AGP Executive Report

Manufacturing & Investment: Asahi Beer USA is installing a high-speed bottling line at its Octopi facility in Waunakee, a $35M expansion that can produce 20,000 bottles per hour and supports co-manufacturing for other beverage brands. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports Rock County’s lowest premium gas price at $4.69/gal (week ending Aug. 8), while diesel hit $4.95/gal in Adams County; statewide averages remain above $5/gal. Environment & Enforcement: Wisconsin Cheese Group was sentenced to one year probation and fined $237,500 for Clean Water Act violations after untreated wastewater exceeded permit limits on 19 days in 2022. Tech & Regulation: Oracle is voluntarily dismissing its Wisconsin lawsuit over utility financial requirements tied to data centers in southeastern Wisconsin. Healthcare Economics: A UW study finds Wisconsin hospital prices about 26% higher than Illinois, even within the same health systems. Public Safety & Courts: A Milwaukee County court official, Samotria Matthews, faces drug trafficking charges tied to alleged cocaine and fentanyl manufacturing at her home. Local Business & Community: The WPS Charitable Foundation awarded $340,000 in grants to 31 Wisconsin nonprofits supporting seniors, veterans and mental health. Policy Watch: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced bills on tax incremental districts, long-term care insurance tax credits, and virtual currency kiosk consumer protections.

AI & Chips: A Guardian investigation says Microsoft’s AI chip build-out may be lagging its own targets, raising questions about whether new data centers are fully operational. Sports Betting Fight: Novig has sued Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul over whether sports prediction markets should be treated as federal derivatives or state gambling, escalating a broader crackdown that has already hit Kalshi and Polymarket. Energy & Property Rights: Landowners in Vernon and Crawford counties are challenging the MariBell 765-kilovolt powerline, arguing expanded rights-of-way and tower heights could harm landscapes, livestock, and health. State Policy for Money & Consumers: Wisconsin advanced bills on virtual currency kiosk licensing and consumer safeguards, plus insurer tax credits aimed at low-income community investment. Housing & Local Development: Kenosha is moving toward a plan to replace a former school site with 28 single-family modular homes, while a Milwaukee redevelopment proposal targets the former Shalom Center site. Business & Cost Signals: New inflation data show Midwest prices easing in July, though still higher than a year ago.

State Budget & Finance: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced AB996 and AB997, setting up state Department of Financial Institutions funding tied to “Trump accounts” for eligible children—AB996 would match federal contributions via a pilot, while AB997 conditions DFI payments on separate state-law authorization; several Republicans backed the measures while multiple Democrats voted no. Local Economic Development: The Assembly moved SB480 to create residential tax incremental districts with a tighter 3% framework for equalized value, aiming to steer TID spending toward owner-occupied single- and two-family homes. Municipal Growth Tools: AB839 lets the Town of Three Lakes in Oneida County form a TID under city/village rules, potentially easing thresholds that other towns must meet. Housing & Insurance Incentives: The Senate approved AB182 (low-income housing tax credits with a rural allocation requirement) and AB676 (insurer tax credits for investments in community development entities), plus AB700 to fund refundable long-term care insurance assessment credits. Agriculture & Risk: DATCP confirmed chronic wasting disease in a Portage County deer farm and a Crawford County elk farm, with quarantines in place. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reported Wisconsin cities with scam activity in July, led by Milwaukee, as fraud losses continue to climb nationally.

Wisconsin Politics: Sen. Ron Johnson says Republicans will try again to advance parts of the proof-of-citizenship voting push as part of a broader budget package after a Senate standoff ends for now, keeping the SAVE America Act on the agenda for September. Milwaukee Business & Economy: The Brewers added infield depth, acquiring Jonathan Ornelas from the Athletics for cash considerations; Brice Turang’s knee injury is being monitored and Jihwan Bae was designated for assignment. Public Safety & Justice: Republican AG candidate Eric Toney is campaigning on cutting delays in Wisconsin’s crime labs, arguing faster forensic testing is needed. Local Development: McFarland residents heard plans for TID #7 that would help Bliffert Lumber relocate from downtown to a proposed small business park, with mixed-use redevelopment in the works. Art & Crime: A Picasso print stolen from a Milwaukee gallery in 2018 was found in a vacant apartment and returned to police, restarting the case. State Finances: Wisconsin collected $2.9B in selective sales and gross receipts taxes in 2024, about 11.4% of total state tax revenue.

Wisconsin Housing & Finance: The Wisconsin Senate advanced AB454, creating a WHEDA workforce home loan program to provide no-interest gap financing for eligible homebuyers, while the Assembly also moved SB480 to expand “residential” tax incremental districts with a tighter 3% framework. Local Economic Development: Waukesha County expects to approve a purchase offer for the former UWM at Waukesha site in September, with demolition targeted for 2027, and Brookfield’s finance committee will weigh a new police facility after an options study. Tech & Consumer Protection: AB968 cleared the Senate to regulate virtual currency kiosks, requiring licensing, fraud warnings, identity verification, transaction limits, and refunds for reported fraud. Public Policy & Safety: AB387 would correct 2025 Act 15 provisions and boost funding for a hearing protection program, while AB619 advanced aviation biofuel incentives through tax credits and grants. Healthcare & Community: A Shawano recreation center reopens Aug. 24 with state grant support, and a traveling clothes closet expands mobile help for families.

Statehouse & Elections: Democrats are pushing unity after Wisconsin’s governor primary, with David Crowley and Rebecca Cooke launching a statewide tour in Eau Claire and pitching a broader tent that includes voters who backed different candidates. Public Safety Tech: Milwaukee’s use of ALPR/car-tracking cameras remains under scrutiny as Flock Safety rolls out tighter safeguards after reports of misuse, including shorter data retention and more limits on searches. Environment & Agriculture: DATCP confirmed CWD at deer farms in Crawford County and Portage County, triggering quarantines and an epidemiological investigation. Business Restructuring: Newcap’s Oconto facility assets are moving through court-authorized liquidation with two online auctions for warehouse and office/clinic contents. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits sold at Walmart in 29 states, including Wisconsin, over possible listeria contamination. Local Economy & Community: Viroqua’s Mural Walk launches with nine outdoor murals backed by a WEDC grant to boost downtown foot traffic and local artists. Health & Workforce: A Milwaukee clinic serving uninsured patients says demand is rising, with free care funded by donations and volunteers. Milwaukee Business Spotlight: A landlord’s discovery of a Picasso print in a vacant apartment returned a 2018 gallery theft to its owner, a reminder of how local property cleanouts can surface major value.

Wisconsin Politics & Budget: The Wisconsin Assembly advanced AB997, boosting Department of Financial Institutions funding for conditional payments tied to “Trump accounts,” with Rep. Robin Vos voting yes while Rep. Clinton Anderson voted no. Local Tax Policy: Lawmakers also moved SB480, creating a new framework for residential tax incremental districts with a tighter 3% cap; multiple GOP and Democratic votes backed it, including Rep. Rob Summerfield and Rep. Ann Roe. Consumer & Public Safety: Flock Safety rolled out new safeguards for its AI license-plate reader network after privacy and misuse concerns, including reported incidents in Milwaukee-area policing. Health & Innovation: The FDA approved a tau PET tracer (Tauklarify, MK-6240) for Alzheimer diagnostic workups, targeting neurofibrillary tangle pathology. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled jalapeno-containing prepared foods (including salsa, guacamole and pico de gallo) in Wisconsin and other states due to possible Salmonella contamination. Housing & Economy: A new study finds homebuyers are leaving the U.S. market at a record pace, shifting leverage toward buyers as supply outpaces demand. Education & Workforce: Wisconsin lawmakers are pushing bills aimed at easing educator shortages as schools struggle to fill roles.

Wisconsin Politics & Elections: Milwaukee’s Democratic gubernatorial primary results were delayed after a “human error” left some USB flash drives from the count failing to download, underscoring how election administration glitches can ripple into high-stakes business and policy timelines. State Budget & Workforce: The Universities of Wisconsin board is set to vote next week on a 2027-29 budget proposal aimed at workforce growth, including “Tech for Tomorrow” and “Accelerate Wisconsin” initiatives to create career-ready workers and new businesses. Housing & Development Finance: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced changes tied to tax incremental districts, including a new residential TID framework with a 3% cap, while other measures continue to shape how local governments finance infrastructure and housing. Agriculture & Land Values: A Fed Bank report says Central Corn Belt farmland values were flat in Q2 2026, with Wisconsin showing year-over-year decreases, though data centers and renewables helped cushion the market. Business & Community: Viroqua hired a new city administrator from La Crosse City Hall, and Green Lake’s Heidel House is moving toward an overhaul after officials heard it isn’t economically viable in its current form. Tech & Public Safety: Harvey is expanding surveillance with Flock Safety drones and cameras, even as critics question how the data is handled.

Statehouse & Local Finance: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced a mix of bills that could reshape local development and consumer rules, including AB839 expanding tax incremental district eligibility for the Town of Three Lakes (Tenorio voted no; others voted yes) and SB480 creating a new framework for residential TIDs (Joers voted yes). Crypto Regulation: The Senate backed AB968, setting licensing and consumer-protection requirements for virtual currency kiosks, including ID verification and transaction limits (Hutton and James voted yes). Housing & Community Development: Rural low-income housing tax credits moved forward with AB182 (Hesselbein voted yes), while AB676 would give insurers tax credits for investments in community development entities (Cabral-Guevara voted yes). Business & Community: Milwaukee’s north side grocery losses are pushing residents toward community-owned options after the Pick ’n Save closure, while Grafton’s Board of Public Works discussed next steps for Bridge Street Dam repairs. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño-linked products tied to a Salmonella outbreak, including items distributed in Wisconsin. Sports & Economy: The Brewers’ playoff chase tightens as they open a key series at Dodgers Stadium, and the state’s livestock auction at the Wisconsin State Fair raised $405,036 for youth exhibitors.

Economic Development: Jefferson’s Plan Commission unanimously approved Kikkoman’s Phase II expansion and V&V Supremo’s initial site plan for the Jefferson Food & Beverage Innovation Campus, with construction targeted for fall 2026 and completion in 2027. Regulation & Enforcement: Wisconsin regulators hit a vape company with a $630,000 fine over banned products, and the Minnesota-based maker is now challenging the penalty in federal court. Corporate Leadership: Accuray announced leadership appointments aimed at improving execution and profitability, including a new Enterprise Performance Optimization role and a senior services executive. Healthcare M&A Watch: Minnesota is reviewing Sutter Health’s planned acquisition of Allina Health under a 2023 state law that adds extra scrutiny beyond federal antitrust review—an issue with direct implications for patients in western Wisconsin. Affordable Housing: La Crosse received an $8 million state loan for the old Kmart site as the Copper Rocks project faces delay complaints from developers. Food Safety: Whole Foods issued a recall of select jalapeño-containing salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared foods tied to a salmonella concern. Politics & Business Climate: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley won the Democratic governor primary in a tight race, setting up a November matchup with Republican Tom Tiffany and sharpening the debate over AI data centers and local impacts.

Wisconsin Politics: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley won the Democratic governor primary, narrowly beating progressive challenger Francesca Hong, and pledged to unite her supporters ahead of the Nov. 3 matchup with Tom Tiffany. Housing & Finance: WHEDA approved $50 million in loans for 22 workforce and senior housing projects across 10 counties, targeting nearly 1,900 units. Local Real Estate: Woodland Court Apartments in Milwaukee sold for $27.5 million, according to state records. Dairy Economy: Wisconsin’s milk market took a hit as the July Class III benchmark fell to $15.52/cwt., down 46 cents from June and $1.80 below a year ago. Public Safety Tech: Police defended Flock/ALPR cameras as privacy concerns grow, with local councils and residents questioning how the systems are used. State Policy: The Assembly advanced bills tied to residential TIDs and statutory corrections, while other measures on children’s “Trump accounts” drew sharp partisan splits. Workforce & Growth: Wisconsin ranked among the worst states for brain drain, raising pressure to retain and attract college-educated workers.

Wisconsin Politics (House): Rebecca Cooke won the Democratic primary for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, setting up a rematch with Rep. Derrick Van Orden in November. Wisconsin Politics (House): Mitchell Berman, an emergency room nurse, won the Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District and will face GOP Rep. Bryan Steil. Wisconsin Politics (Treasurer): Yee Leng Xiong won the Democratic primary for Wisconsin treasurer and will take on incumbent John Leiber. Wisconsin Politics (GOP House): Michael Alfonso won the Republican nomination for the 7th Congressional District, taking on the open-seat race in November. Local Economy & Agriculture: Marathon County ginseng farmers say China tariffs are cutting prices and pushing buyers toward cheaper sources. Business & Policy: Wisconsin Rapids took first steps toward a data center moratorium after community backlash, voting to draft one. Consumer Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas price in Outagamie County hit $3.66 for the week ending Aug. 1. Dairy Markets: USDA set July Class III milk at $15.52/cwt and Class IV at $18.34/cwt, both down from June.

Wisconsin Politics & Business Climate: Wisconsin voters head to the polls Tuesday in a high-stakes Democratic governor primary, where progressive Francesca Hong faces establishment-backed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley—an ideological fight that could shape party strategy and November competitiveness. Healthcare Workforce: The Universities of Wisconsin is seeking $90 million to train 35,000 new health care workers over the next decade, aiming to improve access statewide. Food Safety & Retail Risk: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has expanded recalls, including Taylor Fresh Foods products distributed across 26 states with Wisconsin among the impacted. Local Economy & Community Needs: WEDC is backing a rural Coleman daycare expansion with a $147,300 grant, targeting a major childcare shortage that affects workforce availability. Consumer Protection: Wisconsin’s primary voting rules emphasize photo ID at the polls, while separate reporting highlights how private parking ticket enforcement in Milwaukee can vary and may be disputed. Nonprofit & Disaster Recovery: A Neenah fundraiser for BEAMING Inc. targets rising horse-care costs, and Fox Cities tornado cleanup continues with specialized trucking support in Menasha.

Wisconsin Politics & Business Climate: With Tuesday’s primaries looming, Wisconsin Democrats are testing a left-vs-establishment fight for governor, as democratic socialist Francesca Hong tries to top the party’s preferred lane while David Crowley leans on Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement—setting up a high-stakes matchup against GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany. Healthcare & Consumer Costs: Attorney General Aaron Ford announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price and competition conspiracies, and also sued the Trump administration over tariff moves that could raise prices for Wisconsin businesses and families. Affordable Housing: WHEDA awarded $355,000 in grants to La Crosse nonprofits Couleecap and Habitat for Humanity to expand homebuyer counseling and neighborhood development. Energy, Jobs & Regulation: EPA will reconsider stricter ozone rules for southeast Wisconsin, a move tied to business pushback and concerns about compliance costs as utilities extend coal operations and data centers expand. Local Land-Use Fight: An Oshkosh council member argues the city should reject data centers, saying they consume land, water, and electricity while offering limited job growth. Workforce & Migration: A new study finds Wisconsin is losing more college-educated residents than it gains, putting pressure on job creation to retain young professionals. Public Services: Wisconsin’s Housing and Economic Development Authority also backed tornado recovery and community support efforts, including grants and resource-center activity for affected households.

Milwaukee Economy & Growth: Bank of America data shows Milwaukee among the fastest-growing major metros for domestic moves in early 2026, with Midwestern cities increasingly drawing people who relocate locally rather than long-distance. Downtown Housing Development: Milwaukee County has selected a redevelopment plan for the former county Medical Examiner site at 933 W. Highland St., with a proposed $45.6M, 154-unit apartment project aimed at workforce and low-income residents. Commercial Real Estate Stress: A historic downtown Milwaukee building, the Mackie Building and its Grain Exchange events tenant, is facing a foreclosure suit tied to a defaulted $6.57M loan. Food Safety & Retail Impact: Taylor Farms’ jalapeño recall tied to salmonella has expanded into grocery aisles across 27 states, including Wisconsin and Minnesota, with major retailers named. Public Health Policy: Six senators, including Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin, introduced the SUSTAIN 340B Act to add annual reporting rules for hospitals and clinics using the federal 340B drug discount program. Workforce & Innovation: UW System leaders will announce a new budget initiative focused on building Wisconsin’s workforce pipeline and accelerating business and technology. Infrastructure: WisDOT completed safety rest area rebuilds on I-43 near Denmark and Maribel, adding truck parking and accessibility upgrades. Local Business Community: Kinship Community Food Center is moving ahead with a $21.5M Milwaukee Riverwest/Harambee expansion that includes a food market and wraparound services.

Milwaukee Business & Finance: Fiserv reported second-quarter earnings below expectations and cut its 2026 outlook in its first results under new CEO Takis Georgakopoulos, signaling pressure on the Milwaukee-based financial tech firm. Corporate & Consumer Health: A Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños is driving recalls that hit major retailers including Target, Walmart and Whole Foods, with FDA-linked product withdrawals reaching multiple states. Housing & Development: A California group’s plan to convert two Milwaukee apartment communities to affordable rents appeared dead after a Common Council rejection, but it’s moving forward using state financing help without new city approval. Local Economy & Small Business: Stevens Point Farmers Market is expanding access for SNAP shoppers, using EBT tokens plus a weekly dollar-for-dollar match up to $20. Politics & Business Climate: Wisconsin’s Democratic governor primary is tightening as progressive challengers make final pushes, raising stakes for how the party—and future economic priorities—could shift after Tuesday’s vote. Sports Business Signal: Brewers’ infield depth is strained with Cooper Pratt landing on the injured list, a reminder of how quickly roster issues can ripple through team operations and payroll planning.