As part of our gubernatorial candidate podcast series, Democratic candidate Joel Brennan discussed his vision for Wisconsin’s economy, housing, workforce, healthcare, and state government. Throughout the interview, Brennan emphasized affordability, long-term investments, government transparency, and practical bipartisan problem-solving.

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

Managing Growth in Wisconsin Communities

Brennan began by discussing the challenges facing fast-growing communities like Eau Claire. Rather than focusing on population decline, he argued that communities experiencing growth must proactively address workforce, housing, childcare, healthcare access, and infrastructure. He described these as positive challenges that require long-term planning and strategic investment.

Housing Affordability

Housing was one of Brennan’s top priorities throughout the interview. He described housing affordability as a root cause of many workforce and economic challenges facing Wisconsin.

His proposals included:

• Creating a 3% mortgage program through WHEDA for first-time homebuyers and seniors looking to downsize.
• Building approximately 100,000 starter homes over four years.
• Expanding housing priced around $250,000–$300,000 to improve affordability.

Brennan argued that increasing housing supply is essential for attracting workers and supporting economic growth.

Budget Priorities and Fiscal Responsibility

Brennan emphasized that state budgets should reflect long-term priorities rather than short-term political wins. He opposed using the state’s projected budget surplus for one-time rebate checks, arguing that future revenues remain uncertain and that long-term investments would better improve affordability.

His priorities included:

• Affordable healthcare.
• Housing.
• Education funding.
• Workforce development.
• Fiscal sustainability.

Throughout the interview, Brennan described the budget as both an economic and values document that shapes Wisconsin’s future.

Education and Workforce Development

Education and workforce preparation were recurring themes.

Brennan called for greater investment in:

• K-12 public schools.
• The University of Wisconsin System.
• Wisconsin technical colleges.
• Workforce retraining programs.

He also discussed artificial intelligence as a major future workforce disruption and argued Wisconsin should expand retraining opportunities and short-term credential programs to help workers adapt.

School Funding and Property Taxes

Brennan criticized Wisconsin’s current school funding formula and proposed replacing it with a student-centered funding model. He argued that increasing the state’s share of school funding would reduce pressure on local property taxes while improving educational outcomes across Wisconsin.

Healthcare and Affordability

Healthcare affordability was another major priority. Brennan connected rising healthcare costs directly to Wisconsin’s workforce competitiveness, arguing that lowering costs would benefit both employers and employees while making the state more attractive for workers.

Supporting Wisconsin Businesses

Rather than focusing primarily on recruiting large companies, Brennan emphasized investing in businesses already operating in Wisconsin.

His economic development priorities included:

• Supporting entrepreneurs.
• Growing existing Wisconsin businesses.
• Leveraging university research and innovation.
• Reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers through regular reviews.

He argued that growing local businesses often produces more sustainable economic development than relying on large incentive packages.

Data Centers

Brennan expressed support for data center development but argued projects should operate under clear statewide standards.

He proposed requiring:

• Developers to cover infrastructure costs.
• Environmental protections.
• Wisconsin union labor.
• Transparent public engagement.
• Elimination of non-disclosure agreements during negotiations.

He also said comprehensive data center legislation should be among the first priorities of a new legislative session.

Government Transparency and Bipartisan Leadership

Brennan repeatedly emphasized transparency and collaboration throughout the interview.

He called for:

• Earlier legislative involvement during budget negotiations.
• Greater public participation through listening sessions and online engagement.
• Working across party lines despite narrow legislative majorities.

He argued successful governing requires maintaining progressive values while building relationships that produce bipartisan results.

Local Government and Regional Investment

Brennan said Wisconsin should make proactive investments in rapidly growing regions like Eau Claire.

He emphasized continued partnerships among:

• Local governments.
• Businesses.
• Universities.
• Technical colleges.
• Community organizations.

He argued demographic trends should help guide future state investments.

Chamber and Business Advocacy

Near the conclusion of the interview, Brennan praised chambers of commerce and business advocacy organizations, saying they play an important role in helping lawmakers understand local priorities. He predicted coalition-building will become increasingly important as legislative majorities remain closely divided.

Governing Philosophy

Throughout the interview, Brennan described himself as a “realistic, passionate, pragmatic progressive.”

He emphasized practical governance centered on:

• Delivering measurable results.
• Building bipartisan relationships.
• Long-term planning.
• Restoring public trust through effective government rather than political conflict.

Key Takeaways

Throughout the conversation, Brennan consistently emphasized:

• Expanding affordable housing and homeownership opportunities.
• Investing in K-12 education, technical colleges, and the University of Wisconsin System.
• Reforming school funding to reduce local property taxes.
• Expanding workforce training and preparing for AI-driven workforce changes.
• Lowering healthcare costs and improving affordability.
• Supporting Wisconsin entrepreneurs and existing businesses.
• Investing strategically in fast-growing communities.
• Increasing transparency in the state budget process.
• Establishing statewide standards for data center development.
• Working across party lines while pursuing pragmatic, long-term policy solutions.