Civil Municipal - May 2024

community development incentive grants totaling approximately $436,000 from the Wisconsin Development Corporation. On top of that,Hillsboro sought more funding through the Wisconsin Department of Administration, which offered hedge funds for business expansion. “I was able to help obtain approximately $120,000 for various new businesses to incentivize them to start up,” says Finch, referencing the Main Street Bounce Back grant. “We’ve really tried our best to be a community that is open for business and open for expansion.” After that, businesses swiftly streamed in, notably a state-of-the-art gym and a smokehouse butcher shop serving high-quality meats unique to the Hillsboro area. The city council’s effort to invest as much as they are is somewhat atypical, Finch says. That’s why he’s so proud that 10 new businesses have moved into the city’s core during his tenure, leaving just (Two)vacant units remaining. “Over the last 18 to 24 months, we’ve seen our entire downtown relatively filled,” says Finch. “That is a great thing to see. We are definitely not done yet. We’re still working diligently.” One of those new businesses, La Marimba Nicaraguan Cuisine, is a shining story for Hillsboro. It began when the owner of The Power Station Nutrition, a bubble tea spot, expressed interest in opening a Nicaraguan restaurant, feeling that Hillsboro was the perfect area. “That is incredible to see that we’re having that kind of progressive growth in our community,” says Finch. “And I think it’s also a sign that people want to build here; they want to have their businesses in town, and, yes, they want to invest in this community.” “You want to talk about the American dream? You can do that right here in Hillsboro, and we’ll help you,” promises Finch. HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE In a recent council meeting, the city of Hillsboro approved the sale of 10 new lots for housing 103 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 HI LLSBORO, WI