What’s Driving Local Property Tax Referenda?

Virtual event | October 17, 2025 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

On October 17 our virtual event series, Forum Friday, focused on local referenda to address budget challenges. Though 2023 Act 12 gave a major state aid increase to municipalities and counties throughout the state, the uneven distribution of those dollars, record inflation, and other factors mean that many municipalities and counties face difficulties in balancing their budgets. A growing number are going to referendum to ask their residents to increase property taxes.

Our Forum Friday panelists included:

Nancy Moore Mayor City of Monona	Ken Witt County Administrator St. Croix County	Mike Wiza Mayor City of Stevens Point

October 2025 Forum Friday PowerPoint Slides

During Forum Fridays, we discuss a timely research topic and invite notable guests and Forum members to join the conversation. We hope this can be another way to keep you informed and connected on our state’s most pressing public policy issues. Stay tuned for more Forum Friday events in the near future!

Forum Friday Sponsors