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The Wisconsin Policy Forum is a nonpartisan, independent statewide policy research organization with offices in Milwaukee and Madison. Our mission is to provide informed, nonpartisan analysis of critical policy issues affecting local governments, school districts, and the state of Wisconsin. Our research and facilitation activities encourage elected officials and community leaders to find effective, data-driven solutions to pressing policy challenges, and promote productive discussion among the public and private sectors.

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Dec

09

Forum Friday: A Look Ahead at Wisconsin’s 2023 Legislative Session

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Featured Research

Local government debt in Wisconsin hit record levels in 2020, driven upward by low interest rates, infrastructure needs, and a little-known incentive in state law. Even after adjusting for inflation and population growth, debt levels are the highest on record for cities and other municipalities in the state. While the growth in property values has made it easier for local governments to repay their debts, currently rising interest rates could create new challenges by increasing the costs of new debt and slowing the growth in property values.

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