Shifting the Tide: Protecting Wisconsin’s Municipal Budgets through Fiscal Fair Play

By Dean Muller

President, Wisconsin for Environmental Justice

This Earth Day, as we gather at the University Center in River Falls, we aren’t just celebrating the beauty of the Kinnickinnic River or our local green spaces—we are facing a $16.7 billion reality.

A landmark study has revealed that Wisconsin communities face a staggering $16.7 billion bill through 2040 to address climate-driven remediation and infrastructure protection. From reinforcing bridges against extreme flooding to managing rising public health threats, the costs of a changing environment are no longer theoretical. They are direct line items in our municipal budgets.

The Local Impact: River Falls and Beyond

For cities like River Falls and our surrounding counties, these implications are profound. Our local governments are being forced to make difficult choices: Do we fund essential emergency services, or do we pay for the massive stormwater upgrades required to prevent urban flooding?

Under the current status quo, this $16.7 billion burden falls squarely on local taxpayers. Every dollar spent on climate remediation is a dollar taken away from our schools, our roads, and our community programs.

It’s Time for Fiscal Fair Play

At Wisconsin for Environmental Justice (WEJ), we advocate for the "Up-Down" strategy. This is a matter of Fiscal Fair Play.

For decades, out-of-state corporations have profited while contributing to the environmental challenges we now face. We believe the financial responsibility for these impacts should be shifted "up" to those corporate entities rather than "down" to residents. By moving these costs away from local property taxes and onto the out-of-state corporations that created the need for remediation, we can protect our municipal budgets and ensure a sustainable future for the next generation of Wisconsinites.

Visit the WEJ Booth at Earth Fest

WEJ is a proud sponsor of this year’s Earth Fest, and we want to meet you. We will have a booth set up at the University Center on Saturday, April 25, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by to:

• Dig into the data: See how the $16.7 billion study affects our region specifically.

• Learn about the movement: Discover how we are working with local leaders to implement Fiscal Fair Play messaging.

• Join the cause: Find out how you can help relieve the burden on taxpayers and ensure that Wisconsin’s remediation work is funded by the responsible out-of-state entities.

The work that needs to be done is massive, but the financial burden doesn't have to be yours. Let’s work together to ensure that our communities remain vibrant, resilient, and fiscally sound.

See you at Earth Fest!

Event Details:

• What: Earth Fest 2026

• When: Saturday, April 25 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Where: University Center, UW-River Falls (501 Wild Rose Ave)

• Cost: Free and open to the public

  
  

More info here.