WEDA Wire – January 31, 2025
Message from the Board Chair, Melissa Hunt
As I prepare to roll off as WEDA Chair and transition into the role of Past Chair, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve shared over the past two years. Serving as Chair-Elect and Chair has been a tremendous honor, and I’m thrilled by what we’ve accomplished together.
From launching YPEN (the Young Professionals Economic Network) to the success of ED WOW (Economic Development Week of Wisconsin), WEDA has continued to innovate and strengthen its impact across the state. These milestones reflect the collective dedication of our board, members, and partners to advancing economic development in Wisconsin.
As we approach WEDA’s 50th Anniversary in 2025, I’m reminded of the remarkable leaders, members, and partners, my mentors, who have built the foundation of this organization over the decades. Their vision and hard work have paved the way for WEDA to grow into the thriving association it is today. This milestone is not only a celebration of our past but also an opportunity to honor their legacy by driving WEDA’s mission forward for the next 50 years. With initiatives like the 50th Anniversary Fund—raising funds for scholarships and other initiatives—and the celebration of 50 years of TIF in Wisconsin, we have so much to honor this year. Together, we are poised to continue shaping Wisconsin’s economic future in meaningful ways.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your unwavering support, collaboration, and passion for this work. As I’ve often said, WEDA is member-driven, and it is through all of us working together that we have achieved so much and arrived at where we are today. Being one of WEDA’s leaders during such a dynamic and impactful time has been an incredible privilege. I know that with your continued commitment, the best is yet to come. WEDA has always been—and will always remain—member-driven, and together, we will ensure its ongoing success.
As I take on the role of Past Chair, I remain eager to support WEDA in every way I can. Thank you again for making my time as Chair so rewarding. I look forward to celebrating with you this year and continuing to work alongside you to achieve great things for Wisconsin. If you haven’t registered yet – Get on it! See you at the Governor’s Conference!
With gratitude and excitement for the future ~ melissa
Looking Ahead: Building WEDA’s Calendar for a Stronger Future
As I continue preparing WEDA’s 2025 calendar of events and meetings, I am reminded of the incredible momentum our organization has built—and the exciting path ahead. With WEDA celebrating its 50th anniversary and marking 50 years of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in Wisconsin, our upcoming Governor’s Conference on Economic Development is shaping up to be an unforgettable kickoff to this milestone year. Over 300 professionals from across the state will gather in Milwaukee to exchange ideas, learn from expert presenters, and celebrate the impact of economic development in Wisconsin.
Beyond the conference, I’ve been focused on ensuring a strong year ahead for the CRA Network, which continues to bring economic development professionals, community organizations, and financial institutions together to explore impactful partnerships. Affordable housing is proving to be a key area of interest for our members, and our upcoming CRA Network Listening Session on Affordable Housing is a testament to that. With 73 attendees registered, including 18 bankers from 9 institutions and practitioners representing over 20 communities, this FDIC-partnered event will provide a forum to increase awareness of CRA-driven lending, investment, and service opportunities that can expand housing access across Wisconsin.
Looking ahead, our partnership with the FDIC and OCC will deliver additional in-person CRA Network events focused on the Low Income Housing Tax Credit—with sessions scheduled for April 22 in Brookfield and October 22 in Green Bay, along with a pre-conference session on Deal-making with CDFIs ahead of the Fall Best Practices Conference in Oshkosh. Be sure to watch your inboxes for details on these valuable opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Education Committee is hard at work planning a full calendar of webinars throughout the year, covering key topics such as grant writing, housing finance, and, this year more than ever, TIF. And don’t forget the Basic Economic Development Course, June 3-5 in Stevens Point, designed to provide a foundational understanding of economic development concepts, theories, methods, and practices—taught by many of Wisconsin’s top economic development professionals.
Finally, no 50th anniversary celebration would be complete without a chance to relax, compete, and connect! We’re planning a 50th Anniversary Golf Outing, Bags Tournament, and Celebration Dinner on June 16—a full day of friendly competition, great food, and meaningful networking. Registration is open now, and sponsorships are available. Don’t miss it!
As I prepare to transition out of my role as Interim President & CEO in the next three months or so, I am committed to ensuring a seamless handoff to WEDA’s next leader, with a well-structured calendar of opportunities to serve and engage our members. WEDA’s strength lies in its network of dedicated professionals, and I’m confident that 2025 will be a year of growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.
Looking forward to seeing many of you in Milwaukee soon!
Communities Lead in Finding Innovative Solutions to Housing Needs
By WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes
In nearly every community or business I visit, the conversation inevitably turns to housing.
It’s a simple equation: For communities and businesses to grow, residents and workers need places to live.
That’s why I’m so excited about the innovative approaches many communities are taking in finding new uses for existing buildings.
Across Wisconsin, former schools, stores, and even motels are providing much-needed alternatives to new residential construction. And in many cases, these projects are also giving an extra boost to local downtowns.
For example, in Shawano, Heather Pahl, the co-owner of Martin Jewellers, turned the downtown building she owns into a renovated space combining residential and commercial uses. The renovations add character to the historic building, but perhaps more importantly, address the city’s need for additional housing.
“Employees in Shawano can’t find housing and are living out of town and commuting in,” Pahl recently told WEDC. “In order to bring back that vibrancy downtown, second-story housing is critical.”
Similarly, in Rhinelander a former Rodeway Inn is being converted into a 31-unit apartment building that will serve veterans, fixed-income seniors, and seasonal workers who often can’t find affordable housing in the nearby community.
“These apartments are critical,” said Patrick Reagan, Rhinelander city administrator. “We have a housing shortage just like everybody else, and bringing more housing into the market is great. It’s important that we have housing that meets the needs of everyone in the community, not just those with deep pockets.”
Meanwhile, in Randolph, plans are underway to convert the former elementary and middle school, built in 1942, into 28 apartments and six condo units, with 26 of the apartments to be offered at below-market rates.
Village President Ken Ireland told Wisconsin Public Radio that the project will help meet one of Randolph’s greatest needs — senior housing – as well as freeing up existing homes for new residents.
Some older residents might want to downsize and rent apartments or buy condominiums. If those options aren’t available, “they stay in their homes, so then there isn’t that turnover of workforce housing available” for those who are looking for smaller, more affordable homes.
Creating an environment where businesses thrive starts with having communities where workers can find a place to call home.
Communities statewide are drawing on their strengths and finding creative new ways to meet current and future housing needs, and WEDC is proud to give them a boost.
Missy Hughes is Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the state’s leading economic development organization.
In Case You Missed It: 2025-26 WEDA Legislative Agenda Unveiled
The 2025-26 Wisconsin legislative session officially kicked off this month, and WEDA is working the halls of the State Capitol, engaging with lawmakers and pursuing WEDA’s legislative priorities aimed at promoting growth and prosperity. Our discussions with policymakers are guided by WEDA’s Legislative Agenda, which was approved by the WEDA Legislative Committee and Board and unveiled for members last November.
The Legislative Agenda lays out WEDA’s top legislative priorities and broader legislative goals for the 2025-26 Legislative Session and reflects input from members on issues critical to economic development in Wisconsin. Please keep in mind the WEDA Government Affairs Team will engage in the issues outlined in our Agenda throughout the course of the two-year session and as allowed by the political climate. In addition, it is important to remember new issues could emerge and priorities could shift throughout the session. If necessary, WEDA is prepared to pivot to address new issues and evolving priorities.
Please CLICK HERE to review the 2025-26 WEDA Legislative Agenda.
2025 WEDA Legislative Day: REGISTER TODAY!
Be an Effective Advocate for Economic Development!
With the new Wisconsin legislative session now underway, WEDA is focused on advancing our legislative priorities during the during 2025-26 session . With that in mind, we would strongly encourage all members to REGISTER for 2025 WEDA Legislative Day, which will be held in Madison on Wed., March 26 at The Madison Club . This FREE, one-day event offers WEDA members a tremendous opportunity to advocate for our legislative goals, advance economic development, and promote growth across Wisconsin.
WEDA Legislative Day participants will be able to network with other economic development professionals and learn more about key WEDA legislative initiatives through detailed policy briefings. Most importantly, you will be able to meet with your legislators in the State Capitol to educate them on important economic development issues. Please find below the current Agenda for 2025 WEDA Legislative Day:
- 9:30 AM – Registration
- 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM – Legislative Day Overview and Advocacy Tips
- 10:40 AM – 11:00 AM – Guest Speaker: Representative Dave Armstrong (R-Rice Lake), Chair of the Assembly Small Business Development Committee and WEDC Board Member
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – WEDA Legislative Priorities Issue Briefings
- 12:00 PM – Lunch
- 1:00 P.M. – 2:30 PM – Capitol Meetings with Legislators
As you know, public policy decisions made at the State Capitol have a significant impact on the Wisconsin economy, so your participation at 2025 WEDA Legislative Day is essential. Please REGISTER TODAY !
DWD Now Accepting Applications for Fast Forward Workforce Training Grants
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is now accepting applications for Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) grants to help address the state’s demand for skilled workers. Employers of all types and sizes across Wisconsin are eligible to apply for funding to train skilled workers.
The WFF program supports innovative local and regional solutions to help employers meet workforce needs in their areas. The Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants reimburse the costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and existing workers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 – and higher for consortium applicants – can cover training that qualifies workers for full-time positions, higher-level roles, or increased wages.
Eligible applicants include:
- Public agencies.
- Private organizations in all industry sectors.
- A consortium of placement partners with the lead public or private organization serving as the applicant.
- Tribal governing bodies of a federally recognized tribe or band of Native Americans, or an organization appointed by the tribal governing body.
The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. Central Standard Time on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $400,000, or more if the applicant is a consortium.
More information and instructions to apply can be found at the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program .
Overall Wisconsin Tax Burden Continues to Fall; State Budget Surplus Increases
There has been some good news recently for Wisconsin taxpayers. Not only is the overall state and local tax burden in Wisconsin continuing to decline, but the state’s budget surplus continues to grow.
A recent report issued by the Wisconsin Policy Forum found that state and local taxes as a share of income in Wisconsin fell once again in 2024. According to the report, state and local taxes as a share of income hit a low of 9.62% of personal income in 2024 – down.92% in 2023.
The report found, “ Incomes rose rapidly in Wisconsin for the most recent year while state and local tax collections grew at their slowest rate since 2017, pushing the state and local tax burden to its lowest level since at least 1970. The growth in revenues from state taxes slowed substantially, as corporate tax collections fell for the second year in a row and sales tax revenues grew at their lowest rate since the Great Recession. ”
In addition to the news from the Wisconsin Policy Forum report, more good state fiscal news was recently announced by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB). The Bureau projected the state will now finish the 2023-25 budget cycle with a $4.3 billion surplus, up from the $4 billion surplus predicted by the Evers Administration back in November. The LFB also projects the state will see an additional $1.85 billion in tax collections in the next two years. CLICK HERE to read the full LFB memo.
Small businesses across Wisconsin can receive free advice and training
Small businesses throughout Wisconsin can now receive free advice and training thanks to a new partnership between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Universities of Wisconsin’s Office for Business and Entrepreneurship.
The Main Street Bounceback Technical Assistance and Training Program will provide small businesses – with less than 500 employees — training ranging from formal business classes to one-on-one consultations with experts in fields such as marketing, financial planning, and human resources.
ICYMI: Wisconsin Policy Forum Unveils Transportaion Funding Report
A new Wisconsin Policy Forum report – Road Map: Assessing and Funding Wisconsin’s Transportation Needs – finds Wisconsin policymakers are nearing a crossroads on how to fund the state’s transportation system, as transportation revenues lag, project costs sharply increase, and a growing reliance on the state’s general fund may prove unsustainable.
This report was undertaken to provide policymakers, business and civic leaders, and state residents with greater understanding of the fiscal challenges facing the state’s transportation system and to inform deliberations about transportation finance over both the short and long term. The project was funded in part by the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute (WEDI) – WEDA’s non-profit foundation – along with the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, and the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin.
Mounting transportation budget constraints are linked to slow growth in revenue, aging infrastructure, inflation, and other factors. Aging transportation infrastructure can also negatively impact economic development. Thus, according to the report, if policymakers wish to put the state transportation budget on a sustainable path, they likely will face difficult decisions involving real tradeoffs. To assist policymakers and the public, the report outlines three spending scenarios for transportation and examines the potential revenue gap for each.
CLICK HERE to read the full report. The report summary can be found HERE .
REMINDER: WEDI Economic Development Toolbox Handbook
The Wisconsin Economic Development Institute – WEDA’s non-profit foundation established to conduct research to increase the effectiveness of economic development across the state – is excited to unveil its latest project for WEDA members.
Don’t forget to utilize the WEDI Economic Development Toolbox Handbook – a catalog and overview of state economic and community development programs in Wisconsin. It is a one-stop, user friendly resource for economic development professionals on programs and incentives offered by state agencies to drive economic growth. The online platform provides information on how loans, grants, and tax credits can support economic opportunities in your communities. Please take advantage of this valuable new resource as you work to provide new opportunities and prosperity for businesses and residents in your communities.
WEDA Job Board
Check out the latest job opportunities in the economic development field on the WEDA Job Board :
- City Assessor – City of Oshkosh, WI
- Economic Development Manager – City if Wausau, WI
- Director of Policy – Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Please CLICK HERE to view job descriptions.
Upcoming WEDA Events
The 2025 WEDA Governor’s Conference on Economic Development is right around the corner (Feb. 5-7), but WEDA has tremendous events and outstanding educational and networking opportunities throughout the year. CLICK HERE to learn more about WEDA’s upcoming events and programming.