Sen. Mark Spreitzer, Rep. Clinton Anderson Propose Legislation Empowering Communities To Set Residency Requirements For Top Local Leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2026
Contact: Sen. Mark Spreitzer, 608-266-2253
Rep. Clinton Anderson, 608-237-9145

BELOIT - Today, State Senator Mark Spreitzer and Representative Clinton Anderson announced LRB-6353, which restores local control by allowing local governments to require their highest-level appointed leaders to live in the communities they serve as they make decisions that impact thousands of residents.

Under current law, local government units are generally prohibited from requiring employees to reside within their jurisdictional limits, with limited exceptions primarily for first responders. LRB-6353 creates a narrow, common-sense ability for local governing bodies to require the following local leaders live in the jurisdiction they lead:

  • A city or village manager in municipalities under the city manager system
  • A county administrator in counties without an elected county executive
  • A school district administrator
  • A city or village administrator
  • A police chief, fire chief, or chief of a combined protective services department

Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit)

“When local news breaks, our elected and appointed leaders share center stage. From school superintendents to police chiefs to city managers, appointed and hired local leaders manage critical day-to-day operations and are often the face of new local initiatives. Whether it is a police chief ensuring public safety, a school superintendent navigating a district’s educational future, or an administrator managing a municipal budget, local governing bodies should have the option to require their highest-level staff leaders to live in the jurisdiction their choices will impact.

“There are ongoing searches for a City Manager in the City of Beloit and for a Beloit School District Superintendent, and I have heard directly from residents who are frustrated that a residency requirement cannot exist due to state law. While I am sure that they will find committed candidates for those roles, this bill would give each community the ability to choose these requirements from the start.”

 

Representative Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit)

“Local elected officials know their communities best. This bill gives local governments the flexibility to decide whether top public employees such as city managers, city, town, and county administrators, police and fire chiefs, and school superintendents should be required to live in the communities they serve.

“Residents want to see investment and commitment from the people leading their institutions, and for some communities that may include living locally.

“I trust local elected officials to make the decision that is right for their community.”