning reviews.
- Integration of sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency and green spaces.
Workshop Outcomes
The developers who attended expressed support for the City’s proactive approach to redevelopment and highlighted several opportunities and challenges.
Opportunities
Access to Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments
Site analysis and redevelopment opportunity evaluations
Incentives through the EPA and State Grant programs
Public-private partnerships as a vehicle for driving sustainable growth
Challenges
Navigating site-specific constraints and environmental concerns
Balancing regulatory requirements with project timelines
Access to funding and return on investment
Next Steps
Following the workshop, the City sent a thank-you email to attendees, emphasizing key takeaways and extending an invitation for continued collaboration. Developers were encouraged to share sites, projects, or ideas where the City could provide support through environmental assessments, development strategies, or resource connections. If you’re interested in taking advantage of new development opportunities as we identify potential sites, learn more about our work plan through the grant program by visiting the official update web page here.
About The Author
Kendall Williams
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Kendall facilitates the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division’s marketing plans, communicates with our regional partners, and manages property listings.
