As Wisconsin families continue to struggle with the rising cost of child care, housing, groceries, health care, and other essentials, Wisconsin families are invited to attend Getting Real on Affordability in Wisconsin, a gubernatorial candidate forum focused on the policies needed to make life more affordable for families across the state.

The forum will take place Monday, July 20, from 6:00–7:30 pm at the Center for Black Excellence (671 W. Badger Rd, Madison). Doors open at 5:00 pm for a community reception. The event is free, open to the public, and family-friendly. Child care and live interpretation in both Hmong & Spanish will be available.

Candidates will discuss their vision for addressing Wisconsin’s affordability challenges and respond to questions centered on community-driven solutions, including affordable child care and health care, living wages, housing stability, food security, youth well-being, and investments in young children and families.

The forum is hosted by the Kaleidoscope Coalition, a statewide coalition of organizations and individuals rooted in historically marginalized communities, united to transform the prenatal-to-age-three (PN-3) systems that shape life outcomes for babies and families.

Event Details:

Getting Real on Affordability in Wisconsin
Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
Time: Reception: 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Candidate Forum: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Center for Black Excellence, 671 W. Badger Rd., Madison, WI
Moderated by: Angela Russell

Hosted by the Kaleidoscope Coalition:

●       BCDI-WI

●       Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C)

●       Grain of Hope, Inc.

●       Hmong Autism Neurodiverse Diversity Support

●       Hoocąk Ee Cooni–Ho-Chunk Nation

●       Kids Forward

●       Morgan Homes

●       Oneida Nation Childcare Center

●       Roots for Change Co-op

●       Tenant Resource Center

●       The Hmong Institute, Inc.

●       Wisconsin Doulas of Color

Community members are encouraged to attend and hear directly from candidates about their plans to build an economy that works for everyone.

Community members across the state can either attend in person or online – register for both at the link here.

As a 501(c)(3)-aligned effort, this forum will be conducted in a strictly nonpartisan manner. All gubernatorial candidates that are on the ballot have been invited and provided an equal opportunity to participate. The forum will not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party.