Leaders for Central Wisconsin Days 2026 gather in the rotunda of the State Capitol before meeting legislators.
Central Wisconsin Leaders Unite at State Capitol to Advocate for Regional Growth at Annual Central Wisconsin Days
MADISON, WISCONSIN – February 13, 2026 — Business and community leaders from across Central Wisconsin gathered at the State Capitol for Central Wisconsin Days 2026, hosted by Centergy, the region’s leading economic development organization. This signature event continues to drive collaboration and strategic investment across the five-county region: Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, and Wood Counties.
This year’s advocacy focused on four core policy priorities designed to promote long-term economic growth, stability, and competitiveness.
2026 Policy Priorities: Building Central Wisconsin’s Future
Unlocking Economic Potential
Housing shortages across Central Wisconsin are limiting workforce attraction, retention, and employer growth, while many existing housing and redevelopment programs are not structured to fit the scale of smaller communities. Adjusting current state housing programs to be more flexible and locally responsive would expand access to resources, unlock reinvestment, and strengthen economic competitiveness across Wisconsin’s diverse regions.
Maintaining a Strong Regional Airport
Regional airports are critical economic engines that support jobs, business growth, tourism, and workforce mobility, but restrictions on project delivery methods can increase costs and delays for complex, always-operational facilities. Allowing greater flexibility such as using Construction Manager at Risk for state-funded airport projects would improve efficiency, cost certainty, and local contractor participation, helping airports better support regional and statewide economic competitiveness.
Protecting Our Environment and Businesses
Protecting our environment and health against ‘forever chemicals’ requires a balanced, science-based policy that offers an opportunity to improve public health, protect environmental quality, and enhance overall quality of life. By emphasizing collaboration, clear communication, and shared responsibility, these approaches can safeguard communities while maintaining economic viability and supporting long-term sustainability.
Aligning Wisconsin and Federal Income Tax Policy
Aligning Wisconsin’s income tax policy with recent federal changes that exempt overtime and tip income for qualifying taxpayers would simplify filing for residents, increase take-home pay for working families, and strengthen consumer-driven economic activity. By improving income tax competitiveness with neighboring states, Wisconsin can better attract and retain workers, encourage business investment, and support long-term economic vitality.
Looking Ahead: Why Businesses Should Attend
Regional Leadership Focused on Strategic Investment
Central Wisconsin Days provides a platform for businesses to advocate for the needs of their communities and help shape the statewide policies that impact infrastructure, workforce development, housing, and more.
Nick Faber, President/CEO of Simplicity Credit Union, had this to say about Central Wisconsin Days. “Advocating during Central Wisconsin Days is about lifting up the voices of the people and communities we care about most. It’s a reminder that what happens at the Capitol truly impacts our region, and that real change begins when we show up and speak up together.”
First-time attendees and returning advocates are guided by experienced team leaders from the region that prepare participants to effectively communicate the region’s top priorities during legislative conversations.
This event offers a powerful opportunity to move Central Wisconsin forward, and we invite more businesses to join us April 21 & 22, 2027. Please reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions and to take part in Central Wisconsin Days 2027.
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Centergy, Inc. is a 501(c)4 nonprofit regional marketing and economic development organization. Centergy is committed to advancing prosperity and vibrancy in the five-county region of Central Wisconsin: Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, and Wood Counties.