In this report, La Follette students evaluate the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program to assess its effectiveness and identify opportunities to strengthen its impact.
Summary
The Madison Office of Business Resources (OBR) requested an evaluation of the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program to assess its effectiveness and identify opportunities to strengthen its impact. The analysis utilized a multi–method analysis that combined a survey of grant recipients, a process evaluation grounded in Government Accountability Office best practices, and a comparative review of similar programs in peer cities. These approaches provided a comprehensive assessment of how the program supports business investment and where enhancements are warranted. The findings indicate three key areas for improvement: (1) standardizingfront-end grant administration and data collection, (2) clarifying program objectives and explicitly defining eligibility and approval criteria for BIG, and (3) formalizing back-end compliance monitoring procedures.
Information
- Course: Workshop in Public Affairs, PA 869, taught by Jason Delborne, Spring 2026
- Authors: Xavier Hopp, Laila McLaughlin, Evelynn Michaud-Spangler, and Sequoia Sirek
- Client: City of Madison — Office of Business Resources