Quality of Life in Brown County
Investing visitor-generated dollars back into the community we call home.
INVESTING IN BROWN COUNTY
Tourism has long been an important part of Brown County’s economy. Through the Innkeeper’s Tax—paid by overnight visitors—tourism gives us a direct opportunity to invest back into our community.
The Brown County Quality of Life Initiative helps identify and support projects that create lasting public benefit—from parks and recreation to infrastructure, arts, culture, and community spaces.
The goal is simple: use visitor-generated revenue responsibly and strategically to help make Brown County an even better place to live.
HOW QUALITY OF LIFE FUNDING WORKS:
Quality of Life investments are made possible through Brown County’s Innkeeper’s tax—a tax paid by overnight visitors staying in local lodging. These visitor-generated dollars directly support eligible local initiatives that strengthen Brown County and create lasting community benefit.
Typical Process:
- Community needs and opportunities are identified
- Funding opportunities are opened for eligible projects
- Organizations submit applications
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness
- Eligible projects are evaluated using established criteria
- Funding recommendations are made through the Quality of Life process
- Funding decisions proceed through the appropriate public approval process
- Approved projects are implemented
- Funded projects report on progress, outcomes, and community impact
What We Invest In:
Quality of Life investments focus on projects that create meaningful and lasting benefits for Brown County. Priority areas include:
- Parks and recreation
- Tourism-related and community infrastructure
- Community spaces and public amenities
- Arts, culture, and heritage
- Economic development connected to tourism
- Projects that strengthen the visitor economy while creating community benefit
- Other eligible projects that demonstrate meaningful and lasting benefit to Brown County
All investments must meet applicable requirements for the use of Innkeeper’s Tax revenue and demonstrate responsible use of public funds.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN ACTION:
Pump Track at Deer Run Park
Quality of Life funding helped make the Pump Track at Deer Run Park possible, creating a new public recreation amenity for the Brown County community while strengthening the county’s growing outdoor recreation economy.
This investment:
- Expands free outdoor recreation opportunities for local residents and families
- Creates a new community amenity for riders of varying ages and skill levels
- Supports Brown County’s outdoor recreation economy and cycling community
- Demonstrates how visitor-generated revenue can be reinvested into amenities that benefit the people who live here
Status: Completed
Bean Blossom Overlook Shelter
Quality of Life funding supported improvements to the shelter at the Bean Blossom Overlook, helping preserve and enhance a unique public gathering space with one of Brown County’s most scenic views.
This investment:
- Improves a public space available for residents and community use
- Enhances an existing Brown County recreation and scenic asset
- Creates opportunities for community gatherings, arts and cultural programming, and special events
- Helps preserve a distinctive place that contributes to Brown County’s quality of life and sense of place
Status: Completed
APPLY FOR QUALITY OF LIFE FUNDING
Have a project that could make a meaningful difference in Brown County? Quality of Life funding opportunities provide eligible organizations with a way to propose projects that strengthen our community and support the responsible reinvestment of visitor-generated revenue.
Interested in applying?
Review current funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and applicant resources below.
APPLICATION STATUS
Applications are not currently open. A formal funding cycle will be announced when available.
Organizations interested in future funding opportunities can review eligibility information and applicant resources now to begin preparing.
Stay Informed
Want to stay informed about Quality of Life funding opportunities, community investments, and future application cycles? Sign up to receive updates.