Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Agency overview
Formed1971, 1979, 1995
Preceding agency
  • Wisconsin Department of Business Development
Dissolved2011
Superseding agency
JurisdictionWisconsin
HeadquartersTommy G. Thompson Center
201 W. Washington Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53707
Employees394.7
Annual budget$387,061,200 (2007-2009)
Agency executive
  • Secretary of Commerce
Parent agencyOffice of the Governor of Wisconsin
Websitehttp://commerce.wi.gov

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce was a department in the executive branch of the Government of Wisconsin. It was responsible for implementing and overseeing the economic development programs for Wisconsin through consultation, technical assistance, and relocation assistance. It also administered the distribution of federal economic assistance programs to local governments and businesses, and acts as a go-between for businesses and other government agencies. The department also enforced laws regarding safety and sanitation in buildings, petroleum products, and petroleum tanks. It also gave housing assistance to low income families.

The Department of Commerce was administered by the Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce, who was appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Wisconsin State Senate.

The department traced its roots to the Division of Industrial Development within the Office of the Governor, as established by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1955. It was renamed the Division of Economic Development in 1959. This division changed superseding departments over the decades until it was promoted to department status as the Department of Business Development in 1971. It was renamed the Department of Development in 1979, and finally the Department of Commerce in 1995. As of July 1, 2011, functions once performed by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce have been moved to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, other state agencies, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is the state’s lead economic development organization.

Past Commerce Divisions

The following units are part of the Department of Commerce and report to the Secretary of Commerce:

  • Division of Administrative Services
    • Bureau of Fiscal Services and Procurement
    • Bureau of Human Resources, Facilities and Safety
    • Bureau of Information Technology
    • Bureau of Policy and Budget Development
  • Division of Business Development
    • Bureau of Business Development
    • Bureau of Business Finance and Compliance
    • Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Technology
    • Bureau of Minority Business Development
  • Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services
    • Bureau of Petroleum
      • Environmental Cleanup Fund Administration
    • Bureau of Petroleum Products and Tanks
  • Division of Global Ventures
    • Bureau of Export Development
  • Division of Housing and Community Development
    • Bureau of Community Finance
    • Bureau of Planning and Technical Assistance
    • Bureau of Supportive Housing
  • Division of Safety and Buildings
    • Bureau of Integrated Services
    • Bureau of Program Development
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