Economic Development

The Alliance is a key partner in promoting economic development in Waukesha County. To enhance the work of the Waukesha County Center for Growth, the county’s economic development organization, we advocate for local, state and federal policies that support business growth and allow Wisconsin to remain competitive with other states. Waukesha County’s economy is inextricably linked to Milwaukee and the broader region – as such the Alliance is also an active participant in the efforts of the Milwaukee 7 to build a vibrant regional economy incorporating entrepreneurship, innovation and transformational technology.

2021 Policy Priorities:

Support liability protections for employers against frivolous lawsuits related to COVID-19, as well as other policies that facilitate a positive economic recovery and response to the pandemic.
Advocate for pro-business tax policies that allow Wisconsin to be competitive.
Advocate for a pro-business regulatory climate that allows Wisconsin companies to compete more successfully on national and international playing fields.
Promote the use and expansion of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as an economic development tool for local municipalities.
Promote Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) programs to drive economic growth, such as business tax credits, training grants, opportunity zones, etc.
Promote policies and programs that increase exports and improve trade for Wisconsin businesses.
Support policies that help companies automate, adopt new technology and operate effectively in a digital economy.
Support entrepreneurship by connecting start-ups and early stage companies to resources such as Small Business Development Center (SBDC) services.
Serve as an advisor and advocate for the Waukesha County Center for Growth and promote the organization’s GROW Fund.

Alliance Continues Advocacy Efforts on 94 East-West

April 5, 2021

Last week, the Alliance joined a coalition of 25+ organizations urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the timely reevaluation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the reinstatement of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the I-94 East-West reconstruction and expansion project. In addition, the Alliance provided public comments in support of the […]

COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Employer On-Site Clinics & Current Vaccine Eligibility

March 15, 2021

Employer On-Site Vaccine Clinic Requests Due This WednesdayBeginning this week, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a process for vaccinators to request a dedicated vaccine supply for employer-based closed clinics. The vaccinator will need to submit information, such as the location, timeframe, and number of doses, to seek approval from DHS. Requests […]

DWD Announces Technical Education Equipment Grants

March 1, 2021

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) – Office of Skills Development (OSD) has released a new Technical Education Equipment Grant Program Announcement (GPA). Under the Expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) program, up to $559,400 in grant funds is available to Wisconsin school districts to train students for careers in advanced manufacturing. The purpose of the […]

Alliance Applauds Legislators, Governor for Passing COVID-19 Liability Protection

February 25, 2021

Governor Tony Evers has signed Special Session Senate Bill 1 into law, which protects businesses, schools, nonprofits and others from COVID-19 litigation. The bill also begins the process of upgrading the state’s unemployment computer infrastructure. Since last summer, the Alliance has advocated for COVID-19 liability protection for organizations, and it is one of the top priorities […]

Governor Evers Delivers Budget Address

February 23, 2021

Gov. Evers unveiled his 2021-23 state budget last week with a budget address, which kicks off the budget process between the Governor and state legislature. Read more about Wisconsin’s state budget process hereThe proposed $91 billion budget would increase state spending by 7.3 percent the first year and two percent the second year. It would […]

Alliance Applauds Governor, Legislature on Resolving PPP Tax Issue

February 23, 2021

Gov. Tony Evers has signed Assembly Bill 2 into law, which will protect Wisconsin businesses from paying taxes on their federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. In addition to the Waukesha County Business Alliance’s own advocacy efforts on this legislation, the Alliance participated in a coalition of nearly 50 business associations, led by Wisconsin Manufacturers […]