GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Mayor Jim Schmitt tells FOX 11 he’s looking forward to another year of hard work here in Green Bay.
“For us to really attract talent and retain the talent we have we need to be competitive and compete with other Midwest cities like Minneapolis and we need to show people we have amenities that people are looking for.”
Schmitt gave his 15th State of the City address Wednesday.
Schmitt mentioned recently approved tax incentives for businesses, called Economic Opportunity Zones and the reconstruction of Bay Beach.
The mayor also says developing new services for residents is a top priority.
Longtime city council member Chris Wery says he’s excited about the new projects and believes they will be a nice way to draw people to the city.
Wery says it’s good to hear about some of the businesses that agreed to come downtown and bring a couple hundred workers and will continue to help bring jobs to Green Bay.
To pay for the projects, Mayor Schmitt says the city will utilize a combination of grants and donations.
He also mentioned a wheel tax, something he says could bring in an additional $2.1 million.
Wery says when it comes to the wheel tax, there’s a lot of research and public input before the controversial action takes place.
“there is a lot of devil in the details, but there is a lot that needs to happen before it goes into place.”
Mayor Schmitt has announced he will not seek re-election in 2019.
