AGP Executive Report

Hospital Watch: Wisconsin topped a new national patient-experience ranking, averaging 4.06 out of 5 across CMS-rated hospitals, with smaller communities scoring especially high. Retail & Real Estate: Kwik Trip bought the former Sendik’s Fresh2Go store and a Mobile gas station in Hales Corners, signaling continued expansion in the Milwaukee area. Trade & Agriculture: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on $20B in U.S. goods kicked in, with economists warning of knock-on effects for Midwestern manufacturers and Wisconsin dairy. Local Infrastructure & Power: Richland Center’s city council unanimously urged the PSC to slow down the proposed BECI 765 kV transmission line, citing impacts on homes, farms, and aviation, and asking for stronger environmental review. Public Safety Tech: Milwaukee County Supervisor Justin Bielinski called on Sheriff Denita Ball to stop using Flock license-plate cameras and end the current contract over privacy and transparency concerns. Data Center Tension: In Wisconsin Rapids, PNK Group wrapped webinars on a planned data center, but residents remain uneasy ahead of a Sept. 16 conditional-use permit hearing. Sports & Business Pulse: The Brewers beat the Cubs 4-3, while Labor Day coverage highlighted how promotions and tourism keep local businesses busy.

State Budget Watch: Wisconsin’s projected surplus is trending higher, with the Department of Revenue showing $450.8 million more in 2025-26 tax collections than expected—setting up a potential $3 billion surplus debate for Gov. Crowley vs. GOP challenger Tom Tiffany. Municipal Finance: A new Forum Municipal DataTool update finds Wisconsin cities and villages boosted net operating spending 4.4% per capita in 2024, outpacing inflation as state aid flowed in. Workplace & Public Safety: A Washington County sheriff’s office is recommending charges after a Kewaskum school bus driver left a 4-year-old unattended on a hot bus; the company says it will retrain drivers. Local Business & Jobs: Klement’s Sausage Co. sold its Bay View manufacturing complex for $13 million, while the company’s parent plans about $10 million in upgrades; separate coverage also flags a Milwaukee-area industrial real estate shift. Health & Agriculture: Wisconsin confirmed its first equine Eastern Equine Encephalitis case of 2026 in Portage County, underscoring mosquito risk for horses and people. Community & Events: Waukesha’s sold-out Wauk-Tober beer and wine walk returns Oct. 17 with an indoor-only drinking rule. Sports Business Angle: The Milwaukee Bucks enter the season without Giannis for the first time since 2012-13 after the offseason trade to Miami.

Labor Day Travel Costs: Gas prices in the Milwaukee area averaged about $3.72 a gallon over the holiday weekend, up sharply from last year’s Wisconsin average of $2.99, with AAA also flagging higher fuel, airfare, and hotel costs. Public Safety & Justice: Whitewater police say a major internet crimes against children investigation involves at least 4,000 victims and suspects worldwide, led by a dedicated unit of four detectives. Local Governance & Accountability: In Madison, Rep. Sheila Stubbs and Ben Crump renewed calls for body-worn cameras after a July officer-involved shooting, pushing for statewide camera requirements and release rules. Business & Community Giving: Old National Bank Foundation’s 20th anniversary donation includes $20,000 across 20 nonprofits, with Housing Resources, Inc. in Milwaukee receiving support for homeownership education and counseling. Sports Economy Spotlight: Lambeau Field’s Notre Dame–Wisconsin opener is expected to bring big economic impact to Green Bay, with the game drawing major attention from fans and local businesses. Rail Merger Watch: Reps. Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan joined a letter urging federal regulators to prioritize rail worker jobs and safety in the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger review.

Public Safety & Corrections: Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany says Wisconsin should expand prison capacity as the state’s adult inmate population hits record highs, with DOC reporting 23,870 people incarcerated as of Sept. 4—about 6,000 over facility capacity. Labor & Economy: A Wisconsin workforce report says job growth has stalled even as costs rise, while a UW-Madison labor analysis points to uneven conditions for workers, falling unionization, and persistent racial disparities. Education Funding: Beloit schools face financial pressure as declining enrollment threatens current-year funding. Health & Consumer Safety: Walmart frozen-berry recalls expanded to Great Value products in 16 states due to possible E. coli contamination. Local Business Impact: Green Bay expects a major economic boost from the Wisconsin–Notre Dame matchup at Lambeau Field, projecting $15 million to $20 million for Brown County and nearby areas. Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrests in Wisconsin hit new highs in June and July, with more activity occurring outside jails. Community & Health Services: Beloit Health revived a Roscoe neighborhood hospital plan through a deal with Freeport’s FHN, aiming to address Illinois board concerns about bed surplus. Sports Betting Buzz: Multiple prediction-market promos are driving heavy interest in Sunday’s college football slate, including the Wisconsin–Notre Dame game.

Labor & Health Care: Allina doctors at Unity and Mercy hospitals filed a strike notice after three years without a contract, setting up a potential walkout starting Sept. 14. Politics & Elections: A new push to target noncitizen voting and election administration is drawing attention in Wisconsin ahead of the fall vote. Local Business & Regulation: Milwaukee officials are weighing whether to roll back the downtown 10 p.m. food truck curfew after legal challenges and pushback from operators. Tech, Data & Public Safety: Wisconsin law enforcement is suspending Flock cameras over data concerns, as the broader privacy fight over automated license-plate surveillance heats up. Energy & Industry: Wisconsin’s Line 5 gas leak response remains in focus, with state leaders pressing Enbridge on safety and next steps. Economy & Jobs: A national jobs report added 162,000 jobs, while Wisconsin’s “state of working” picture is described as mixed, with wage gains but uneven job-base trends. Governance & Growth: Wisconsin’s governor race is tightening after the Democratic primary, with business groups watching tax and health-care proposals closely. Business Moves: Milwaukee-based Rite-Hite acquired a Danish HVAC ventilation manufacturer, signaling continued expansion.

Privacy & Public Safety Tech: Wisconsin law enforcement agencies are suspending Flock automated license plate reader use after reports the company collected years of traffic data and repackaged it for sale, with Racine County calling it a breach of trust and a form of mass surveillance. Local Governance: The backlash is spreading fast, with more communities canceling or deactivating Flock systems amid transparency and data-sharing concerns. Energy & Cost of Growth: A Wisconsin policy push argues the state needs clear, enforceable rules for the data-center boom so households and businesses don’t inherit stranded infrastructure costs if demand forecasts change. Workforce & Economic Development: Gateway Technical College is moving forward with a presidential search after a finalist dropped out, setting up campus forums and a community celebration tied to training and manufacturing needs. Community Investment: The Town of Phelps held a ribbon cutting for a new community center and library built with a $4.25 million state grant, aiming to spur residents, business activity, and local pride. Housing Finance: Wisconsin’s average VA purchase loan amount rose to about $339,879 in Q2 2026, reflecting continued demand for veteran homebuying support. Food Security Funding: Wisconsin opened applications for a $5 million Food Security and Wisconsin Products Grant Program to expand access via nonprofit partnerships using Wisconsin suppliers. Health Equity: Milwaukee is looking to Baltimore’s B’more for Healthy Babies model to cut infant mortality and narrow the Black-white gap, citing large disparities in Wisconsin birth outcomes.

Flock camera backlash: Milwaukee County Supervisor Justin Bielinski urged the Sheriff’s Office to immediately disable its Flock surveillance network on county property and end the contract, as more Wisconsin communities pause or drop Flock over data access and transparency concerns. Public safety & local governance: Milwaukee leaders moved to repeal a blocked 10 p.m. Water Street food truck curfew after a judge stopped it from taking effect, with officials pointing to understaffed police as the real issue. Energy development: Invenergy proposed two natural gas power plants in Brillion—Forest Junction and Union Depot—aiming to boost reliability and create construction and tax revenue. Workforce & education funding: Wisconsin’s technical college system is seeking $168M in the next budget to address workforce shortages and long training waitlists. Economy & community impact: Green Bay businesses are preparing for Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin at Lambeau, with projected $15M-$20M economic impact for Brown County. Courts & consumer protection: Criminal charges were filed against former Sun Badger Solar owners in Waukesha County tied to alleged theft by contractor after customers reported paying for panels that weren’t installed.

Workforce & Education Funding: Wisconsin technical colleges are asking the state for an extra $168 million in the next two-year budget, including $59.4 million in general aid, to tackle workforce shortages and long waitlists for high-demand programs. Healthcare Deal: Sanford Health has agreed to buy North Memorial Health, with Minnesota Attorney General oversight and $600 million in guaranteed local hospital investments tied to the transaction. Public Health Alert: Wisconsin confirmed its first 2025-26 equine Eastern Equine Encephalitis case in a Portage County horse; officials say mosquito-borne risk is the key concern for people and animals. Energy & Rates: Citizens groups are challenging NIPSCO’s bid to recover $38 million in coal-plant compliance costs, arguing the filing lacks detail; separate reporting also flags Wisconsin residents pushing back on utility rate hikes. Real Estate & Capital Markets: Mandel Group is transferring about 40% of its real estate holdings—13 apartment properties valued around $614 million—into Cottonwood Communities’ portfolio in a major Milwaukee-area reshuffle. Infrastructure: A new Black Hawk Bridge replacing the Mississippi River crossing between western Wisconsin and eastern Iowa is set to open months early, boosting regional traffic and business access. Sports Sponsorship: Spectrum and UW Athletics are expanding their Camp Randall presence with a field/LED logo deal and stadium charging stations.

Election & Voting Access: Statewide midterm mail ballots begin Friday as litigation over President Trump’s order and concerns about Postal Service changes raise uncertainty for voters and election officials. Energy & Cost Pressures: Gas prices are surging ahead of Labor Day, with AAA tracking a possible record national average near $4.14 a gallon as crude stays elevated amid Middle East supply worries. Milwaukee Public Safety Meets Business: Water Street closures keep piling up, with BizTimes discussing how crime and safety concerns are pushing businesses out of the North Water Street entertainment district. Tech, Privacy & Politics: Flock surveillance cameras are becoming a major campaign flashpoint nationwide, with Wisconsin candidates split between limiting the tech and calls for bans, as voters react to AI-fueled data power. Workforce & Training Bottlenecks: Wisconsin students face long waitlists—up to two years—for high-demand career training programs, driven by limited seats and tight program budgets. Agriculture & Land Values: Farmland values across the Seventh District were flat year-over-year in Q2 2026, with Wisconsin down slightly as data centers and renewables help offset softer demand. Local Development: Milwaukee is seeking redevelopment ideas for a 13-acre Century City site tied to the former A.O. Smith complex.

PFAS Relief for Northeast Wisconsin: Wisconsin lawmakers approved releasing $10 million from the state’s PFAS trust fund tied to the Tyco Fire Products settlement, moving communities in Marinette and Peshtigo closer to safe water. Public Safety & Enforcement: DNR says it will cut fall 2026 ring-necked pheasant stocking from 75,000 to 65,000 and shorten the season to Nov. 19, while Wisconsin also plans extra ATV/UTV patrols over Labor Day weekend. Workforce & Training: The federal government pulled accreditation from more than 100 Wisconsin CDL schools in an English rules sweep, including programs in Kenosha, Milwaukee and Sturtevant. Regional Data for Planning: Northeast Wisconsin Data Exchange expanded from 3 to 11 counties, adding 130+ local indicators to help organizations and residents plan across housing, workforce and health. Local Business & Growth: Fox Point approved steps for bike/scooter rules that keep downtown safer, and Oconomowoc is moving forward with sidewalk access changes as electric micromobility use rises. Consumer Watch: Hodo recalled 10,000+ cases of chili crisp lightly fried tofu over possible ink contamination, distributed in Wisconsin and 28 other states.

Water utility vote: Superior residents will decide next spring whether to shift from the private Superior Water, Light and Power to a community-owned water utility, with the Public Service Commission setting the acquisition price. Energy & infrastructure: Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute work resumed after a 48-hour safety stand down following a rupture near Saxon, as crews continue air and water monitoring. Local business & planning: Milwaukee is seeking community input on North King Drive corridor improvements, with phased recommendations that could shape future development and funding. Workforce & education: Verona Area School District is rolling out a “purpose-driven” approach to classroom technology as students return. Finance & growth: Ripon College is expanding its “Ripon Commitment” nationwide for fall 2027, matching tuition to UW-Madison rates for eligible students. Legal & employment: The EEOC sued Dentsu for alleged pregnancy discrimination under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Health & community giving: Three Gaits received a $2 million gift toward a $4.5 million arena and barn expansion aimed at reducing waitlists for people with disabilities. Business expansion: Scott’s Industrial Coatings and Arizona’s Perfection Industrial Finishing are uniting under the UltiCoat brand.

Utility Rates & Cost of Living: We Energies is facing mounting pushback over a planned 14% residential rate hike through 2028, with residents and groups warning regulators they’re already choosing between “groceries or electricity.” Local Governance & Data Centers: Barron County officials are weighing a temporary moratorium on new data center development as AI-driven demand keeps expanding. Energy Transition & Fusion: Madison utility and Realta Fusion are partnering on a 200-megawatt fusion power plant concept, adding to Wisconsin’s race to attract next-gen energy projects. Sports Tourism: Wisconsin hockey is set to return to Lambeau Field for the first time in 20 years with the Travel Wisconsin Frozen Tundra Faceoff on Feb. 20, 2027—expected to boost regional business activity. Finance & Investing: F.L.Putnam Investment Management is acquiring Milwaukee-based Red Granite, keeping the team in place while expanding its Midwest footprint. Regulation & Courts: Ten state attorneys general are challenging an OCC mortgage escrow rule, arguing it unlawfully preempts state interest-on-escrow protections. Agriculture: DATCP is accepting nominations for seats on the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, which oversees nearly $2 million in producer assessments.

Election Integrity & AI: Wisconsin’s political deepfake fight is heating up as Republican Derrick Van Orden uses AI-made videos to attack Democrat Rebecca Cooke, raising new questions about disclosure rules and what voters should trust. Utility Costs: We Energies faces fresh scrutiny after a public hearing on a proposed rate hike, with residents packing the room to argue affordability and ratepayer impact. Local Data & Community Planning: Milwaukee’s Data You Can Use hosts Data Day 2026 to push better local information for nonprofits and public officials—especially as federal data access gets tighter. Energy & Infrastructure: Wisconsin counties weigh how to respond to data center growth, with the Wisconsin Counties Association urging a framework approach instead of picking winners and losers. PFAS Funding: Lawmakers move to release $10 million tied to PFAS cleanup, while Evers and DNR highlight settlement money aimed at safe drinking water. Business & Consumer Watch: A tofu recall tops the consumer radar after 10,000+ cases were pulled over possible ink contamination from packaging. Education & Housing: UW-Oshkosh touts enrollment and surplus gains, while Janesville seeks FEMA disaster aid to reopen a flood-damaged elementary school.

Wisconsin Politics & Governance: Gov. Tony Evers says the state is looking into banning Flock license-plate cameras as privacy concerns grow, following Milwaukee’s new limits on access and data sharing. Workforce & Disability Services: Evers and the Department of Workforce Development secured more than $11 million in federal funding to expand vocational rehabilitation for Wisconsinites with disabilities and reduce the need for a waitlist. Higher Education & Talent Pipeline: UW-Stevens Point will launch a Future Leaders Program funded by the McPartland Family Foundation, aiming to build leadership skills for nominated business students. Banking Watch: Wisconsin banks remain solid mid-2026, with assets and deposits up year over year and improved net interest margins, according to the Wisconsin Bankers Association. Food & Agriculture Grants: DATCP is accepting applications for the $5 million Food Security and Wisconsin Products Grant Program, which funds nonprofits to buy Wisconsin foods for distribution at no cost. Energy & Infrastructure: A new push argues data centers should be treated as power infrastructure—an issue that’s increasingly relevant as AI drives demand and strains grids. Local Business Climate: Wisconsin counties are warning that fiscal gaps are widening fast, forcing tough budget tradeoffs that can affect services and local economies.

Data Center Politics: A pro–AI billionaire-backed group, Build American AI, is rolling out a multimillion-dollar ad push in battleground states including Wisconsin, aiming to blunt voter backlash over data center impacts on power, outages and water use. Utility Costs: We Energies is asking Wisconsin regulators for a 14–15% residential electric rate hike through 2028, with a public hearing Sept. 1 where customers can weigh in. Regional Infrastructure: Wisconsin and Minnesota lawmakers broke ground on the Blatnik Bridge replacement, a $1.8 billion project slated to be finished in 2032 and expected to mean a major multi-year closure starting in early 2027. Local Business & Jobs: Superior-area businesses are bracing for the bridge shutdown with new marketing plans as traffic detours loom. Energy Transition: Madison launched its 2026 MadiSUN solar programs, including a group-buy and Backyard Solar grants to expand access and lower costs for homeowners and nonprofits. Water & Farming: Pierce County residents rallied after a ruling found a DNR permit for a dairy expansion didn’t adequately protect groundwater, sending the permit back for added safeguards.

Data Centers & AI Politics: President Trump escalated his defense of data centers, telling communities to “let Data Reign” as AI infrastructure becomes a flashpoint in the 2026 midterm cycle. Energy & Infrastructure: Enbridge is pausing work on its Line 5 reroute for 48 hours after a gas leak, following DNR requests and air monitoring plans. Workforce Development: Wisconsin secured $11M in federal funding to expand vocational rehab services for people with disabilities without restarting a waitlist, while a separate $5M RESTART grant will fund career pathways for justice-involved youth and young adults through BRIDGE-WI. Food Safety & Regulation: DATCP named Timothy Anderson administrator of the Division of Food and Recreational Safety, and Wisconsin’s agriculture and food sector continues to draw attention at the state fair. Local Business & Community: Lakeshore College highlighted how technical education is translating into workforce outcomes, and two new dentists returned to Spooner to expand local care access. Trade & Markets: Wisconsin’s economy remains tied to tariff and trade-war fallout, with coverage pointing to Canada as a key partner.