Let’s go further. Under this model, businesses are expected to generate a stream of revenues that support local governments and schools over their entire lives. This arrangement takes effect in the first year and remains in place until the businesses close their doors.

This model would also preserve existing community assets as well as the underlying land. For example, businesses operating under this model must repair any damage to the local roads caused by their construction. Moreover, they are obligated to restore the land to its previous condition once they have ceased operating.

Is such an approach to economic development possible? Not only is it possible, there are several working examples of it here in Wisconsin. The driver that makes this arrangement a reality is utility-scale solar wind and solar power.

One such example is the 49-turbine Quilt Block wind farm in southwest Wisconsin. The developer, EDP Renewables, was drawn to that location for its accommodating topography, proximity to existing transmission lines and agricultural orientation. Neither Lafayette County nor the Town of Seymour had to extend subsidies or other forms of preferential treatment to steer the project inside their jurisdictions.