Port Washington Voters Approve Referendum for TIF Oversight

The voter-approved measure aims to give residents more control over major development projects, but some worry it could hamper economic growth.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Voters in Port Washington, Wisconsin have approved a referendum that will require the city to get approval from residents for any future economic development projects using tax incremental financing (TIF) over $10 million. The referendum was placed on the ballot after a citizens group gathered over 1,000 signatures calling for the measure, which some business groups had opposed.

Why it matters

This referendum is seen as a victory for community oversight and transparency in local economic development decisions, but some business groups argue it could harm the city's ability to attract major investments. The outcome highlights the ongoing tensions between community interests and corporate interests when it comes to large-scale development projects.

The details

The $458 million TIF approved by the city for Vantage Data Center's $15 billion data center development in Port Washington for OpenAI and Oracle is already underway and will not be affected by the new referendum requirement. However, any future TIF projects over $10 million will now need to be approved by voters before moving forward.

  • On Tuesday, April 8, 2026, Port Washington voters approved the referendum.
  • In 2025, Great Lakes Neighbors United submitted a petition with over 1,000 signatures to the city calling for the referendum.

The players

Great Lakes Neighbors United

A citizens group that gathered over 1,000 signatures to place the TIF referendum on the ballot in Port Washington.

Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce

A business group that filed a lawsuit opposing the referendum, arguing it conflicted with state law and would harm economic development efforts.

Ozaukee County Judge

The judge who denied the request to halt the referendum but said a legal challenge of the constitutionality of the law created by the referendum could be considered if it was approved.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This referendum is a victory for community oversight and transparency in local economic development decisions.”

— Great Lakes Neighbors United, Citizen Group

“The referendum could harm the city's ability to attract major investments.”

— Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Business Group

What’s next

The judge indicated that a legal challenge of the constitutionality of the law created by the referendum could be considered if the measure was approved, which it now has been.

The takeaway

This referendum highlights the ongoing tensions between community interests and corporate interests when it comes to large-scale development projects, with both sides arguing over the balance between economic growth and local control.