Fond Du Lac Times

Executives from Envision participated in the Wisconsin Economic Development Association's (WEDA) 2025 Legislative Day at the state capitol on March 26. Lisa McArthur and Joe Venhuizen engaged with legislators to advocate for Fond du Lac County's business community interests. Their advocacy focused on three key reforms.

The primary objective was the modernization of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF). TIF laws, considered reliable tools for local governments to drive economic activity and expand the tax base, require increased flexibility to remain relevant in the modern economy.

Another concern addressed was the need for improvements to the Housing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). The fund, intended to support affordable housing development, has seen less than 5% of its allocated funds utilized due to restrictive regulations limiting developers' and communities' access.

Furthermore, Envision seeks revisions to the Business Development Tax Credit (BTC) to enhance its use. Changes from the previous legislative session require adjustments to encourage greater participation from eligible businesses, thereby aiding efforts to resolve Wisconsin's housing and childcare challenges.

Envision encourages those with shared advocacy interests to review their Legislative Agenda for priority summaries and to reach out to Joe Venhuizen for further discussions.

WEDA is a state-wide body bringing together economic developers, private industry, chambers of commerce, and public officials.