Common Council says no to new liquor license restrictions

Since the original introduction in June 2024 and through its various iterations, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors remained opposed to the proposed changes to Madison General Ordinances that would impose new citywide regulations and restrictions on alcohol licensing.

Last week, after more than a year of sustained Chamber advocacy, the Madison Common Council voted 16-4 to reject the measure that would have imposed sweeping restrictions on Class A and Class B liquor licenses across the city.

It was the Chamber’s position that addressing chronic alcohol use is a worthwhile and understandable objective, but a citywide policy that does not consider unique neighborhood characteristics and needs is an ill-advised approach. Additionally, the proposal was and has always been a solution in search of a problem with unintended yet significant consequences for small businesses and entrepreneurs of color, particularly those who already face language barriers.

Perhaps the most important reason for our opposition was that the Alcohol Licensing Review Committee (ALRC) already has authority and a proven track record of reviewing alcohol licenses before and after problems arise. This legislation takes an unwarranted and pessimistic view of the committee’s charge, ability and oversight.

The proposal would have limited opportunity, added red tape and bypassed the city’s existing Alcohol License Review Committee process.

Thanks to the advocacy of our coalition partners and the leadership of key alders, this ordinance change did not move forward.

Chamber leadership advocates for R&D funding during DC visit

Last week, Chamber leadership was in Washington, D.C., advocating for the preservation and prioritization of federal investments in research and innovation. In addition to significant breakthroughs in new technologies and medical advancements, agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense and Department of Energy provide critical funding that advances U.S. interests.

The Greater Madison Chamber is a founding member of the Business for Federal Research Funding coalition. Since its founding in 2017, this national alliance of more than 50 chambers of commerce and business organizations has worked to ensure robust federal research funding remains a priority in the federal budget.

In meetings with congressional leaders, our message emphasized the strong economic return on investment and the growing risk of losing advanced research and development jobs to other nations. The United States’ defense readiness and innovation edge rely on sustained funding of these essential programs.

Wisconsin Policy Forum Releases State Budget Analysis

By Chamber staff

The Wisconsin Policy Forum recently released a Budget Brief report on Gov. Tony Evers’ 2025-27 proposed state budget. The report provides a detailed synopsis of the state’s fiscal picture, noting many opportunities – including a more than $4 billion budget surplus to draw from – as well as challenges, including rising inflation, uncertainty in federal funding and a record number of referenda by municipalities and school districts across the state. 

The Governor proposes using a significant portion of the state’s reserves, prioritizing K-12 education, shared revenue to local governments and funding for the Universities of Wisconsin. To pay for the new spending, the Governor proposes raising individual and corporate income taxes as well as limiting state incentives for manufacturers and capital gains. GOP leaders have signaled opposition to the Governor’s proposed spending plans, likely crafting their own plan from scratch through the Joint Committee on Finance. 

Also included within the report is a special in-depth analysis of the state’s childcare situation. The Chamber supported this work as part of continued advocacy to support public- and private-sector strategies that reduce barriers to entry for entrepreneurs and workers in the childcare industry. The Governor’s budget proposes spending $480 million over two years to fully reinstate the Child Care Counts program, which provides payments to childcare providers. The report estimates an unmet demand for childcare in Wisconsin of between 32 and 40%. Filling that demand would cost an estimated $655 million to $2 billion total. 

Wisconsin is not alone in this challenge. State governments across the country are using a variety of policy approaches to address both access and cost of care. In addition to direct funding, states have created employer cost-sharing and tax incentive programs (see Table 1).

Read the full report from the Wisconsin Public Policy Forum here.

Chamber announces Madison Common Council endorsements

Voice of business supports candidates focused on growth, economic opportunity

MADISON (Feb. 20, 2025) – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors today announced its endorsements in the April 1 elections for Madison Common Council. The endorsement from the Chamber’s 48-member Board highlights candidates who demonstrate strong leadership on business and economic issues and is based on several factors, including alignment with the Chamber’s Belong advocacy agenda.

“We need innovation, creativity and decisive action from our elected officials,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “These candidates have the right experience and will move quickly to address our collective challenges and help our region achieve shared prosperity.”

The Chamber Board is proud to endorse the following candidates for Madison Common Council (I = incumbent):

District 1: John W. Duncan (I)
District 2: Will Ochowicz
District 3: Derek Field (I)
District 4: Mike Verveer (I)
District 5: Regina Vidaver (I)
District 6: Davy Mayer
District 7: Badri Lankella
District 9: Joann Pritchett
District 10: Yannette Figueroa Cole (I)
District 11: Bill Tishler (I)
District 14: Isadore Knox, Jr. (I)
District 15: Ryan Koglin
District 16: Sean O’Brien
District 18: Carmella Glenn
District 19: John Guequierre (I)
District 20: Barbara Harrington-McKinney (I)

To read candidate questionnaire responses and learn more, visit here.

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison region to its full potential. Learn more at  madisonbiz.com.

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Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub Approved for $49 Million in Phase 2 Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (July 2, 2024)

Contact: Erik Greenfield, Communications Manager, 608-443-1952 (office), 608-669-7884 (cell)

Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub Approved for $49 Million in Phase 2 Funding
Chamber celebrates announcement, calls on Congress to fully fund program

MADISON – Today, the U.S. Economic Development Administration announced the approval of $49 million in Phase 2 funding, as part of the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program, for the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub application. Wisconsin’s Tech Hub, focused on personalized medicine, was one of just 12 Tech Hubs across the country to receive funding.

In response to today’s announcement, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon released the following statement:

“This is tremendous news for Greater Madison’s and Wisconsin’s economy, and it validates our standing as a global leader in health innovation.

“The Chamber has championed the concept of a regional technology hub program going back to 2019, and it has been a cornerstone of our federal advocacy ever since. From leveraging Chamber programming to diligent behind-the-scenes work with partners and our congressional delegation, we have worked tirelessly toward the goal of creating and funding this important federal place-based economic program.

“This is a huge win for our region and our state, but our work is not done yet. We call on Congress to fund the program beyond the current appropriated amount of $500 million and reach the fully authorized amount of $10 billion to build upon today’s announced investments. This is critical to unlocking the full potential of this program and maximizing our nation’s innovation output.”

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with more than 1,200 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at madisonbiz.com.

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