The Green Bay Way: Economic Growth Through Conversation
WHO IS JIM SCHMITT?
For 16 years as Mayor of Green Bay, Jim built a city where prosperity serves the community. Now, through Lean Local, he’s sharing what actually works in local leadership.
Proven Leadership. Real Results.
The Green Bay Way in Action
The Green Bay Way isn’t theory. It’s proven results from 16 years of leading a city through growth, fiscal discipline, and real community engagement. Now, through Lean Local and ongoing work in Green Bay, Jim is sharing what actually works in local leadership.
Economic Development
Growth That Serves Community
How cities actually build prosperity—through partnership, conversation, and decisions made with people, not for them.
Civic Engagement
Leadership Through Listening
Real change happens when leaders show up, listen directly, and build consensus. That’s how it works.
Fiscal Leadership
Growth Without Compromise
You don’t have to choose between fiscal discipline and economic growth. The data proves it.
The Green Bay Way Philosophy
For 16 years as Mayor, Jim Schmitt proved that economic development happens when leaders show up, listen, and make decisions with community input. It’s not about extraction—it’s about growth that serves the people who live here.
This Week on Lean Local
Every week, Jim sits down with people who are building Green Bay’s future—business owners, nonprofit leaders, city officials, neighbors. No scripts. Real conversations about real work.
Latest Insights
Commentary on local leadership, economic development, and what it actually takes to build something in Green Bay.
A Permit Is Not a Plan
The city just approved a downtown shelter. The vote was 10-2. The tool it used was never built to do the whole job. Here is what needs to change.
Green Bay Is More Than Football
A new episode of The Green Bay Way looks at Green Bay beyond the usual headlines, from media and civic identity to growth, culture, and quality of life. It is a smart conversation about what this city gets right, what it still undersells, and what may matter most in the years ahead.
What Does Green Bay Look Like in 2035?
This is the central question we’re asking in every conversation. It’s not about politics or candidates. It’s about the city we’re building together—what it could be when we get the fundamentals right: fiscal transparency, thriving neighborhoods, safe streets, and economic velocity.
What Does Green Bay Look Like in 2035?
This is the central question we’re asking in every Lean Local conversation.
Budgets that mean what they say. No shell games. No hidden costs in your utility bill.
Transparent City Budget
Safe streets, maintained infrastructure, and the kind of accessibility that makes living here feel like a priority.
Thriving Neighborhoods
Green Bay building its own future—not waiting for someone else to solve it.
Economic Momentum
Explore The Issues
Deep dives on what matters to Green Bay.
Get In Touch
Have questions about Green Bay’s future? Want to be part of the conversation? Reach out.
WGBW Office
401 N Washington St
Green Bay, WI 54301
Email: thegbway@gmail.com