Current Issues in Land Use Law 2026

  • OnDemand seminar
  • Government Law
Up to 4.0 Credit Hours
View schedule and faculty
Current Issues in Land Use Law 2026

Co-produced with the Government Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin

Ground rules

Microsoft recently withdrew its data center proposal in Caledonia, Wisconsin, after residents protested the project’s secrecy and environmental impacts. In Greenleaf, organized opposition—amplified by comedian Charlie Berens—mobilized against another proposed facility.1 Yet data center projects are moving forward in some Wisconsin communities,2 while municipalities also face policy debates over housing shortages, short-term rentals, and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules.

The lay of the land

Current Issues in Land Use Law explores how policy goals, statutory limits, drafting decisions, and public influence intersect, helping you evaluate proposals more thoroughly, advise decision-makers more effectively, and avoid costly mistakes. You’ll get practical advice rooted in current issues, municipal experiences, and the development questions landing on local agendas.

8:30 am
Workforce Housing TIDs from Concept to Compliance

Diana Kanter, Mary L. Schanning

  • Use of Tax Incremental Financing to Promote Workforce Housing Under Wis. Stat. § 66.1105
  • Review City of Milwaukee Housing TID and Workforce Housing Compliance Guidelines
  • Address Rent and Income Targets Based on Area Median Income (AMI)
  • Implement Enforcement Mechanisms and Ensure Compliance Through Contractual
    • Requirements, Annual Reporting, and Long-Term Monitoring
9:20 am
Pros and Cons of Recruiting a Data Center to Your Community

Chris R. Smith

  • Generate significant tax revenue to support schools, infrastructure, and public services without increasing the tax burden on residents
  • Create well-paying construction jobs and short-term economic activity, while requiring only a small long-term workforce and producing minimal traffic, noise, and disruption compared to other industrial uses
  • Face organized opposition and misinformation regarding water usage, energy consumption, and residential utility impacts
  • Raise concerns about government transparency, public incentives, and environmental effects, requiring proactive, fact-based community engagement
10:10 am
Break
10:25 am
Short-Term Rentals

Daniel M. Lowndes, Kelly L. Mangan

    • Analyze State Legislative Action on Short-Term Rentals Under Wis. Stat. § 66.1014 (2017)
      • o What the Statute Says
11:15 am
Accessory Dwelling Units

Cody W. Pansing

  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): definition, purpose, and benefits for municipalities and residents (multigenerational living, rental income, housing supply, neighborhood character)
  • Types of ADUs: detached, attached, and garage conversions
  • Permitting and design: zoning compliance, site plan approval, building permits, inspections, size, design, height/setbacks, owner-occupancy
  • Wauwatosa initiatives: ADU ordinance history, alignment with housing strategy,
    • practical considerations, loan forgiveness program
  • ADU case law: state preemption and recent trends
12:05 pm
Program Concludes

Program Chair & Presenter

Mary L. Schanning
Milwaukee City Attorneys Office · Milwaukee

Presenters

Diana Kanter
Milwaukee Department of City Development · Milwaukee
Daniel M. Lowndes
Rural Mutual Insurance, Statewide Services · Madison
Kelly L. Mangan
Crivello Nichols & Hall, S.C. · Milwaukee
Cody W. Pansing
City of Wauwatosa - Attorney’s Office · Wauwatosa
Chris R. Smith
von Briesen & Roper, S.C. · Milwaukee

  • Spot legal and practical trouble early when reviewing proposed ordinances, redevelopment plans, and major project approvals
  • Give more effective guidance to clients and public bodies when local goals run up against statutory or preemption limits
  • Draft clearer agreements, standards, and regulatory language that hold up under administration and enforcement
  • Respond more effectively to public controversy by grounding recommendations in law, facts, and workable local processes
  • Reduce litigation risk by identifying where ambiguity, overreach, or inconsistent implementation creates exposure
  • Come away with ideas and examples you can apply to housing, development, and land use matters in your own community
  • Government/municipal lawyers
  • Real estate lawyers
  • Tax lawyers
  • Construction lawyers
  • Environmental lawyers
  • Consumer protection lawyers

Book Bonus!

Real Estate Transactions System
Save 15% on Real Estate Transactions System.* Inside, you’ll find an easy-to-use seven-step system for collecting and organizing client information, along with checklists, forms, and practical guidance for every stage of the transaction. Use discount code CA3963 when you order online or by calling (800) 728-7788.

*Discount applies to both print and digital Books Unbound editions of this title and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Offer valid through 12/31/27. For Books Unbound users, discount may be applied to purchase of individual Books Unbound title only and may not be used on the purchase of libraries. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers.

Discount applies to AK0078 or AE0078 and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Offer valid through 12/31/27. For Books Unbound users, discount may be applied to purchase of individual Books Unbound title only and may not be used on the purchase of libraries. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers.

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