Central Wisconsin Highlights Recent Legislative Updates Following Central Wisconsin Days 2026 

Central Wisconsin communities are celebrating significant legislative progress following Central Wisconsin Days 2026, held in February, as several topics discussed during meetings with state leaders have since been signed into law by Governor Tony Evers. 

The newly enacted legislation expands tools available to communities to address housing shortages, support redevelopment, and strengthen infrastructure. These topics were discussed during Central Wisconsin Days, when regional leaders met with state policymakers to share information about community conditions and regional needs. and highlight the needs facing Central Wisconsin communities and employers. 

Centergy, Inc. works collaboratively with regional partners to support regional economic growth by sharing community priorities, facilitating conversations, and providing information about regional challenges and opportunities. Centergy does not engage in lobbying activities but plays an important role in connecting policymakers with real-world examples from communities across Central Wisconsin. 

Several housing and redevelopment topics discussed during Central Wisconsin Days are now reflected in newly enacted legislation, expanding the tools available to communities working to increase housing supply and support redevelopment. 

Residential TID Authority — SB 480 / AB 451 (Act 235) 

Residential Tax Incremental District Authority, Senate Bill 480 and Assembly Bill 451, creates a new type of residential Tax Increment District that allows communities to support infrastructure tied directly to housing development. This new authority provides communities with an additional financing tool to help address workforce housing shortages and support residential growth. 

Historic Preservation Tax Credit Modernization — AB 375 / SB 382 (Act 238) 

Historic Preservation Tax Credit Modernization, Assembly Bill 375 and Senate Bill 382, updates Wisconsin’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program to reduce barriers for redevelopment projects and expand access to credits. These updates are expected to support revitalization efforts in historic downtowns and commercial corridors across Central Wisconsin. 

Workforce Housing Revolving Loan Fund Improvements — AB 194 (Act 237) 

Workforce Housing Revolving Loan Fund Improvements, Assembly Bill 194, strengthens housing financing tools administered through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. The changes improve flexibility for housing developments and enhance the financial feasibility of workforce housing projects. 

PFAS Testing and Cleanup Funding — AB 130 / AB 131 (Act 200 & 201) 

PFAS Testing and Cleanup Funding, Assembly Bills 130 and 131, released funding from Wisconsin’s PFAS trust fund to support municipal water testing, remediation efforts, and assistance for private well owners. These investments strengthen environmental protection efforts and support infrastructure resilience across Central Wisconsin communities. 

Airport Infrastructure Flexibility — AB 526 / SB 528 

Airport Infrastructure Delivery Flexibility, Assembly Bill 526 and Senate Bill 528, would allow the use of Construction Manager at Risk delivery methods for airport projects. This proposal remains an important priority infrastructure and will be monitored as for future action as it did not move from the Assembly. 

Central Wisconsin Days 2026 brought together business leaders, local officials, and community representatives from across the region to meet with state policymakers in February. During these meetings, participants shared perspectives on housing availability, infrastructure investment, environmental protection, and economic competitiveness. 

These conversations provide an opportunity for policymakers to better understand the challenges facing communities and employers throughout Central Wisconsin. By sharing local experiences and examples, regional leaders provide context about the conditions facing communities across Central Wisconsin. 

“The success of these priorities reflects the strength of collaboration across Wisconsin,” said Angel Laidlaw, President and CEO of Centergy, Inc. 

“Central Wisconsin Days provides an important opportunity for communities to share their experiences and highlight the challenges facing residents and employers. The tools created through these legislations provide communities with additional options to support housing development and long-term regional growth.” 

Centergy extends its appreciation to Governor Tony Evers and our statewide partners, including the Wisconsin Paper Council, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, for their leadership, collaboration, and commitment to advancing solutions that support communities and economic growth across Wisconsin. 

Centergy will continue working alongside municipalities, businesses, and statewide partners to support these tools and to help communities understand how they may be used to support local development goals for Central Wisconsin. 

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Centergy, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit regional marketing and economic development organization committed to advancing prosperity and vibrancy in the five-county region of Central Wisconsin: Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, and Wood Counties. Regional participation in Central Wisconsin Days included collaboration with partner organizations, some of which engage directly in legislative advocacy. Centergy’s role focuses on convening stakeholders, sharing information, and supporting regional collaboration.