As part of our gubernatorial candidate podcast series, Democratic candidate David Crowley discussed his vision for Wisconsin’s economy, housing, local government, workforce, and business climate. Throughout the interview, Crowley emphasized strengthening local communities, expanding affordability, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring economic development benefits Wisconsin residents.

Below are some of the major policy themes discussed during the conversation.

Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Crowley said Wisconsin should make it easier for businesses to access state resources by creating a centralized “one-stop shop” for entrepreneurs and small businesses. He argued that economic development should focus on helping businesses navigate available programs, financing, and technical assistance while strengthening local economies by keeping investment circulating within Wisconsin communities.

Housing Affordability

Housing was one of Crowley’s primary priorities. He emphasized expanding both affordable and attainable housing, particularly for middle-income families who often do not qualify for traditional affordable housing programs but still struggle to purchase homes. Crowley highlighted the need to address the state’s “missing middle” housing shortage while continuing investments that support workforce growth and economic development.

Shared Revenue and Local Government

Crowley called for continued reform of Wisconsin’s shared revenue system to give local governments greater financial flexibility. He argued municipalities should have more capacity to invest in public services and infrastructure while benefiting more directly from the economic activity occurring within their communities.

Community Engagement and Bipartisan Leadership

Throughout the interview, Crowley emphasized collaborative leadership and community engagement.

He said successful policymaking requires:

• Bringing diverse voices to the table.
• Holding public budget hearings.
• Seeking input from residents, businesses, and community organizations.
• Working across party lines to achieve practical solutions.

He pointed to Wisconsin’s shared revenue legislation as an example of bipartisan cooperation producing meaningful results.

Data Centers

Crowley devoted significant attention to data center development, arguing Wisconsin should establish clear standards before approving future projects.

He proposed requiring developers to:

• Pay for all electrical grid and infrastructure upgrades.
• Develop or fund new clean energy resources.
• Obtain local government approval.
• Eliminate non-disclosure agreements during negotiations.
• Enter into community benefit agreements and project labor agreements.
• Protect surrounding neighborhoods from noise, light, and environmental impacts.
• Create long-term cleanup funds.
• Help reduce statewide energy costs rather than increasing costs for existing customers.

Crowley emphasized that communities should benefit directly from major economic development projects while maintaining transparency throughout the approval process.

Competition and Business Climate

Crowley discussed strengthening Wisconsin’s business climate by encouraging greater competition. He criticized market concentration in several industries and expressed support for repealing Wisconsin’s mandatory fuel markup requirement under the Unfair Sales Act, arguing that increased competition could benefit consumers and businesses alike.

Workforce and Affordability

Crowley said Wisconsin’s economy depends on maintaining a strong relationship between businesses and workers.

His priorities included:

• Raising the state minimum wage.
• Improving affordability for working families.
• Supporting workforce development alongside business growth.

He argued that economic success requires policies that benefit both employers and employees.

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental protection was integrated throughout Crowley’s discussion of economic development.

He argued Wisconsin has a responsibility to:

• Protect natural resources.
• Safeguard water quality.
• Reduce environmental impacts from large development projects.
• Ensure economic growth remains sustainable for future generations.

Long-Term Economic Growth

Crowley repeatedly emphasized that policymaking should focus on sustainable, long-term outcomes rather than short-term political victories.

He described his broader agenda, referred to as “Badger Basics,” as being built around three priorities:

• Affordability.
• Care.
• Opportunity.

He argued these principles should guide future state investments and economic policy.

Governing Philosophy

Throughout the interview, Crowley described his leadership style as collaborative and community-centered. He emphasized building relationships, listening to diverse perspectives, and keeping people at the center of decision-making while pursuing practical policies that strengthen Wisconsin’s economy over the long term.

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Key Takeaways

Throughout the conversation, Crowley consistently emphasized:

• Creating a one-stop resource center for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Expanding affordable and attainable housing, particularly for the “missing middle.”
• Reforming shared revenue to strengthen local governments.
• Increasing public participation in budgeting and decision-making.
• Supporting bipartisan collaboration and community-centered leadership.
• Establishing comprehensive statewide standards for data center development.
• Requiring data center developers to fund infrastructure, environmental protections, and community benefits.
• Promoting greater market competition, including repealing the Unfair Sales Act’s mandatory fuel markup.
• Raising the minimum wage and improving affordability for working families.
• Pursuing long-term, sustainable economic growth guided by affordability, care, and opportunity.