Lean Local

Jim Schmitt welcomes Jessica Adams from Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit investigative journalism organization based here in Wisconsin. Jessica shares how Wisconsin Watch operates differently from traditional newsrooms. Rather than focusing on daily breaking news, the organization works to provide in-depth, missing coverage that often doesn’t find space in larger media networks. Funded through independent investment, […]

Jim Schmitt sits down with Mark Becker for a casual, wide-ranging conversation about work, politics, and the paths people take to create change. The discussion covers what each of them is focused on professionally, the issues they care most about in politics, and how they think progress actually happens—on the ground, over time, and through sustained effort. […]

This week on Lean Local, the conversation focuses on Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)—the nonprofit organizations formed in the late 1990s that help shape some of Green Bay’s most active commercial areas. The show first welcomes Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director of Downtown Green Bay, Inc., followed by Brian Johnson from On Broadway across the Fox River. Together, they discuss what BID districts are, how […]

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt welcomes Ken and Lauren Dombrowski from Love Your Life Hypnosis for a conversation about stress, habits, and what it really takes to make lasting change. Ken shares how his life took an unexpected turn after years as a successful general contractor, when illness led him to search across the […]

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt is joined by Rod Goldhahn, Secretary of the Brown County Taxpayers Association, to discuss local taxes, government spending, and citizen involvement. Rod explains the association’s role in educating residents about public finances and encouraging participation in local government—especially as many local races continue to run unopposed. The conversation also examines rising […]

This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt welcomes Mayor Eric Genrich for a citywide checkup covering some of Green Bay’s biggest ongoing stories. The discussion begins with election season, as 109 local positions are now open for candidates. The mayor and Jim review what it takes to get on the ballot and why so many […]

In Green Bay, 67% of local elections run unopposed. A statistic that raises real questions about civic engagement and accountability. When candidates stop competing, ideas stop competing too. This week on Lean Local, Jim Schmitt brings together two voices who know the election process inside and out: Pat Moynihan from the Brown County Clerk’s Office and […]

In this episode of Lean Local, hosted by former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, the focus is on local issues including a new project designed to combat homelessness. Schmidt interviews Terri Refsguard, CEO of the new Community Shelter in Green Bay, who discusses their recent groundbreaking for 41 supportive housing apartments aimed at providing permanent […]

Jim Schmitt welcomes John Woodhead of Woodhead Insurance to unpack what open enrollment really means for families in Green Bay. John explains how the Affordable Care Act bases financial assistance on income—the lower your income, the cheaper your plan becomes—but notes those subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. The conversation also looks at why medical bills are […]