MADISON, Wis – On Tuesday, November 4th, Representative Joe Sheehan (D- Sheboygan), along with his Democratic colleagues in the Assembly and Senate, announced the Strengthening Local Communities bill package. This legislation gives communities more localized control over their economies. It offers tools that will help increase affordable housing, economic development, and community services.
This package includes a number of bills aimed at increasing revenue for counties across the state. LRB-4792 contains a shared revenue fix for mid-sized cities; this will provide the city of Sheboygan with a nearly $500,000 increase in shared revenue payments. LRB-4603 modernizes the Tax Incremental Financing system by raising the valuation limit and removing the mixed use development cap, allowing local municipalities more flexibility to utilize TIFs. LRB-0970 is a TIF specific affordable housing bill that allows municipalities to extend a Tax Incremental District for 3 years for the express purpose of building more affordable housing.
Rep. Sheehan released the following statement:
“I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on this legislation. These bills put the power into the hands of the people and allow local governments to make decisions that will best fit their communities. Increasing local control is necessary to strengthen our democracy and ensure community decisions are being made by those with boots on the ground. We are removing barriers that have made it hard for our cities and towns to manage themselves.
During my time in the legislature, and before that as Executive Director of the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to ensure local municipalities have the power to make any changes to their communities that they see fit. From local economies, to housing, to public lands, this bill package will put the power back in the hands of those who know what is best for their community.”
