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wherehows [2026/03/05 15:31] – jackdwherehows [2026/03/06 22:50] (current) – [WHEREHOWS] jackd
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 ** **
  
 +If you find this information and our mission compelling, [[https://www.mightycause.com/story/wherehows|please consider a tax-deductible donation here]].  **I'm currently donating the time and resources I spend on this**, to the tune of **$7200** so far (at $20/hr).  I do it because I think the vision of a network of these community centers is what's needed to counteract the onslaught of loneliness and disappearing "third spaces".  Research started 12/9/2026 and continued to 3/6/2026 87 days 696 hours @ $40/hr is a
 +
 +====== $27,840 Value ======
 +
 +YOURS FREE ALL RIGHTS RETAINED BY JACK DRISCOLL
 +
 +87 days 696 hours @ $40/hr
 ===== Project Scope ===== ===== Project Scope =====
  
 WHEREHOWS: Project Scope & Mission WHEREHOWS: Project Scope & Mission
- 
 ==== I. Purpose Statement ==== ==== I. Purpose Statement ====
  
 WHEREHOWS is a research and technical assistance initiative dedicated to lowering the barrier to entry for rural and peri-urban community centers. We operate on the principle that community infrastructure should be sustainable, adaptable, and rooted in local heritage. WHEREHOWS is a research and technical assistance initiative dedicated to lowering the barrier to entry for rural and peri-urban community centers. We operate on the principle that community infrastructure should be sustainable, adaptable, and rooted in local heritage.
  
 +"I am launching WHEREHOWS to solve the 'Infrastructure Gap' in rural America. We are studying how to use sustainable tech and creative land-use to build community centers that don't rely on massive debt. Our first pilot study is already underway in Sheboygan County."
 ==== II. Core Activities ==== ==== II. Core Activities ====
  
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 //Our flagship pilot project focuses on a permaculture-integrated wellness hub in rural Wisconsin, serving as the primary case study for our open-source development model."// //Our flagship pilot project focuses on a permaculture-integrated wellness hub in rural Wisconsin, serving as the primary case study for our open-source development model."//
  
 +===== Property Information =====
 +
 +==== Schools ====
 +
 +Schools are exemplary properties for community centers, since they often have large open internal areas, multiple separate rooms, and can usually be found below the typical market rate.  The biggest 3 issues getting them revitalized are 1) sprinklers 2) ADA 3) roof condition.  There are a number of activities, like changing the use of a property, that may trigger various levels of code updates.  This is a matter to be discussed with an architect and/or the local building inspector.
 +
 +=== Studies ===
 +
 +{{ ::public-school-property-conversions.pdf |}}
 +
 +{{ :school_conversion_project_summary_12-16-1.pdf |}} (from  Errin Welty with the WEDC)
 +
 +{{ :adaptive_reuse_abandoned_schools.pdf |}} from e-architect
 +
 +[[https://savingplaces.org/stories/adaptive-reuse-school-sites|Seven Adaptive Reuse Sites Continue to Educate]]
 +
 +[[https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffsteele/2023/08/31/abandoned-schools-garner-top-grades-in-adaptive-reuse/|Abandoned Schools Garner Top Grades In Adaptive Reuse]]
 +
 +===== Funding =====
 +
 +You will most likely have to deal with the most risk-averse people whose entire jobs it is to take calculated risks - lenders.  I'm talking banks.  Want to start a business?  I hope you already have a business for 3 years.  Want a loan?  I hope you have good credit, because without it they won't touch you even with collateral.  If someone made me a deal where if they win I get $50k and if they lose I get $50k I'd take it even if they have negative credit myself, but I'm no banker
 +
 +==== Traditional Lenders ====
 +
 +Banks.   Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke.
 +
 +==== Hard Money Lenders ====
 +
 +Like traditional lenders but with less rules and higher interest rates.  These are the guys "flippers" use because they're way faster than traditional loans, but charge more and have shorter terms.  Still, they may come in handy.
 +
 +==== Special Lending Programs ====
 +
 +=== SBA ===
 +
 +The main SBA programs are the 504 (real estate) and the 7(a) (real estate, repairs, equipment, operating expenses, pretty much anything).  People will rarely do a 504 for less than 350k even though they could, they're just lazy.  The 7(a) is common for startups and entrepreneurs.
 +
 +=== USDA B&I ===
 +
 +These are special loans you can get if you're starting a business in a rural area.  Have higher limits than SBA.
 +
 +=== RLFs ===
 +
 +Revolving Loan Funds - you will find these for different areas.  It's a pool of money used to stimulate economic development, sometimes with strings, but usually just per area.
 +
 +=== EDCs ===
 +
 +
 +
 +===== Grants =====
 +
 +The wild, wonderful world of grants, where you can find "free" money that always comes with strings attached.  They're always changing and the grant you need may have closed last month and the only open ones are for different things, so you have to keep your ear to the ground.
 +
 +==== CDBG ====
 +
 +Community Development Block Grants are run by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and have various criteria depending on the type of grant.  Some are for profits, some not-for-profits and all need to be done in combination with a local government entity.  They typically require the population to be 51+% low-to-moderate income (LMI).
 +
 +==== Opportunity Zones ====
 +
 +[[https://missioninvestors.org/resources/opportunity-zones-fundamentals|Opportunity Zones]] allow investors to defer and potentially eliminate capital gains taxes by investing in Qualified Opportunity Funds for at least ten years.
 +
 +==== New Market Tax Credits ====
 +
 +[[https://taxfoundation.org/blog/new-markets-tax-credit-nmtc/|NMTC]] offers a 39% tax credit over seven years for investments in community development entities.
 +
 +==== Community Development Initiative ====
 +
 +WEDC’s [[https://wedc.org/programs/community-development-investment-grant/|Community Development Investment Grant Program]] helps transform communities by supporting local development that is as unique as the communities in Wisconsin.  The CDI Grant Program will support urban, small city and rural community (re)development efforts by providing financial incentives for shovel-ready projects with emphasis on, but not limited to, downtown community-driven efforts.
 +
 +  * Development of a significant destination attraction
 +  * Rehabilitation and reuse of an underutilized or landmark building
 +  * Infill development
 +  * Historic preservation
 +  * Infrastructure efforts providing substantial benefits to downtown residents/property owners
 +  * Mixed-use development
 +
 +Funds may be used for:
 +  * Building renovation
 +  * Historic preservation
 +  * Demolition
 +  * New construction
 +  * Infrastructure improvements
 ===== An Example Entity - Jungle Gym, LLC ===== ===== An Example Entity - Jungle Gym, LLC =====