Mike Mooney Receives WEDA’s Highest Honor for Exceptional Work in Economic Development
The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) announced it will present MLG Capital Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus Mike Mooney with the 2025 Frederick C. Pearce Award at the organization’s Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, which will be held Feb. 5-7 in Milwaukee, WI. The prestigious award, given every other year, was established in 1985 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of economic development in Wisconsin.
“It is a true honor to be recognized by WEDA and to have my name associated with previous recipients of the Frederick C. Pearce Award who helped shape economic development in Wisconsin,” said Mooney. “It’s also a privilege to be here among colleagues to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) in Wisconsin, which has been a proven driver of local economic success, helping to both revitalize urban corridors and bolster growth in rural areas across the state.”
During his 57-year career, Mooney has had an unparalleled impact on the real estate landscape and economic development in Wisconsin. After 20 years in the business, Mike co-founded Mooney Lesage and Associates, which became the state’s largest business park developer and commercial real estate brokerage firm. The firm grew to several principals and numerous dedicated staff, many still at MLG and others still in the industry today at other companies. The company has grown into one of the nation’s leading private equity real estate firms. As of Dec. 2024, MLG Capital has transacted on more than $7.3 billion in total market value, including currently held, sold, or pending assets.
Mooney’s work in economic development is equally impressive, including his significant contributions to WEDA as a board member for 12 years, and for shaping key legislative policies, such as TIF, that have provided communities and businesses across Wisconsin with the tools to help advance economic growth and prosperity.
WEDA Interim President & CEO Kathryn Berger applauded Mooney’s many professional accomplishments and said recognition of his work to advance economic development was long overdue. “Mike Mooney’s visionary leadership and transformative approach have redefined Wisconsin’s economic development landscape over his distinguished career, leaving a legacy that spans real estate and community renewal. It is especially fitting that we honor him with the 2025 Frederick C. Pearce Award during the 50th anniversary of TIF in Wisconsin, as his pioneering use of TIF in its early days helped reinvigorate communities and continues to inspire innovative economic development policies.”
Mooney was nominated for the Frederick C. Pearce Award by colleagues and industry leaders who have been inspired by his work and wanted to recognize his many contributions to economic development in Wisconsin. WEDA is proud to recognize Mike Mooney as the 2025 Frederick C. Pearce Award winner.
