July 11, 2025, | Vol. 1, Issue 19(Approx. 2174 words – a 11–minute read)
(Approx. 2174 words – a 11–minute read)
🔮 What’s Ahead? Janesville’s Step into the Data World, Beloit’s latest transparency efforts, and a Hiccup in the Affordable Housing world.
City of Janesville:
Redevelopment at Crossroads: Janesville’s Data Center Proposal and the Missing Public Voice
In an assertive and forward-looking move, the City of Janesville has invited developers to submit proposals for constructing data centers on approximately 240 acres of municipally owned land, including the former General Motors plant site and adjacent JATCO Transportation property. This strategic initiative aims to catalyze long-term economic growth while emphasizing environmental stewardship, job creation, and private-sector investment in digital infrastructure.
According to the city’s goals, the project should:
- Promote sustainable reuse of a partially brownfield site
- Attract lasting digital infrastructure investments
- Generate high-quality jobs for Janesville residents
- Expand the local property tax base
- Minimize environmental and community impacts
While the effort is commendable for its bold scope and potential economic upside, it arrives amid a critical juncture, both legally and civically. The city’s recent acquisition of the property is currently under appeal in Circuit Court, centering on the contested purchase price. Though the litigation does not outright block development, it casts a legal shadow on full possession.
More consequential is the lack of meaningful public engagement in planning this transformative redevelopment. No structured initiative has yet been launched to gather community input or build consensus. Residents living near the proposed site, those most likely to be affected, have not been invited into the conversation. Requests to establish a citizens advisory committee remain unanswered, despite support from council members and civic organizations.
Hypothetically Speaking: A Data-Driven Future Must Begin with Community Voice
If the City of Janesville hopes to build enduring public trust, it must embrace transparency and meaningful collaboration from the outset. Acting prematurely to secure a developer, without engaging residents, risks sidelining community stakeholders and contradicts the core principles of civic accountability. The development of this magnitude requires more than strategic vision. It requires shared ownership.
Transforming a former industrial site into a high-tech anchor for the region presents an exciting opportunity. Yet this catalytic investment should not come at the cost of inclusive planning. The proposed data center could be a defining symbol of innovation if its blueprint is shaped in conversation with those who will live alongside it.
True foresight means involving the public before ground is broken, not after plans are set. The neighbors, taxpayers, and future stewards of this land deserve a seat at the table, not merely an invitation to react. After all, they will fund the site’s redevelopment and experience its impact long after today’s leaders have moved on.
The Sustainable Janesville Committee will be taking up the issue of whether the City should designate and develop 101 Rockport Road as a park. Recall that this property at one time was considered for development of a multi-unit housing project. Plans for the project were abandoned following a spirited public meeting where residents were asked to comment on the prospect of such a housing project at that location. The controversial housing project would later resurface in downtown Janesville on Wall Street only to suffer the same fate, developer withdrawal.
Hypothetically Speaking:
The property, consisting of over two city blocks on the near south side, has been vacant for some years. It has various designations in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. To date, it has been a popular site for bird watching on the Rock River. It is also in a gateway corridor connecting city property from Palmer Park to downtown. This gateway in the long range could represent a significant investment in the recreational and environmental assets of the city. While some view this current push to designate it as a park is in reaction to the proposed use of housing. Reality is that it is better suited to recreation and this citizen led initiative to get the City Council to concur with a parks and recreation designation is an excellent example of community led initiatives. This could represent a test case for how receptive the City Administration and council are to such endeavors when led by grassroots efforts. We urge the city leadership to pay close attention.
Joint Review Board:
In Wisconsin, cities like Janesville can designate Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs) to encourage development. When a TID is created, property taxes are frozen at the current base value. As development boosts property values, the increased taxes—called the “increment”—are reinvested into public improvements like roads, utilities, and cleanup projects.
Why Use TIDs?
TIDs help stimulate growth only if the city determines the development would not happen “but for” the financial support. After costs are repaid, the district closes and full tax revenues are returned to all local authorities, including schools and counties.
A state-mandated Joint Review Board (JRB) oversees the use of TIDs to ensure accountability. It includes representatives from the city, the County, local school districts, the technical college, and a public member.
The JRB approves new TIDs, reviews their financial plans, and confirms they meet state requirements—including the “but for” test.
Annual Accountability:
Each year, the City of Janesville must:
- File a detailed financial report for every active TID.
- Share the report with each taxing authority.
- Convene the JRB to assess performance and alignment with approved plans.
This year’s annual meeting was held with a report that the current financial status of the Tax Incremental Districts is sound. Provision was made by resolution to move some funding around from districts with a projected surplus to underperforming districts or those anticipated to have significant fiscal needs. In this case, excess proceeds from the successful old Menard’s redevelopment project are proposed to be transferred into the downtown Janesville District 36, and the recently crested TID 42 encompassing the former GM and JATCO properties.
Hypothetically Speaking:
Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) is a proven tool city like Janesville used to grow our local economy. It helps fund public improvements—like better roads, utilities, and cleaned-up spaces—in specific areas where development is needed most. TIF Is a Smart Investment for Our Community.
Here is how it works, local taxing authorities (like schools, counties, and cities) agree to temporarily hold off collecting extra tax revenue from rising property values in these areas. Instead, that “extra” money—called the tax increment—is invested in improving the area. This includes things like:
- Upgraded infrastructure.
- Developer support
- Environmental cleanups
Why is that a good deal?
Because over time, those improvements attract new businesses and homeowners. Property values go up, and when the TIF district ends, taxing authorities receive more tax revenue than they would have without it. It is a short-term investment that brings long-term gains—and to date, it is worked well here in Janesville.
✅ 2024 Snapshot:
- Five TIDs closed, successfully completing their goals.
- No new districts formed, indicating careful use of the tool.
- The overall program is fiscally sound and solvent.
TIF is one of the few tools available to local governments to spur development without raising general taxes—making it a win for our community and for every taxpayer.
School District of Janesville:
With little fanfare, the Janesville School Board approved their preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 25/26 this week. The spending plan anticipates per pupil school aid to remain static. The only change of significance was an infusion of an estimated $2 M in state aid to reimburse a portion of district special education costs. This change is a result of the State’s budget being approved and signed into law by the Governor in the past few days.
The $155 M spending plan is up slightly from these past years planned expenditures. The preliminary budget will be subject to adjustment based upon the student membership count that occurs in September. This count is then used to determine the amount of state aid the district receives. It is worth noting that the $14.5 million non-recurring operational funding authorized last year by voters in the district remains in effect for the next two years. At the point of that referendum authorization expires, the district voters should expect another operational revenue limit override vote, barring any significant changes in the state school aid formula in the interim.
Hypothetically Speaking:
Over the course of the next two years, district expenditures for special education services will be reimbursed at a higher rate than previously authorized. This marks the first time in several years that the legislature and governor have been able to come to an agreement on special education school aid. Historically, the policy intent was that two-thirds of the costs in this category would be reimbursed by the state. Legislative appropriations to date have never allowed for that level of reimbursement. Ideally, this shattering of the ice jam on funding special education will continue going forward. Statewide, spending on special education varies by district due to the local taxing authority limitations faced by local districts. Ideally, equal opportunity to these services should be guaranteed by State policy.
City of Beloit:
Beloit City Council Embraces Transparency in City Manager Evaluation
For the second time in as many years, the Beloit City Council has officially released a summary of its annual evaluation of the City Manager, a notable departure from the customary confidentiality surrounding personnel reviews. This proactive step signals a commitment to transparency and public accountability in local governance, even as it introduces a degree of risk for both council members and the city’s chief executive.
The evaluation reflects a strong endorsement of City Manager Jerry Gabrielatos’s performance, especially in the areas of fiscal stewardship and community engagement. Council members praised his ability to connect with residents, citing his innovative “satellite city hall” initiative—an outreach effort that brings his office into barber shops, grocery stores, and the Beloit Farmers’ Market. This grassroots approach to leadership has fostered a deeper sense of trust and accessibility among Beloit citizens and stands as a model worth emulating across the region.
Still, the Council’s assessment underscores a desire for Gabrielatos to evolve further as a visionary leader in his third year. Specifically, council members have articulated a goal for him to provide greater strategic direction and organizational leadership to guide Beloit’s future.
Hypothetically speaking: Beloit’s decision to disclose elements of the City Manager’s evaluation sets an intriguing precedent.It represents a thoughtful precedent for public engagement. Personnel evaluations are typically guarded, yet this release suggests a shift toward openness and a redefinition of public expectations for municipal leadership. One councilor even remarked that Gabrielatos’s “superpower” is his ability to genuinely connect with Beloiters. This observation supports the notion that local government should not operate at arm’s length from the community it serves.
Indeed, meaningful civic leadership should involve visible, regular interaction with residents, regardless of whether the executive resides within city limits. Perception matters, and there is value, both symbolic and practical, in having municipal leaders live among and contribute to the community through both engagement and tax support.
As Beloit’s City Council continues to shape its vision for local leadership, the emphasis on transparency, accessibility, and proactive governance could serve as a guiding example for other municipalities seeking to build trust and accountability in public administration.
City of Beloit:
Adaptive Strategy in Action: Beloit Extends Incentive Deadline for Gateway Housing Project
A Madison developer who helped revitalize the Beloit College Powerhouse has received more time to deliver on a $3 million affordable housing commitment in the Gateway Business District. The Alexander Company, awarded $3 million in 2024 by the City of Beloit, was tasked with building a 94-unit affordable multifamily project. However, its plans hinged on receiving housing tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. This is a key financial ingredient that fell through this May. Without the credits, Alexander shifted gears, reducing the proposal to sixty-four units and requesting an extension, which the city approved.
The move comes amid Beloit’s broader struggle with housing supply. Since 2020, the city has issued just 164 single-family permits, eight condominium units, and thirteen manufactured homes. The last large-scale apartment project broke ground in 2022. Across income levels, rising costs continue to strain families. A trend the city’s $6 million in development incentives aims to reverse.
Meanwhile, the second project awarded funding in 2024, a 55-unit effort led by Alternative Continuum of Care and Lutheran Social Services has secured $1.2 million in tax credits and is on track to begin construction by year’s end.
Hypothetically Speaking:
Beloit’s willingness to extend deadlines and adapt to expectations may be exactly what is needed in today’s housing climate. If one company’s revised blueprint still supports the city’s core goal, more accessible housing, then it deserves support, not sideline criticism.
After all, development rarely follows a straight path. Like Alexander’s transformation of the Powerhouse into a world-class student facility, this revised housing plan could become Beloit’s next case study in adaptive success. What matters most is keeping momentum alive and ensuring that long-term growth does not get stalled by short-term obstacles. Drew Pennington, Beloit’s Economic Development Director will be a guest on News Makers to get into this discussion in more detail.
🎤 Newsmakers Preview
Spotlight on Community Voices
We are thrilled to share the momentum behind Newsmakers, a recently launched public affairs series featuring 15-minute one-on-one interviews with local individuals making a difference.
From civic leaders and arts advocates to nonprofit pioneers and globe-trotting athletes, each episode highlights compelling stories of perseverance, innovation, and deep-rooted community pride.
Looking ahead to this fall, we will launch a series of conversations with locally elected officials from across the area, exploring not only the roles they play but the motivations that drive their commitment to building a stronger, more engaged community.
📺 How to Watch & Listen:
- Fridays at 9:30 AM – JATV Community Access Channel 994 (Spectrum)
- Fridays at 9:15 AM – WCLO Radio: Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel
- Anytime, On-Demand – YouTube: Search “JATV Media” or “Rock County Civics Academy”
☕ Community Spotlight: Havana Coffee
Fueling Dialogue, One Cup at a Time
Looking for a space to connect and reflect? Visit Havana Coffee at 1250 Milton Avenue true Janesville gem where civic energy meets excellent espresso. With hearty food, warm service, and a strong commitment to local journalism, Havana Coffee proudly supports the Rock County Civics Academy and all who believe in informed engagement.
💬 A Call to Leadership
Every advancement in our community begins with someone choosing to act. If you have asked yourself when the right time to get involved is—the answer might just be now.
Ways to contribute:
• Volunteer with a civic group
• Apply to serve on a local board or commission
• Run for public office and lead the change.
“If not me, who? If not now, when? — Hillel the Elder
💭 Hypothetically Speaking…
- What if transparency was standard in local government?
- What if civic engagement became Rock County’s defining strength?
That is the mission of Hypothetically Speaking. And with your voice in the mix, it is closer to reality than ever.
🌐 Stay Engaged with the Rock County Civics Academy
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Until next time—stay curious, stay engaged, and stay connected.
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