Madison, Wis. – Today, Governor Evers and DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld released an update to the state’s Vision 2030 plan as the Evers Administration continues a whole-of-government approach to improving efficiency and savings in Wisconsin state government property ownership and upkeep. The last update estimated that Vision 2030, the Evers Administration’s plan to lower costs for taxpayers and streamline the Wisconsin state government’s footprint to help modernize the state’s workforce, is projected to generate over $7.4 million in occupancy savings annually while delivering taxpayers over $541 million in savings from deferred maintenance costs.
Vision 2030 aims to provide a framework to save taxpayer dollars while enhancing services to Wisconsinites and communities, right-sizing the state’s real estate portfolio by shedding underutilized properties, and enabling more Wisconsinites from every corner of the state, regardless of their municipality or location, to join the state’s workforce.
“I declared 2024 the Year of the Worker, and I’m proud of my administration’s efforts in 2024 to address our state’s generational workforce challenges, reduce barriers to work, and improve our efforts to recruit, train, and retain workers across our state. Vision 2030 is a critical part of our work to reduce costs to taxpayers, modernize and improve state government, and make sure we continue to be competitive as one of our state’s largest employers,” said Governor Evers. “Through our Vision 2030 efforts, we’re also making sure Wisconsinites can join our state workforce regardless of whether they live in Rhinelander, Fond du Lac, Siren, or anywhere in between. Our goal is to find the best workers, no matter what community they live in, and that’s great news for Wisconsinites and our state.”
“Vision 2030 not only helps us modernize where and how work gets done at the State level, it also has provided more opportunities to develop and grow our Wisconsin workforce talent across the state – a win-win for taxpayers and state workers,” said Secretary Blumenfeld.
Since Vision 2030 was first introduced, the State has leaned into the growing demand for digital services, accelerated Anywhere in Wisconsin hiring, put several underused properties up for sale, and optimized building footprints for state workers. State agencies have consolidated over 230,000 square feet, with an additional nearly 400,000 square feet of space reduction in the works. Today’s update highlights the timeline for the centerpiece of Vision 2030 in the Madison area, with the planned sale of General Executive Facility (GEF) 2 building at 101 S. Webster St., together with the GEF 3 building at 125 S. Webster St., as well as the State Human Services Building at 1 W. Wilson St.
Over a dozen agencies have consolidated and reduced their overall footprint in the months since the March 2023 update, with more moves underway. These consolidation efforts will ultimately result in substantial savings for Wisconsin taxpayers in avoided maintenance and operating costs, positive environmental impact, as well as the return of valuable properties to the tax rolls and opportunities for new development.
In addition, the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the new Milwaukee State Office Building has just been released.
In Milwaukee, the State purchased a 2.6 acre parcel at 27th Street and Wisconsin Avenue for the future home of the Milwaukee State Office Building. The request for proposals released todayopens up possibilities for local revitalization through a public/private partnership, with the State as an anchor tenant and fostering neighborhood services, business, and retail that will serve the community for years to come. Submissions are due February 28, 2025.
“We look forward to working closely with our partners and local developers to build a multi-purpose state office building and remainder of the site that will foster growth and revitalize the community,” said Secretary Blumenfeld.
Continued record low unemployment and record high employment in Wisconsin signal that labor markets will remain tight for the foreseeable future. These trends underscore the need for Vision 2030, with continued support for a hybrid, and decentralized workforce across the state, ensuring the state remains a competitive employer for years to come.
See the latest Vision 2030 update for more details.
