AGP Executive Report

Milwaukee Courthouse Overhaul: Milwaukee County says the price tag for its nearly 100-year courthouse complex has doubled to about $897 million, with officials pointing to safety and accessibility needs and trying to use state funds to limit local tax impact. Sports Betting Rollout: Wisconsin’s mobile sports betting is approved but not yet live; the state’s tribe-based model means compacts must be negotiated and approved before sportsbooks can launch. AI for Small Business: Free AI training is being offered this summer for Wisconsin owners, with in-person sessions across multiple counties plus virtual options and Spanish-language stops. ICE “Know Your Rights” Push: Milwaukee nonprofits and volunteers are distributing immigrant rights information amid increased ICE activity, aiming to help residents respond safely and confidently. Dairy Expansion Approved: Wisconsin DNR has approved a CAFO permit allowing a Door County dairy farm to expand, despite environmental group objections over potential manure impacts. Data Center Concerns: A week of coverage also highlights how large data centers are raising local business and utility-cost worries, especially as communities debate who should control resources.

Medicaid Fight: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and 23 other states sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is being narrowed in ways that could cut off care for medically fragile Wisconsinites. Milwaukee Mobility: After a sidewalk scooter crash injured a pedestrian, Milwaukee leaders advanced proposals to raise fines and consider slow zones to curb illegal sidewalk riding. UW-Madison Hiring Scrutiny: Local leaders and the Madison Urban League are pressing UW-Madison to explain its athletic director search after it named Shawn Eichorst without interviewing at least two Black candidates who applied. Tech & Lawsuit: Residents near Microsoft’s Fairwater data center filed a class action claiming excessive noise from generators and cooling systems is harming their properties. Education Budget: Madison Metropolitan School District approved a preliminary 2026-27 budget, projecting $7 million less state funding and a higher property tax levy. Local Business: Kohler’s Woodlake Market is set to reopen July 17 as a premium grocer and food hall. NBA Business: Jaylen Brown said he’s “excited and disappointed” after Boston traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, picks, and more.

NBA/Local Business Angle: The Celtics’ blockbuster shakeup landed Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia, with Boston sending him to the 76ers for Paul George plus draft capital—another reminder that big-league moves can ripple through Wisconsin sports business ecosystems. Sports Leadership: Wisconsin’s new athletic director Shawn Eichorst got off to a solid start, signaling a focus on Badgers finances and staffing as he prepares to evaluate the football program. Manufacturing & Clean Tech: Sun Prairie-based i3 Product Development (Helios Technologies) is joining Vanguard’s Battery Technology Partner program to help OEMs integrate battery systems for off-highway electrification—an expansion that matters for Wisconsin’s equipment and industrial supply chain. Small Business & Community: CodaPet expanded in-home pet euthanasia services in Eau Claire, adding a licensed veterinarian to its network. Local Economy Resilience: Stone Lake Pub reopened in Stone Lake a year after a fire destroyed the business, a community comeback story with clear local economic stakes. Infrastructure Planning: WisDOT scheduled a second public meeting on the proposed I-94/County F interchange project in Waukesha, with construction expected to start in 2028. Corporate/Finance: Milwaukee law firm Ademi LLP launched multiple shareholder-investigation alerts tied to recent deals, including Apogee and Bio-Techne.

NBA Trade Shock: The Boston Celtics agreed to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George plus two first-round picks and two second-round picks, a move that immediately sparked backlash among fans and analysts. Local Business & Economy: Outagamie County secured a $250,000 WEDC grant to expand childcare capacity, with the YMCA converting a county-owned nursing home in Grand Chute into a 100-child facility. Public Safety & Schools: A Milwaukee Public Schools fire at Lincoln Avenue School highlighted that only 28% of MPS buildings have sprinklers, and state law doesn’t require retrofits. AI Data Center Politics: A new study says foreign-linked influence efforts have helped slow or block AI data center projects, including four in Wisconsin. Agriculture & Legal Fight: Wisconsin dairy farmers sued the USDA over changes to the Dairy Checkoff Program, arguing it violates their First Amendment rights by steering funds toward environmental initiatives.

Antitrust & Food Prices: Wisconsin is set to receive about 2 million eggs and $3.3 million from a multistate DOJ settlement with major egg producers accused of coordinating to inflate egg prices, with Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul saying the companies must stop the illegal coordination and strengthen compliance. Local Business & Growth: Carbliss is expanding in Plymouth, buying a long-vacant former Kmart site to build a new corporate headquarters with redevelopment help from Wisconsin’s Idle Sites program. Milwaukee Infrastructure: Milwaukee is nearing completion of a $122 million “bathtub” storage facility under the Hoan Bridge to hold contaminated sediment from waterways as part of the Great Lakes cleanup effort. Banking & Housing Finance: FHLBank Chicago and Wintrust’s Village Bank & Trust backed the opening of Poupard Place, a new 48-unit affordable/supportive housing project in Northbrook, Illinois. Workforce & Cost Pressures: Wisconsin’s childcare affordability crunch remains front and center as state data shows regulated infant care costs rising sharply, adding pressure on families and providers.

Antitrust & Food Prices: Wisconsin is set to receive about 2 million eggs for food banks after a DOJ-led settlement with major egg producers accused of manipulating benchmark prices, with the companies paying $3.3 million and admitting to coordinated bidding that drove up costs. Local Business & Public Art: Milwaukee dedicated a massive 80-by-100-foot Bob Uecker mural downtown, adding another tourism draw tied to the Brewers brand and local identity. Heat Wave Strains Services: A Sun Prairie HVAC company reported more than 900 calls in two days during extreme heat, underscoring how quickly demand spikes for cooling repairs and installs. Sports Business: The Milwaukee Bucks agreed to a three-year, $17.5 million deal with forward Ousmane Dieng after rescinding his qualifying offer, a roster move that could reshape the team’s post-Giannis plans. Community & Civic Life: Wisconsin students earned recognition in a First Amendment writing contest, while local library programming and community events continue to roll out across the state.

Workforce & AI Skills: Waukesha County Technical College president Rich Barnhouse says employers across southeastern Wisconsin are asking for AI literacy and training, not fewer jobs, after meeting with dozens of major and smaller companies about what graduates need next. Data Center Power Costs: Oracle is challenging Wisconsin Public Service Commission requirements tied to its planned Lighthouse Data Center Campus in Port Washington, arguing the rules could cost it more than $100 million a year. Consumer Protection: Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul and DATCP announced a $4.25 million multistate settlement with Menards over deceptive marketing of its merchandise credit program and alleged COVID-era price gouging. Energy & Agriculture Policy: Congress is weighing making year-round E15 sales permanent, a move Wisconsin politicians support as it could boost corn demand. Environment & Public Health: A federal appeals court upheld tighter soot pollution limits, with Wisconsin advocates calling it a win for health. Local Business & Real Estate: A Jewel Osco-anchored shopping center in Chicago’s Wicker Park sold for $70 million, a reminder of how grocery-anchored retail is still attracting investors. Tech & Media Security: The FCC’s new EAS cybersecurity rules are prompting broadcasters to update default passwords and protections, with cost concerns for smaller stations. Summer Heat Impacts: Midwest heat wave conditions are driving cancellations and cooling-center openings, with Wisconsin communities bracing for dangerous temperatures.

Constitutional Power Grab: Wisconsin Republicans are pushing to lock in conservative policies through constitutional amendments, aiming to require supermajorities for tax hikes, limit how municipalities use private grants for election costs, and shift federal-fund spending decisions toward the Legislature. Extreme Heat Costs: With an extreme heat warning in effect, Wisconsin Public Service and Marathon County health officials are urging residents to protect vulnerable people, use cooling centers, and avoid “bill shock” with simple thermostat and shading steps. Childcare Funding Crunch: Wisconsin’s Bridge Payment Program is set to expire June 30, and DCF reports many providers expect rate hikes or closures without the $110 million support. Data Center Moratorium: Jefferson County’s planning committee is moving toward a moratorium on data center development as it weighs zoning definitions and regulation timelines. Milwaukee Business & Tech: Landmark Credit Union highlights growth from its Alkami digital banking partnership, while UW-Madison is ending Starship sidewalk food-robot deliveries. Local Economy & Community: Milwaukee’s Residents Preference Program is designed to steer city-assisted project jobs toward unemployed or underemployed residents. Sports Betting Probe: Former Bucks player Malik Beasley was indicted in a federal gambling case alleging he fixed performance to benefit bettors.

Tax Filing Overhaul: Gov. Tony Evers and Sen. Tammy Baldwin announced Wisconsin will join the IRS Direct File program for eligible taxpayers in 2025, aiming to cut the cost and hassle of filing by letting people file federal returns online for free. Energy & AI Pressure: A new heat wave is expected to push Wisconsin’s grid hard, with air conditioning driving peak demand and raising the risk of strain during extreme temperatures—an issue that also matters as the AI/data-center buildout ramps up. Business & Markets: Twin Disc was added to the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 indexes, a move that can boost visibility with index investors. Workforce Pipeline: A Wisconsin Workforce Development Association conference highlighted how employers like Sargento are building talent pipelines through apprenticeships, co-ops, internships, and other early-career pathways. Entrepreneurship Training: The Latino Entrepreneurial Network opened registration for its fall “Thriving Together” small-business training in Milwaukee and Racine. Local Economy Watch: Portage County food inspections reported mostly clean results, with a few restaurants showing multiple violations. Milwaukee Weather: An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for southeast Wisconsin, with heat index values forecast to top 100.

Energy & Infrastructure: Gov. Evers asked the U.S. Small Business Administration for a Rapid Disaster Declaration after spring storms and flooding, seeking SBA disaster loans for four Wisconsin counties and their neighbors. Utilities & Power: We Energies’ Kenosha solar-plus-battery project is designed to keep electricity flowing after sunset, serving nearly 60,000 customers. Real Estate & Development: Milwaukee’s project pipeline includes major downtown moves like Northwestern Mutual’s office reconstruction and the 100 East redevelopment, plus new housing plans at Southridge and a luxury condo tower. Policy & Business Climate: Evers signed a bill requiring Wisconsin high schools to teach at least one semester of financial literacy starting with the class of 2028. Environment & Courts: Kohler Co.’s Lake Michigan-area golf course plan took another hit after a court upheld rescinding its wetlands fill permit. Health & Risk: Extreme heat warnings cover much of southeastern Wisconsin, with heat index values potentially topping 106°F. Tech & Data Centers: Democratic lawmakers pushed a federal moratorium on new AI data center construction while safeguards are developed. Local Economy & Jobs: The Cubs’ pitching rebuild continues with David Peterson’s return from injury rehab and more bullpen reinforcements. Community & Giving: Friendship Circle’s Bike-4-Friendship fundraiser in Bayside raised more than $180,000 for programs supporting people with disabilities.

U-Haul Deal Expansion: Cougar Shell in Coleman is now a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, adding trucks, trailers, towing gear, and support rentals—an extra revenue stream for a local small business. Biotech Manufacturing: Fujifilm CDI opened a 175,000-square-foot stem-cell manufacturing facility in Madison, scaling induced pluripotent stem cell production for researchers and pharma. Food & Consumer Safety: Consumer Reports found concerning levels of certain additives and contaminants in some widely sold snacks and drinks, with one-quarter of products flagged and more than one-third flagged when contaminants were included. Local Water Reliability: Deerfield approved a $137,840 generator replacement for Well House 3, aiming to keep the village’s water system running during outages. Education Funding Fight: A lawsuit in Eau Claire County challenges Wisconsin’s public school funding as insufficient, with plaintiffs including districts and education groups. School Choice Signals: In Pennsylvania, top Democrats are softening on school choice, a shift that could reshape state budget talks. Sports Business Angle: The Cubs traded for Mets All-Star starter David Peterson as injuries pile up, underscoring how quickly roster moves can become a financial and operational necessity.

Tourism Marketing Win: TEDCOR’s “One Mile, One Minute” campaign for Oconto County won Destinations Wisconsin’s 2025 Tourism Trailblazer Award, driving 300,000+ video views and major rural visibility. Local Development: Janesville approved annexation and land-use changes for a large indoor hydroponic strawberry greenhouse, while residents pressed concerns over potential multifamily “affordable housing” plans. State Budget Watch: A new Fiscal Facts look says Wisconsin’s finances hit a high-water mark in 2023 with record reserves, but warns reserves may cool as tax collections slow and spending rises. Tech & Data Centers: Microsoft’s AI data center push highlights efforts to cut water use with closed-loop cooling, while Wisconsin continues to face local opposition and regulatory fights over data center financing. Startup Funding: Wisconsin added a new early-stage investor, Mastercraft Ventures, backed by the Badger Fund of Funds—another signal that the state wants more angel and venture capital. Housing Market Pulse: A Redfin analysis gauges how fast homes are moving in Northeast Wisconsin in 2026, using days on market and sale-to-list ratios. Health & Workforce: Marshfield Clinic says AI note-taking is reducing “pajama time” and helping rural systems recruit and retain clinicians. Community Business Tool: Sun Prairie launched an online data hub to help companies find sites and retail space for expansion.

AI Workforce & Training: Waukesha County Technical College says employers across southeastern Wisconsin are demanding AI skills, pushing the school to build programs around real hiring needs. New Development & Jobs: Land clearing has started for new restaurants and service businesses on CC Camp Road in Elkin, including Dunkin’, Culver’s, Aspen Dental and an Express Oil Change. Corporate Expansion: PS Seasoning and Pro Smoker broke ground on a 264,000-square-foot headquarters in West Bend, with advanced manufacturing, an expanded R&D lab and a customer innovation center slated for completion in 2027. Food Prices Pressure: Seafood costs are rising, with retailers pointing to tight supply and import pressures that are squeezing margins. Local Governance & Housing: McFarland’s plan commission recommends updates to short-term rental rules after a public hearing, aiming to curb neighborhood impacts while addressing permit holders. Energy & Data Centers: A growing push calls for a moratorium on data centers, citing energy, water use and rising utility costs for Wisconsin ratepayers. Environment & Public Safety: The DNR urges drivers to watch for turtles during nesting season, highlighting road mortality as a key threat. Banking & Politics: Capital One’s lawsuit against Wisconsin Assembly candidate Francesca Hong over a debt was dismissed after she paid it off.

NBA & Milwaukee Economy: The Giannis Antetokounmpo era is still echoing in Milwaukee, with fans leaving roses, notes and championship memorabilia at the growing shrine at his mural—an emotional hit that also keeps local retail and tourism energy moving. Sports Business: In Charlotte, the Hornets agreed to trade LaMelo Ball to Minnesota for Naz Reid plus draft assets, a reminder that player deals can quickly reshape team spending and local fan demand. Immigration & Labor: A Supreme Court green light to strip protections for hundreds of thousands is expected to push more workers into the shadow economy, with Wisconsin employers and staffing markets likely feeling downstream pressure. Cannabis Regulation: Wisconsin cannabis shops are warning they could close after a new federal hemp law takes effect in November, threatening jobs and a $700M industry. Manufacturing Jobs: Stainless Tank & Equipment in Beloit cut shifts due to market softening, signaling caution in industrial demand. State Policy & Voting: A bid to force Wisconsin to turn over unredacted voter data was rejected by the 7th Circuit, keeping the focus on election administration and legal risk. Banking & Growth: National Bank of Commerce added commercial bankers in its Wisconsin/Northwoods footprint, while UW-Whitewater’s foundation named new board directors to support student success and regional prosperity. Energy & Data Centers: Oracle is challenging Wisconsin data-center financing rules, adding to the fight over who pays for power and infrastructure as AI demand grows. Local Development: Janesville set hearings for annexation and zoning changes tied to a massive greenhouse plan, a major bet on industrial land use and jobs. Agriculture: Cover crops are taking hold in Rock County as farmers weigh drought-hit yields against soil-building strategies. Health Costs: A new UW-Madison report highlights how startup tax credits and engineering “moonshots” can translate into statewide economic impact.

Housing & Policy: A sweeping bipartisan federal housing bill cleared Congress, but Wisconsin affordability advocates say it won’t be a magic fix on its own as the state faces a major unit shortage. Tribal Sovereignty: The Wisconsin Supreme Court backed the Menominee Nation’s right to reclaim reservation land, blocking a non-tribal group from stopping the buyback and trust transfer. Energy & Local Impact: Marathon County residents pushed back hard against Alliant Energy’s proposed Hub City Wind Farm, raising concerns about noise, livestock, safety, and property values, even as the PSC holds the final say. Milwaukee Utilities Debate: Milwaukee’s city review board held an informational discussion on whether the city could replace We Energies with a public utility—an idea that could bring big costs and legal fights. Public Services: Milwaukee Public Schools is reviewing its bus system after an outside analysis flagged late buses, underused routes, and budget overruns. Health Insurance: Wisconsin regulators announced a limited HealthCare.gov special enrollment period for people who bought certain non-comprehensive plans. Economy & Growth: Madison’s commercial real estate scene stays busy, with dozens of downtown projects in motion despite higher borrowing costs.

Childcare affordability: Wisconsin’s Child Care Bridge program ends June 30, and the state estimates about 25% of providers could close without the funding, with tuition hikes likely to follow. Local public finance: Fitchburg’s budget strain is driving cuts to police and fire coverage, with officials pointing to state funding formulas and property tax levy limits. Public health and safety: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley proposes about $7.5 million from opioid settlement funds to expand treatment and prevention as overdose deaths decline. Tech and privacy: Appleton orders Flock Safety to disable its surveillance cameras by June 30 and provide verification, or face physical obstruction. Higher ed operations: Starship Technologies is ending on-demand delivery robot service at UW-Madison and other U.S. campuses. Business and community: Milwaukee-based Mindpool Live is behind Summerfest’s major-stage live video production. Transportation: Gov. Evers and WisDOT submit a grant application to expand Amtrak passenger rail into Dane, Jefferson and Waukesha counties. Sports-business crossover: The Bucks introduced draft picks Brayden Burries and Nate Ament after the reported Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Miami Heat.