The Local Government Funding Task Force (LGFT) was created to collect and review data
and utilize technical expertise and policy research of the Local Government Institute; UW
Oshkosh, Whitburn Center; and the UW Madison-Extension’s Local Government
Education Program.
Led by Co-chairs Timothy Hanna and Daniel Foth, the LGFT started its work in January
2022 to review and understand the local government funding data, issues, impacts, and
regional economies. This document is the culmination of the LGFT’s work, noting local
government revenue, and expense challenges, and a policy recommendation.
Members:
Timothy Hanna, Executive Director, Local Government Institute of Wisconsin
Daniel Foth, Local Government Specialist, UW Madison – Extension’s Local Government
Education Program
Scot Simpson, City Administrator – City of River Falls
Mark Rohloff, City Manager – City of Oshkosh
Dale Knapp, Director of Research & Analytics, Wisconsin Counties Association
Adam Payne, County Administrator – Sheboygan County
Lester Lewis, Chair – Town of Molitor
David Schmiedicke, Finance Director – City of Madison
Joe Ruth, Legal Counsel – Wisconsin Towns Association
William Mielke, COB-Ruekert-Mielke
Tom Wilson, Town Attorney / Administrator / Clerk-Treasurer, Town of Westport, Retired
Ex-Officio:
Dr. Michael Ford, Director – Whitburn Center, UW-Oshkosh
Toni Herkert – Government Affairs Director, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Karl Green – Program Manager, UW Madison – Extension’s Local Government Education
Program
Mike Koles – Executive Director, Wisconsin Towns Association
Jerry Deschane – Executive Director, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Curt Witynski – Deputy Executive Director, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Mark O’Connell – President & CEO, Wisconsin Counties Association
Renewing a Sustainable and Equitable Local Government Funding Partnership
WI Municipalities Net New Construction by County (2011-2022)
