When people talk about housing, the conversation often begins with buildings, neighborhoods or development projects. But housing is really about people. It’s about whether a young professional can afford to stay in the community where they started their career. Whether a family can find a neighborhood that fits their needs. Whether an employer looking to grow can confidently recruit talent to Janesville knowing there are opportunities for workers to live, learn and thrive here. That’s why housing has become one of the most important conversations happening in our community today. As I’ve stepped into my role as Chair of the Forward Janesville Board of Directors, I’m encouraged by the momentum we continue to see across Janesville and the broader region. New investment, redevelopment and innovation are helping shape an exciting future for our community. Sustaining that momentum requires us to think intentionally about the kind of community we want to build — one that continues to create opportunity for businesses, families and future generations. This issue of the FJI Report explores many of those conversations. You’ll read about the City of Janesville’s zoning and subdivision code update and the ways it could reshape housing development in our community. While zoning may sound technical, the article makes clear how much these decisions influence everyday life — from affordability and neighborhood design to the types of housing available for families at different stages of life. The work being done by the city, developers, builders and community stakeholders reflects an important shift toward flexibility, accessibility and long-term planning. Housing challenges are not unique to Janesville, but our community has shown a willingness to come together to find solutions. Organizations like ECHO and the South Central Wisconsin Builders Association are helping address both affordability and workforce shortages, while Forward Janesville continues to advocate for policies and partnerships that support responsible growth. Through our staff, Board, Government Relations Council and ongoing engagement with local leaders, we’ve worked to ensure the business community has a voice in these discussions because housing and economic development are deeply connected. Simply put, communities that want to attract and retain highquality employers must also be communities where people can afford to live and build a life. That broader theme of growth and opportunity carries throughout this magazine. You’ll also read about leaders and organizations helping shape Janesville’s future in different ways — from the innovation happening at SHINE Technologies to the continued investments transforming our south side corridor. These stories are reminders that Janesville’s future will be built not by one project or one organization alone, but through the combined efforts of businesses, educators, nonprofits, local government and engaged residents all working toward a shared vision. At Forward Janesville, creating those connections remains central to our mission. Whether through advocacy work, educational initiatives, networking opportunities or events that celebrate leadership and innovation, we believe strong communities are built through collaboration and engagement. This issue also recaps moments like our Rock Regional Business Expo and Annual Awards Luncheon — events that showcase the energy, resilience and leadership that continue to move our region forward. My own family has been part of this community for generations, and that history has taught me something important: Progress does not happen by accident. It happens when people are willing to invest their time, ideas and energy into building something bigger than themselves. I believe Janesville is doing exactly that right now. Thank you for taking the time to read this issue of the FJI Report. I hope these stories leave you as optimistic about our future as I am. Building Community Through Opportunity A Message from Forward Janesville Board Chair George Cullen 4 | FORWARD JANESVILLE George Cullen
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