Wisconsin has a rich tradition of quality public services that enrich the lives of state citizens and are available to everyone. Over the decades, our communities have built dependable structures for safety, justice, transportation, the parks, culture, and services for children, the elderly, the impoverished, and those with disabilities.

The Institute for Wisconsin's Future continues its work to protect public services by engaging citizens in discussion across the state. After success securing public services in Milwaukee County last fall (see below), IWF hit the road to discuss how we can find a fair way to build the revenue needed to protect our public structures, such as parks, schools, police and many more. The IWF presentation is a catalyst for people to discuss what they value and what we can do to make our communities stronger.

If you would like to know more about this presentation or would like to have one come to you contact Joe Fahey at (414) 384-9094 jfahey@wisconsinsfuture.org.

»View the PowerPoint presentation A Citizen's Guide to a Strong Community.
» Sign up to be on email update list.

In Milwaukee County, the effort is to educate people on the importance of common community structures at all levels of government and to inform them of the service cuts that have been proposed for 2007. The project provides citizens with a vehicle for preventing the loss of significant services in the current year and in advocating for sound public policy that protects public services for our children and grandchildren.

» Brochure about Milwaukee County services
» See What's on the Chopping Block
»See more details and history of county budget cuts

The Alliance to Protect the Public Good: IWF is organizing a network of organizations, congregations, labor unions and individuals to find short-term protection from Milwaukee County budget cuts and long-term fiscal stability through reforms in state aid. (The Alliance’s principles and endorsement form) To join the Alliance or request a presentation to a group, please call IWF at 414-384-9094.

Sign up to be on the Alliance's email list.

In Eau Claire citizens are talking about what government services they want for themselves, their children and grandchildren, and their neighbors. The project brings together citizens, government officials, community and religious leaders, and labor union members to talk about, define, and create sound public policy to establish what has become known as become known as Badger Basics — the market basket of government services to which all community members should have access. (More details on Eau Claire’s budget crisis and community mobilization efforts)