Madison, WI – Senator Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove) joined local officials and community leaders today to emphasize the importance of empowering local governments with the tools, trust, and flexibility they need to serve their communities effectively.
“Before serving in the state legislature, I had the privilege of serving on the Cottage Grove Village Board and the Dane County Board,” Senator Ratcliff stated. “Those experiences taught me firsthand how deeply local elected officials understand their communities—and how important it is that the state trust and empower them to do their jobs.”
It is imperative that local leaders have the tools, flexibility, and authority to make decisions that balance community growth, fairness, and public good. Local leaders are closest to the people and they know how to make decisions that reflect local values and priorities.
Today, in collaboration with Representative Joers (D-Middleton), Senator Ratcliff has introduced two bills that will give our local governments the tools to help improve housing access in their communities as well as strengthen and expand public recreational infrastructure. Strong communities are communities who have livable infrastructure and affordable and accessible housing.
Local governments are on the front lines of critical decisions like infrastructure development and community growth. Senator Ratcliff is honored to work closely with legislative colleagues and local leaders on these bills that represent the kind of forward thinking, collaborative efforts our state needs to grow stronger and more connected.
By empowering our communities, we build a stronger Wisconsin – one rooted in trust, partnership, and progress.
