In construction and project financing, a draw is a request for partial payment based on work completed to date. Large construction projects don't typically involve a single payment upon completion; instead, contractors submit periodic draw requests (usually monthly) documenting progress and requesting payment for completed work. Each draw includes detailed schedules showing work items, percentage complete, amounts earned, and any changes from the original contract. Municipal staff or project managers review draws to verify that claimed work is actually complete and meets quality standards before authorizing payment. Draw requests are processed against the total contract value, with final retainage (typically 10%) held until project completion and deficiency correction. This progressive payment approach helps contractors manage cash flow while protecting owners from paying for incomplete work.