As we approach the end of 2026, the Wisconsin State Biennial Budget is nearing approval. The 2027–29 budget request includes important funding for university building projects and student housing, and it invests in modernizing the UW’s infrastructure.
Here’s what you need to know about what was accomplished through the last budget and what’s being proposed for the next one.
What was included in the 2025–27 budget?
In 2025, Governor Tony Evers ’73, MS’76, PhD’86 signed the $111 billion 2025–27 Wisconsin State Budget into law, with support from UW advocates. The budget provided $160 million in tax funding to renovate historic Science Hall, increased general purpose revenue for the Universities of Wisconsin by $256 million (the largest budget increase for higher education in Wisconsin in several decades), and included a provision that all Universities of Wisconsin institutions establish new requirements for faculty and instructional academic staff workloads.
It also included funding for key building projects at UW–Madison, such as the expansion of dining halls in Chadbourne and Dejope Halls and $5 million for planning and to relocate the remaining departments housed in the Humanities Building ahead of its planned demolition.
What’s happened since then?
Since the 2025–27 budget was approved, UW–Madison has worked to improve campus life and put budgeted dollars to good use. In May 2026, alumni and philanthropists John ’55 and Tashia ’55, LittD’17 Morgridge made a lead private gift of $85.2 million for the renovation of Science Hall, a project that is set to begin in 2027. And construction is underway for the Phillip A. Levy Engineering Center, which will be a state-of-the-art building to meet the needs of the growing technology field. Additionally, the new policy on minimum teaching workload expectations for faculty and instructional academic staff has gone into effect.
What is the UW asking for now?
The UW’s capital budget priorities are focused on creating a new home for the humanities, updating student housing, and renovating Music Hall.
Here are three things you need to know about the university’s upcoming operating budget priorities and the budget’s impact on UW–Madison:
1. Modernizing the Infrastructure and Processes
UW–Madison is requesting private bonding authority, which would allow the university to save money and speed up development by securing tax-exempt bonds with lower interest rates and more favorable terms. UW–Madison would then repay the bonds through university-generated revenue from the new facilities or existing streams including residence hall fees, athletics, and parking fees. The university is also seeking prioritization in distribution of resources for infrastructure needs. In addition, UW–Madison is requesting the streamlining of procurement and building processes, and a long-term plan for deferred maintenance on UW campuses, which would help reduce unnecessary costs and delays.
2. Recruiting and Retaining Excellent People
The UW is requesting full funding for the compensation plan. Unlike other state agencies, the Universities of Wisconsin compensation plan is not fully funded by the state, and campuses fund one-third of every pay plan approved by the state. Funding a compensation plan would help the UW maintain market competitiveness and help reward and retain high-quality faculty.
3. Building Wisconsin’s Workforce and Promoting Innovation
To help meet current workforce needs, UW–Madison seeks to lead in innovative and emerging industries. Funding for critical research and programs at the UW such as quantum science, nuclear fusion, rural medicine, the School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Wisconsin Teacher Pledge can help keep Wisconsin moving forward and is an investment into our local economies.
