2026-24443
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-2444
A resolution urging the State of Wisconsin to develop a Comprehensive Transportation
Funding Strategy
WHEREAS, local units of government in Wisconsin own and maintain approximately 90% of the
public road miles in the state, including city and village streets, county highways, and town roads;
and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin’s economy, rooted in manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, relies on
a safe, reliable, and well-maintained transportation network; and
WHEREAS, local governments greatly appreciate the one-time infusions of General Purpose
Revenue, primarily sales and income taxes, and other revenue provided in recent state budgets,
which have enabled the initiation and continuation of the successful and popular Local Roads
Improvement Program Supplemental (LRIP-S); and
WHEREAS, despite modest increases from the state over the years, transportation aids to local
governments remain insufficient to keep pace with inflation and rising construction costs, leaving
many communities funded below 2000 levels in real dollars; and
WHEREAS, local governments throughout Wisconsin continue to struggle to perform even
routine maintenance, pavement preservation, and safety improvements, resulting in
deteriorating roads and bridges; and
WHEREAS, the inaugural inventory and assessment of small bridges between 6 and 20 feet
found about 10% of the nearly 17,000 structures to be in poor or severe condition; and
WHEREAS, levy limits and other fiscal constraints prevent local governments from
independently filling the funding gap created by inadequate state transportation aids; and
WHEREAS, absent sustainable state funding, many communities have been forced to address
their shortfalls by significantly increasing borrowing, deferring essential projects, or imposing
local vehicle registration (“wheel”) taxes; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin motorists currently pay among the lowest transportation user fees in the
Midwest, while neighboring states and dozens of others nationwide have enacted long-term
revenue measures to keep their transportation systems competitive; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin is increasingly relying on General Purpose Revenues to make needed
investments, potentially pitting transportation against other vital services, such as education; and
WHEREAS, continued lack of growing, dedicated, and predictable revenue places Wisconsin at
a growing economic disadvantage by threatening the efficiency of freight movement, the safety
of travelers, and the attractiveness of our state to businesses and residents; and
WHEREAS, both Wisconsin’s aging Interstate highway system, largely constructed in the 1950s
and 1960s, and our extensive network of state and local roads require predictable, adequate,
and sustainable funding to meet current and future needs;
4
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Janesville
strongly urges the Governor of Wisconsin and the State Legislature to enact a comprehensive,
sustainable transportation funding solution that:
1.Provides adequate and reliable revenue growth for the efficient long-term planning and
execution of state and local transportation programs;
2.Includes responsible and prudent use of General Purpose Revenue and bonding;
3.Adjusts any new and existing transportation user fees and other revenue mechanisms to
sustain purchasing power in order to maintain and improve Wisconsin’s transportation
infrastructure; and
4.Ensures transportation continues to deliver for Wisconsin by adequately funding
reconstruction, preservation, and safety investments on the state and local systems.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk-Treasurer is hereby directed to transmit a copy
of this resolution to the Governor’s office, all members of the Wisconsin State Senate and
Assembly representing districts within Janesville, and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
ADOPTED: May 11, 2026 Motion by: Consent
Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
Cass X
Erdman X
Miller X
Neeno X
Pope X
Seeman X
Squire X
Lorena Rae Stottler, City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wald Klimczyk, City Attorney
Proposed by: City Manager’s Office
Prepared by: City Manager’s Office
2026-2444
Final Audit Report 2026-05-12
Created:2026-05-12
By:Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAAHY8noXCLkxd8tbwWYQVdgYrhhMxrNYfZ
"2026-2444" History
Document created by Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov)
2026-05-12 - 4:34:29 PM GMT
Document emailed to Kevin Lahner (lahnerk@janesvillewi.gov) for signature
2026-05-12 - 4:34:35 PM GMT
Document emailed to Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov) for signature
2026-05-12 - 4:34:35 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Lorena Stottler (stottlerl@janesvillewi.gov)
Signature Date: 2026-05-12 - 5:12:02 PM GMT - Time Source: server - Signature Appearance Selected: IMAGE
Email viewed by Kevin Lahner (lahnerk@janesvillewi.gov)
2026-05-12 - 5:49:26 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Kevin Lahner (lahnerk@janesvillewi.gov)
Signature Date: 2026-05-12 - 5:49:36 PM GMT - Time Source: server - Signature Appearance Selected: IMAGE
Agreement completed.
2026-05-12 - 5:49:36 PM GMT