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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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Featured Research

Thanks in large part to another infusion of referendum funding, the 2027 budget proposal for the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) presents a relatively stable year ahead, with few changes to enrollment, staffing, programs, or reserves. After five years of big swings in revenues and spending related to COVID-19 recovery funds, new initiatives, spiking reserves, and both operating and capital referenda, this year’s budget is quieter. The district is generally not rolling out large new initiatives within its operations, though it is continuing to upgrade 10 schools using funds authorized by the successful $507 million capital referendum in 2024.

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In The News

The Madison School District is growing more reliant on property taxes, report shows

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