Hey there, folks! Governor Tony Evers here. 
 
Kathy and I have lived all over Wisconsin—from growing up in Sheboygan County to Oakfield, Oshkosh, Tomah, Verona, and Madison.  
 
But no matter where we went, what made every community we called home special was the people who lived there.  
 
Wisconsinites are one-of-a-kind. We’re helpers by nature; it’s who we are! 
 
When things are tough, we roll up our sleeves and get to work. We shovel a driveway or bake a casserole, and we show up for our neighbors. 
 
That’s why I declared 2026 the Year of the Neighbor in Wisconsin because I wanted to spend this year focusing on our Wisconsin values of kindness, respect, empathy, and compassion. 
 
And I wanted to spend this year celebrating the neighbors who make our state the great place it is to call home.  
 
The first responders who answer our call. The librarians who help us find our new favorite book. The teachers who inspire and educate our kids. The election volunteer or clerk who helps us cast our ballot and makes sure our elections are secure. The veteran who served our country. The farmer who feeds our families. The nurse taking care of our loved ones. The helpers who work every day to make life just a little better for everyone who lives here.  
 
And not only is it the Year of the Neighbor in Wisconsin, but this Monday, September 28, is also National Good Neighbor Day to boot.  
 
So, on Good Neighbor Day, during the Year of the Neighbor, it seemed like a good time to remember that we could all use a good neighbor, and we could all be better neighbors.

Because whether it’s unpredictable weather or the unpredictable nature of politics, we’re all in this together. We’re going to get through it together, not by alienating our neighbors, but by getting to know them, by looking out for one another, and by maintaining our Wisconsin values of kindness, empathy, compassion, and respect.

Thank you.