The City of Willard has taken a major step toward attracting responsible growth, private investment, and new opportunities for our community.

On Monday, July 6, 2026, the Board of Aldermen approved the City’s new Economic Development Incentives Policy, creating a clear and transparent framework for how future incentive requests will be reviewed. The policy is designed to help Willard be proactive, not reactive, when considering public-private partnerships that align with the City’s long-term needs and goals.

The policy identifies Willard’s current priorities, including commercial development that helps keep residents in town after work, family-friendly entertainment, casual dining, small grocery options, and projects that contain infrastructure improvements, especially sewer and utility infrastructure.

Importantly, the policy does not guarantee incentives. Each proposal remains subject to Board approval, must be reviewed case by case, and must show that the project would not occur “but for” the incentive. The policy also emphasizes accountability, financial review, applicant-funded professional review costs, periodic reporting, and performance requirements where appropriate.

For residents, this means the City now has a stronger process to protect public interests while encouraging projects that can expand services, strengthen the local tax base, improve infrastructure, and enhance quality of life.

For developers, businesses, and community investors, the message is clear: Willard is open to considering the right tools for the right projects; especially projects that match the community’s needs and contribute to long-term, responsible growth.

Read the full policy here: https://aptg.co/tKHX3G