State Lawmakers Advocate for Fully Funding Dane County Cities

For Immediate Release
October 3, 2024

Wisconsin benefits from the growth and economic activity generated by Dane County communities, the fastest-growing area in the state. Local governments make this possible by providing the essential services that everyone relies on, including public safety, garbage and recycling collection, libraries, safe streets, and neighborhoods that people are proud to call home. 

It’s in the best interest of all Wisconsin residents that our state government supports cities. That’s why state legislators from Dane County and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway are calling on the Wisconsin Legislature to adopt bipartisan measures that address the chronic underfunding of local governments. 

“Current state policies are forcing Fitchburg, Monona, Madison and other Dane County communities to consider scaling back or eliminating city services while we are being asked to serve more residents each year,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway at a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 3. “A fair distribution of shared revenue; a local sales tax option; a regional transit authority; adjusting levy limit restrictions to account for growth and inflation. The State Legislature has the tools to allow local communities to thrive and live up to their full potential.” 

The State has a more than $3 billion surplus from the sales and income taxes paid by all Wisconsin residents. To help cover the cost of basic services, the State returns some of that tax money to local governments through its shared revenue program. But the current system isn’t working. 

“We must continue to make state investments in our communities and give them the flexibility to meet their local needs,” said Rep. Mike Bare. “I'll keep working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and with the Governor to find solutions to help local governments. I’m hopeful these efforts will result in progress."

Dane County cities receive an average of $41 per resident in shared revenue (Madison receives just $29 per resident). The statewide average for Wisconsin cities is $195. Only a small percentage of the State’s surplus is needed to correct this imbalance. A fair distribution of shared revenue would ensure our local communities can maintain the basic infrastructure needed to serve an increasing number of residents without facing annual structural deficits.

Senator Kelda Roys said current State policies deprive Madison and other Wisconsin communities from the ability to make decisions at the local level. 

“These budget shortfalls faced by cities and villages around the state aren’t an accident. Madison and other Wisconsin cities need to be made whole,” said Senator Roys. “The good news is that we already have the money that our local communities need. We have $3 billion remaining in our surplus, and with that money, we could easily fix the shared revenue formula going forward.”

It’s essential, adds Rep. Alex Joers, that local governments are properly funded. 

“Our communities need the funds to continue the services our neighbors expect to live their lives,” said Rep. Joers. “We must keep pushing for permanent legislative solutions to make sure our cities are able to thrive with the resources they need.”

Rep. Francesca Hong said cities like Madison are being asked to pick up the tab for the state chronically underfunding local governments. 

“In order for us to have a collective future where Madison has thriving libraries, where we have strong public transportation, where we have roads and sidewalks that are plowed, we need to make sure we invest in our communities,” said Rep. Hong. “We’re building a coalition and I'm looking forward to finding solutions. It’s incredibly important that Madison and other communities have the ability to flourish.”

This week’s press conference follows a number of recent meetings Mayor Rhodes-Conway has held with state legislators over the past few months. 

“I really appreciate having such strong partners who believe in investing in Madison's future,” said the Mayor. “I'm proud to work with them and other Wisconsin mayors on this important issue.”