Fitchburg proclaims May 2026 Economic Development Week and honors city economic development director

On April 28, 2026, the Fitchburg Common Council proclaimed May 2026 as Economic Development Week to mark 100 years of the International Economic Development Council and to recognize local economic development efforts, Mayor Julia Rata Frata said.

The proclamation cites Fitchburg’s strategic location near the University of Wisconsin–Madison and lists the city’s population as 36,197 and a municipal tax base of $6,160,000,000 as context for growth and planning. "These professionals help cultivate thriving neighborhoods, support local businesses, promote sustainability and resiliency, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents in the city of Fitchburg," the proclamation reads.

Mayor Julia Rata Frata then thanked the city’s economic development director, introduced at the meeting as Mike, for more than a decade of service. "You are our cheerleader of this community," the mayor said, praising Mike and his team for working "long hours behind the scenes, trying to attract and retain our companies here." The proclamation is dated April 28, 2026.

Mike, Fitchburg’s economic development director, responded to the proclamation by thanking the council and partners. "Fitchburg is experiencing growth along all three of our north–south corridors, as one of the fastest-growing communities in the state of Wisconsin," he said, and he acknowledged colleagues Joyce Frey and Loreen Gage, the Housing Advisory Committee, and the Fitchburg Chamber for their roles in local economic work.

The proclamation highlights local collaboration among public, private and nonprofit partners to encourage job creation, investment and infrastructure improvements. There were no votes or formal actions tied to the proclamation; it was issued as a ceremonial recognition by the mayor and common council.