Inside the Current State of Wisconsin’s Economy

In this episode:

00:00 – 06:46: Intro and Recent Economic Development Wins
06:47 – 09:18: Why Investors are Choosing Wisconsin
09:19 – 15:54: Fact and Fiction on Data Centers
15:55 – 19:45: MMAC’s 5-year Plan
19:46 – 23:38: 2026 Governor Race
23:39 – 29:15: Federal Education Tax Credit and Closing

In this episode, President of Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), Dale Kooyenga and President and CEO, Jim Popp explore the developments shaping Wisconsin's economic landscape. From billion-dollar corporate expansions to education tax credits, these trends signal major shifts in manufacturing, infrastructure and educational opportunities that will impact our communities for years to come.

3 Key Takeaways

1.Record corporate investments

Wisconsin is experiencing unprecedented economic growth with major investments from global leaders. Rockwell Automation is building their largest manufacturing facility in the world — over a million square feet focused on robotics and AI. Microsoft is making their largest investment outside their headquarters in Washington state in Racine and Kenosha counties. Eli Lilly, who contributed to 100% of Denmark's 3% GDP growth, are manufacturing in Kenosha county. These innovation and manufacturing hubs will bring thousands of jobs to Southeastern Wisconsin and could attract other major businesses.

2. The impact of data centers 

Data centers have become a hot topic since the announcement of the Port Washington center. Dale and Jim recently met with the President of Microsoft, Brad Smith, and are breaking down the two common myths surrounding these centers: Water usage and power. Dale explains that these centers will only use as much water as one golf course and will operate under separate utility agreements to pay for their own power generation and distribution.

3. Federal Education Tax Credit

This groundbreaking new policy could reshape education funding nationwide. The Federal Education Tax Credit offers a $1,700 dollar-for-dollar tax credit per person. Here's how it works: If you have a $10,000 tax liability and donate $1,700 to a qualified scholarship organization, your tax liability drops to $8,300. This represents the first-ever dollar-per-person federal education credit and will be a major policy debate over the next year.

As Wisconsin positions itself at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and as federal education policy evolves, the decisions made today will shape economic and social outcomes for the next generation.