Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is a city in Brown County, eastern Wisconsin, United States, situated where the Fox River empties into Green Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan.[1] With a population of 107,395 as of the 2020 United States census, it functions as the economic and cultural hub of northeastern Wisconsin.[2] The city is globally recognized as the home of the Green Bay Packers, the National Football League's only community-owned, non-profit major professional sports franchise, established in 1919 and boasting 13 league championships, the most in NFL history.[3] Historically, Green Bay emerged as a key trading post in the fur trade era before transitioning to lumbering and agriculture following the Erie Canal's opening in 1825, laying the foundation for its manufacturing-based economy.[4] Today, its economy remains diversified, with significant employment in manufacturing—particularly paper products and related industries—comprising about 18.8% of the workforce, alongside services, trade, and healthcare.[5] Tourism, fueled by Packers-related events and attractions, generates substantial economic impact, supporting over 12,000 jobs and contributing $697 million annually as of 2018 data.[1] The Packers' unique ownership model, held by local shareholders, underscores the city's identity as a small-market anomaly sustaining elite professional sports through community loyalty rather than corporate relocation pressures.[6] Green Bay's geography features four distinct seasons, with its position facilitating waterborne commerce and recreation along the bay, while its metro area population exceeds 330,000, reflecting steady growth.[1][7] Defining characteristics include a strong manufacturing heritage tied to the paper industry, exemplified by major facilities like Georgia-Pacific, and cultural landmarks such as Lambeau Field, which draws millions of visitors yearly.[8] The city's resilience in retaining its NFL team amid league expansion into larger markets highlights causal factors of fan devotion and institutional stability over demographic scale alone.History
Pre-European settlement and Native American influence
The region encompassing present-day Green Bay, at the mouth of the Fox River where it flows into Lake Michigan's Green Bay, exhibits archaeological evidence of continuous human occupation since the retreat of the last glacial period, with Paleo-Indian artifacts indicating hunter-gatherer presence around 10,000 years ago. These early inhabitants, drawn by the area's rich fisheries, game, and fertile soils, engaged in seasonal exploitation of aquatic and terrestrial resources, as evidenced by lithic tools and faunal remains from sites along the bay and riverine environments. Subsequent Archaic period (ca. 8000–1000 BCE) adaptations included intensified fishing and wild rice harvesting, reflecting the ecological bounty of the Lower Fox River watershed, which supported small, mobile bands rather than large sedentary communities.[9] By the Woodland period (ca. 1000 BCE–1000 CE), cultural developments such as pottery production, mound-building for burials and ceremonies, and incipient maize horticulture marked evolving Native American societies in northeastern Wisconsin, though the Green Bay locale's cooler climate and emphasis on wild resources limited widespread agriculture compared to southern regions. Mounds and village remnants near the bay suggest ceremonial and subsistence activities tied to the waterway's role in regional exchange networks, predating European goods. Prior to direct European contact in 1634, the immediate Green Bay area was primarily occupied by the Ho-Chunk (also known as Winnebago), a Siouan-speaking tribe whose villages clustered along the bay's shores and tributaries, utilizing the site for fishing, hunting, and proto-trade routes linking Lake Michigan to interior rivers via the ancient Fox-Wisconsin portage path. Algonquian groups, including ancestors of the Menominee, exerted influence through seasonal migrations and overlapping territories, establishing trails and resource patterns that facilitated inter-tribal exchange of copper tools, shells, and hides—evident in pre-contact artifacts like native copper implements from Fox River sites. This Native American presence shaped the area's strategic value, with minimal landscape alteration beyond cleared campsites and earthworks, setting the stage for later fur trade dynamics without evidence of urban-scale settlements.[10][9]European exploration and fur trade era (1634–1761)
In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet, commissioned by Samuel de Champlain to seek a route to Asia, became the first European recorded to reach the Green Bay area, landing at Red Banks just north of the present-day city. Accompanied by seven Hurons and armed with a pistol and bark scroll, Nicolet encountered a group of Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) people, whom he initially mistook for Chinese due to their attire and numbers; he fired his weapons in demonstration, fostering initial peaceful contact amid the Winnebago's village of bark longhouses. Nicolet named the bay La Baye des Puants (Bay of Stinking Waters), referring to the odor from its stagnant, shallow waters, and claimed the region for France before departing southward.[11][12] Following Nicolet's visit, French Jesuit missionaries and fur traders sporadically entered the area to evangelize and engage Native groups, including the Menominee, Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk, whose villages dotted the Fox River. In 1671, Father Claude Allouez established the St. Francis Xavier Mission at the rapids near modern De Pere, constructing a chapel and house that served as a hub for Jesuit outreach across Wisconsin; Allouez reported baptizing numerous natives and noting the strategic Fox River portage linking Green Bay to the Mississippi via the Wisconsin River. This mission facilitated early cultural exchanges but faced challenges from intertribal conflicts and the fur trade's demands.[13][10] The fur trade intensified in the late 17th century, with Green Bay emerging as a vital outpost for exchanging European goods—such as guns, kettles, and cloth—for beaver pelts destined for European hat markets, primarily through Montreal merchants and independent coureurs des bois. In 1684, Nicolas Perrot, appointed regional commandant, erected a rudimentary fort and trading post at La Baye, drawing traders, trappers, and allied tribes for annual rendezvous; the post's location exploited the Fox-Wisconsin waterway, bypassing longer routes and enabling efficient pelt collection amid growing competition from British traders.[10][14] Early 18th-century Fox Wars disrupted operations, as Meskwaki (Fox) resistance to French monopolies led to blockades of trade routes; following the First Fox War (1712–1716), France constructed Fort St. François (later Fort La Baye) in 1717 at the Fox River's mouth to secure the bay and protect voyageurs. The fort was burned in 1728 by French forces under Lieutenant de Louvigny to deny it to Fox warriors during the Second Fox War, then rebuilt in 1731 by Sieur de Villiers after a peace treaty; by the 1750s, the site housed about 200 residents, including soldiers, Métis interpreters, and traders, sustaining a barter economy reliant on Native trappers despite overhunting pressures and isolation.[15][10] French control waned amid the Seven Years' War, with Captain Étienne de Beaujeu de Villemonde evacuating Fort La Baye in 1760 following British victories elsewhere; by 1761, the post transitioned to British oversight without formal settlement, marking the end of dominant French influence while fur trade networks persisted through Native intermediaries.[15][14]British control and transition to American sovereignty (1761–1815)
British military presence in Green Bay commenced on October 12, 1761, when Ensign James Gorrell arrived with a detachment of approximately 20 soldiers to assume control of the French Fort La Baye from its commandant, Louis de Bonnefoy, without resistance.[16] Gorrell established a new outpost, Fort Edward Augustus, nearby to replace the dilapidated French structure, and the settlement's name shifted to Green Bay, reflecting the greenish hue of the bay's waters observed by British observers.[17] With minimal troops, Gorrell focused on sustaining the fur trade, negotiating with local Menominee and other Native American groups for provisions, and documenting trade volumes that included thousands of beaver pelts annually funneled through the post to Montreal.[16] The 1763 Treaty of Paris formalized British acquisition of the territory at the war's conclusion, though Pontiac's Rebellion that year briefly threatened the isolated post, prompting Gorrell to distribute gifts and maintain alliances with Ottawa leader Charles Michel de Langlade, whose loyalty helped avert direct attacks.[18] Langlade, a Franco-Ottawa fur trader who had fought for the French, relocated permanently to Green Bay in 1764, establishing a farm and continuing operations under British licenses while bridging Native and European networks.[18] British administration emphasized trade regulation via the Montreal-based system, with Green Bay evolving into a hybrid fur-trading and agricultural hub; French habitants expanded wheat and livestock production to supply garrisons and traders, yielding surpluses exported down the Fox River.[10] Garrisons averaged 20-40 men, underscoring nominal control reliant on Native goodwill and private traders, as imperial resources prioritized eastern defenses.[16] The 1783 Treaty of Paris ending the American Revolutionary War nominally transferred sovereignty to the United States, yet British fur traders dominated Green Bay's economy, leveraging supply lines from Michilimackinac and evading weak American enforcement in the Northwest Territory.[10] Britain retained physical control of key western forts until the 1796 Jay Treaty, allowing continued influence over regional trade without formal military occupation at Green Bay itself.[19] During the War of 1812, British forces seized Michilimackinac in 1812, reasserting de facto authority over Upper Great Lakes fur routes, including Green Bay, where loyalist traders like Langlade's successors operated under Crown protection until the conflict's close.[10] The 1814 Treaty of Ghent restored boundaries, but persistent British commercial presence delayed full American consolidation until post-1815 expulsions and the establishment of U.S. authority.[9]19th-century industrialization and immigration
Following the establishment of American control, Green Bay transitioned from a fur trading outpost to a hub of lumber production in the mid-19th century, leveraging the vast white pine forests of northeast Wisconsin and the navigable Fox River for log drives and transport to Lake Michigan markets.[20] Sawmills proliferated along the riverfront, processing timber for shipment to Chicago and other growing Midwestern cities, with the industry's expansion accelerating after the 1825 opening of the Erie Canal facilitated eastern access.[21] The lumber boom peaked in the 1860s and 1870s, though disrupted by the Panic of 1857, which bankrupted many operators before recovery in 1862 amid Civil War demands.[20] By the late 1800s, Green Bay had emerged as a key exporter of flour and other agricultural products, underscoring its role as the largest flour port on the Great Lakes.[22] This industrial growth attracted immigrant labor, initially from eastern U.S. states and Ireland, but increasingly from Europe, including Germans and Scandinavians who filled roles in logging camps and mills.[23] Belgian immigrants, particularly Walloons from rural Hainaut and Luxembourg provinces, arrived in significant numbers starting in 1853, drawn by promotional efforts from Wisconsin land agents promising affordable farmland and economic opportunity.[24] Over 5,000 Belgians settled in Wisconsin by 1880, with many in Brown County around Green Bay, initially farming but often supplementing income through lumber-related work such as shingle production.[25] Immigration peaked between 1853 and 1859, with thousands arriving via New York and the Great Lakes, contributing to a distinctive Franco-Belgian cultural enclave that provided a stable workforce for the resource extraction economy.[26] The influx of these immigrants, who numbered in the thousands by decade's end, not only sustained lumber output—reaching national prominence for Wisconsin—but also laid foundations for diversified manufacturing, including early paper production from wood pulp along the Fox River system.[27] Belgian settlers' retention of ethnic traditions, such as communal farming and Catholic institutions, fostered community resilience amid the boom-and-bust cycles of extractive industries.[24] By 1900, this demographic shift had transformed Green Bay from a sparse frontier settlement into a burgeoning industrial city with a population exceeding 20,000, driven by timber wealth and immigrant vitality.[23]20th-century growth and World War II impacts
The early 20th century marked a period of sustained expansion for Green Bay, fueled by the maturation of manufacturing industries that capitalized on the city's access to the Fox River for hydropower and transportation, as well as its proximity to agricultural hinterlands. Key developments included the establishment of Northern Paper Mills in 1901, which pioneered splinter-free toilet tissue production by the 1930s and employed thousands in tissue and packaging operations, contributing to the city's emergence as a paper production hub.[28][29] Meatpacking firms, such as the Green Bay Packing Company, also grew by processing regional livestock, leveraging refrigerated rail transport to distribute products nationally and supporting ancillary jobs in related sectors like tanning and rendering.[22] This industrial base drove population growth, with census figures showing an increase from 19,248 residents in 1900 to 31,361 by 1920, as immigrant labor from Europe filled factory roles. By 1930, the population reached 37,495, reflecting steady urbanization despite national economic fluctuations. The Great Depression tempered growth in the 1930s, with local families relying on welfare and kin networks amid factory slowdowns, but federal infrastructure projects and port enhancements at the mouth of the Fox River helped maintain economic viability.[30][22] World War II catalyzed a sharp economic rebound, as Green Bay's paper mills ramped up output for military packaging, sanitary products, and shipping materials, aligning with Wisconsin's broader manufacturing surge that prioritized war materiel over civilian goods.[31][32] Meatpacking operations similarly adapted to supply preserved proteins for troops, while the port facilitated exports of agricultural and industrial goods, mitigating labor shortages through increased female and migrant workforce participation.[32] This wartime demand ended Depression-era unemployment, raised wages, and spurred population growth to 46,235 by 1940, with further gains into the mid-1940s as industries operated at capacity.[33] Postwar reconversion sustained momentum, though it introduced challenges like material reallocations, ultimately positioning Green Bay for diversified manufacturing in the ensuing decades.[32]Post-1945 developments and Packers' rise
Following World War II, Green Bay experienced population growth driven by postwar economic expansion and industrial activity, particularly in paper manufacturing and meatpacking. The city's population increased from 52,735 in 1950 to 62,888 in 1960 and reached 87,809 by 1970, reflecting a 39.6 percent rise in the 1960s amid broader suburbanization and infrastructure improvements like new roads and housing developments.[34][35] The Green Bay Packers, the city's professional American football team and a community-owned nonprofit since 1923, faced severe financial difficulties in the 1950s due to poor on-field performance and competition from television, prompting a public stock sale in 1950 that raised essential funds through fan purchases of non-dividend shares. In 1957, the city funded construction of Lambeau Field, a 32,000-seat stadium costing $960,000, to replace the outdated City Stadium and support the team's viability.[36][37][38] The Packers' resurgence began in 1959 with the hiring of Vince Lombardi as head coach and general manager, who instilled discipline and innovative strategies, leading to an 89-29-4 regular-season record over nine years. Under Lombardi, the team secured five NFL championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967) and victories in Super Bowl I (35-10 over Kansas City Chiefs in 1967) and Super Bowl II (33-14 over Oakland Raiders in 1968), elevating the franchise's national prominence and fostering civic pride in the smallest NFL market.[39][39] This success amplified the Packers' economic role in Green Bay, generating direct benefits estimated at tens of millions annually through game-day spending, tourism, and related activities, while reinforcing the team's status as a cultural and financial anchor amid the city's manufacturing-based economy.[40]Geography
Location, topography, and environmental features
Green Bay occupies a position in northeastern Wisconsin at the southern extremity of Green Bay, a 118-mile-long inlet of Lake Michigan that averages 10 miles in width and reaches depths of up to 200 feet in its northern sections but shallows to around 20 feet near the city. The city marks the outlet of the Fox River, a 176-mile waterway draining a 7,000-square-mile basin primarily from central Wisconsin into the bay. Centered at coordinates 44°31′ N, 88°1′ W, Green Bay's location facilitates its role as a port and industrial hub influenced by Great Lakes shipping and regional agriculture.[41][42] The city's land area spans 45.48 square miles, with an additional 10.28 square miles of water bodies, yielding a total area of 55.76 square miles according to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau measurements. Elevations vary modestly from 581 feet (177 m) along the bayfront to approximately 594 feet (181 m) inland, embodying a topography of low-relief glacial plains rather than rugged features. This terrain, sculpted by the Green Bay Lobe of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Pleistocene, consists of till plains, outwash deposits, and lacustrine sediments, punctuated by subtle drumlins and eskers.[43][44][45] The Niagara Escarpment, a resistant dolomite cliff trending southwestward, forms a key topographic boundary to the east, directing drainage toward the Fox River valley and influencing soil development with calcareous loams and clayey subsoils over limestone bedrock. Predominant soil types include Alfisols with loamy textures suited to agriculture but prone to erosion in disturbed areas. Environmentally, the Fox River's confluence with Green Bay creates a dynamic freshwater estuary supporting diverse benthic and pelagic communities, including commercially important species like walleye and perch, alongside coastal marshes and submerged macrophytes.[42][46][47] However, anthropogenic impacts have altered these features significantly; the Lower Fox River and southern Green Bay constitute a U.S. EPA-designated Area of Concern, marred by sediment-bound polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from paper industry discharges exceeding 250,000 pounds between 1957 and 1971, alongside phosphorus runoff fostering eutrophication and toxic algal blooms. These pollutants have impaired fish consumption, beach recreation, and benthic habitats, though restoration initiatives, including dredging and wetland reconstruction, have addressed some impairments by enhancing water clarity and reducing bioaccumulative toxins.[48][49][50]Climate patterns and weather extremes
Green Bay exhibits a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), characterized by cold, snowy winters, warm humid summers, and moderate precipitation throughout the year, with lake-effect enhancement from adjacent Green Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan. The annual average temperature is 45.7°F, with monthly means ranging from 18.3°F in January to 70.5°F in July. Precipitation totals 31.61 inches annually, peaking in June at 4.1 inches, while snowfall averages 55.6 inches, concentrated from November to April with January recording the highest monthly average of 14.3 inches.[51][52]| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18.3 | 1.39 | 14.3 |
| February | 21.1 | 1.2 | 12 |
| March | 32.1 | 1.96 | 8.1 |
| April | 44.3 | 3 | 4.7 |
| May | 56.5 | 3.35 | 0 |
| June | 66.4 | 4.1 | 0 |
| July | 70.5 | 3.62 | 0 |
| August | 68.6 | 3.39 | 0 |
| September | 61 | 3.2 | 0 |
| October | 48.7 | 2.67 | 0.3 |
| November | 36.2 | 1.98 | 3.1 |
| December | 24.5 | 1.75 | 13.1 |
Demographics
Population trends and census data
Green Bay's population experienced robust growth throughout much of the 20th century, driven by industrial expansion, immigration, and post-World War II economic booms, increasing from 23,748 residents in the 1900 census to 52,735 by 1950. This expansion continued into the late 20th century, with the population reaching 87,899 in 1970 before stabilizing slightly in the 1980s due to suburbanization trends common in Midwestern cities. By the 2000 census, the figure stood at 102,313, reflecting modest gains from manufacturing and service sector jobs.[33][34][57] The 2010 decennial census recorded 104,057 residents, a 1.7% increase from 2000, supported by regional economic stability tied to paper production and logistics. The 2020 census marked a peak at 107,395, up 3.2% from 2010, amid broader metropolitan area expansion. However, annual estimates show stagnation and mild decline thereafter, with the population falling to 106,311 by July 1, 2024—a 1.0% drop from the 2020 base—attributable to out-migration to suburbs, aging demographics, and slower in-migration compared to the surrounding Green Bay MSA, which grew to 334,697 in 2024.[57][58][59]| Census Year | Population | Percent Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 23,748 | — |
| 1910 | 25,267 | +6.4% |
| 1920 | 31,017 | +22.8% |
| 1930 | 37,495 | +20.9% |
| 1940 | 45,996 | +22.7% |
| 1950 | 52,735 | +14.6% |
| 1960 | 62,888 | +19.3% |
| 1970 | 87,899 | +39.8% |
| 1980 | 87,895 | -0.0% |
| 1990 | 96,466 | +9.7% |
| 2000 | 102,313 | +6.0% |
| 2010 | 104,057 | +1.7% |
| 2020 | 107,395 | +3.2% |
Racial, ethnic, and religious composition
As of the 2020 United States Census, Green Bay had a population of 107,395 residents. The largest racial group was White individuals of non-Hispanic origin, comprising 65.4% of the population.[63] Hispanic or Latino residents of any race accounted for 18.1%, reflecting immigration and migration patterns including from Mexico and Central America. Persons identifying as Asian made up 5.0%, Black or African American 3.5%, American Indian and Alaska Native 3.3%, and those of two or more races 5.7%.[63] Native American representation is elevated compared to national averages due to the proximity and integration of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, part of the Iroquois Confederacy, whose reservation lies adjacent to the city.[64] The city's ethnic diversity has increased since earlier censuses, with non-White and Hispanic populations growing from 20.3% in 2000 to 34.6% in 2020, driven by economic opportunities in manufacturing and food processing attracting immigrant labor.[65] This shift contrasts with Wisconsin's statewide trends, where Green Bay exhibits higher proportions of both Hispanic and Native American residents.[66] Religiously, Green Bay remains predominantly Christian, shaped by 19th-century European immigration from Catholic-heavy regions like Germany, Poland, Ireland, and Belgium. In the Green Bay metropolitan area, encompassing Brown County where the city is the core, Catholics constituted 31.8% of the 2020 population (104,342 adherents out of 328,268 residents), the largest single group.[67] Evangelical Protestants followed at approximately 15% (49,497 adherents), including Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and non-denominational congregations, while Mainline Protestants accounted for 6% (20,063 adherents), led by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.[67] Overall, 54.2% of the metro population reported adherence to a religious congregation, with the remainder unaffiliated or adhering to smaller faiths such as Islam (from Somali refugees), Buddhism (among Hmong communities), or Judaism.[67] These figures, derived from congregational reports rather than self-identification surveys, likely undercount actual affiliation due to non-reporting groups but highlight Catholicism's institutional dominance, evidenced by the Diocese of Green Bay serving over 100 parishes.[68]Socioeconomic metrics including income and poverty
The median household income in Green Bay was $62,546 for the 2019–2023 period, according to American Community Survey estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.[43] This amount marked an increase from $59,174 in the prior year, driven in part by wage growth in manufacturing and healthcare sectors that form the local economic base.[63] Per capita personal income averaged $34,514 over the same timeframe, reflecting the impact of a workforce heavily oriented toward blue-collar occupations with relatively stable but lower median earnings compared to knowledge-based economies.[43] Green Bay's poverty rate stood at 16.5% in 2023, exceeding the Wisconsin state figure of 10.6% and the national rate of approximately 11.1%.[63][69] This disparity correlates with higher concentrations of renter-occupied housing and entry-level service jobs in the city proper, as opposed to the broader metro area where poverty dipped to 9.5%.[70] Child poverty rates were particularly elevated, affecting segments of the population reliant on seasonal or part-time labor tied to industries like paper production and logistics.[71] Income distribution in Green Bay exhibited moderate inequality, with a Gini coefficient of 0.443, slightly above the state average of 0.441 and indicative of a bimodal pattern featuring both high-earning professional households and a persistent working-class base.[72][70] These metrics underscore the city's socioeconomic profile as a mid-sized industrial hub, where aggregate growth has not fully offset structural vulnerabilities in lower-wage employment amid deindustrialization pressures since the late 20th century.| Key Metric | Green Bay (2019–2023) | Wisconsin (2023) | United States (2019–2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $62,546 | $74,600 | $78,538 |
| Poverty Rate | 16.5% | 10.6% | ~11.1% |
Economy
Core industries and economic foundations
Green Bay's economic foundations originated as a 17th-century fur trading post at the Fox River's mouth on Lake Michigan, facilitating exchange of agricultural and forest goods via connections to the Mississippi River system.[5] By the 19th century, abundant regional timber fueled a lumber industry boom, which transitioned into paper manufacturing as forests were depleted and the Fox River provided hydropower for mills, establishing papermaking as a dominant sector.[5] [75] Agriculture contributed foundational processing industries, particularly dairy and meat products, leveraging fertile surrounding lands for raw material supply to local factories.[5] This resource-based base diversified into broader manufacturing, with paper converting and food processing persisting as core strengths amid 20th-century industrialization.[76] In modern terms, manufacturing anchors the economy, accounting for 18.8% of jobs—above the U.S. average of 11%—with subsectors like paper products, machinery, and fabricated metals leading employment.[5] The sector employed 33,099 workers in 2023, the largest by headcount, supported by firms such as Green Bay Packaging's recycled mill (operational since 1948) and Georgia-Pacific's integrated paper and converting facilities.[70] [77] [78] Food processing reinforces agricultural ties, with operations from Tyson Foods and PepsiCo handling meat, beverages, and snacks.[79] Logistics infrastructure, including the Port of Green Bay, underpins these industries by managing bulk cargo like aggregates and coal, yielding $217 million in economic output and 1,620 jobs in 2022.[80] This multimodal access via highways, rail, and Great Lakes shipping sustains export-oriented manufacturing and processing.[80]Major employers and labor market
The Green Bay metropolitan statistical area recorded a total nonfarm employment of 183,600 in August 2025, supported by a civilian labor force of 180,400 and an unemployment rate of 2.9%.[81] Manufacturing and trade, transportation, and utilities each accounted for 33,800 jobs, comprising the largest sectors, while education and health services employed 29,200.[81] At the city level, total employment stood at 54,500 in 2023, with manufacturing leading at 11,430 workers, followed by health care and social assistance at 7,184, and retail trade at 5,910.[63] Healthcare providers dominate the roster of major employers, reflecting the sector's expansion amid an aging regional population and demand for medical services. According to 2024 employment data compiled by the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce for Brown County, Emplify Health by Bellin ranks as the largest employer with 5,131 workers, having grown from fourth place in 2015.[82] Other prominent healthcare entities include Aurora Health Care (2,376 employees), HSHS St. Vincent Hospital (1,696), and Prevea Health (1,675), underscoring a concentration of facilities serving northeast Wisconsin.[82]| Rank | Employer | Employees (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emplify Health by Bellin | 5,131 |
| 2 | Green Bay Area Public School District | 3,727 |
| 3 | Kwik Trip | 3,616 |
| 4 | Humana | 3,604 |
| 5 | Schneider National | 2,383 |
| 6 | Oneida Nation | 2,383 |
| 7 | Aurora Health Care | 2,376 |
| 8 | American Foods Group | 2,059 |
| 9 | Brown County | 1,760 |
| 10 | HSHS St. Vincent Hospital | 1,696 |
| 11 | Prevea Health | 1,675 |
| 12 | Green Bay Packaging | 1,495 |
| 13 | JBS USA | 1,428 |
| 14 | Georgia-Pacific | 1,400 |
| 15 | United Healthcare | 1,300 |
Recent growth, challenges, and developments
Green Bay's economy has demonstrated resilience and modest growth in recent years, with unemployment rates remaining among the lowest in the nation. The metropolitan area's unemployment rate averaged 2.7% in 2024, following 2.5% in 2023 and 2.6% in 2022, reflecting a robust labor market sustained by manufacturing and healthcare sectors.[83] Brown County, encompassing Green Bay, experienced population growth of 3.53%—or 9,477 residents—between the 2020 census and January 1, 2025, supporting expanded consumer demand and workforce availability.[84] Tourism has emerged as a key driver of economic expansion, generating a record $1.407 billion in impact for Brown County in 2024 across categories including recreation, entertainment, and Packers-related events.[85] The broader Green Bay area, including Door County, saw tourism contribute nearly $2.3 billion to local economies that year, bolstered by events like the NFL Draft, which drew 312,000 unique visitors—a 31% increase over comparable benchmarks.[86][87] Industrial activity remains strong, with manufacturing vacancy rates at 0.69% in Q2 2024 and positive absorption trends indicating demand for warehouse and production space.[88] Developments include a shift toward sustainable practices and community-focused investments, transforming legacy paper and manufacturing bases into diversified operations.[89] The Greater Green Bay Chamber tracks positive job trends and real-time indicators, underscoring adaptive economic strategies amid national shifts.[90] Challenges persist, particularly workforce shortages, affordable housing constraints, and childcare access, which hinder business expansion and talent retention in a tight labor market.[91][92] Temporary disruptions, such as the 2025 state government shutdown, have complicated access to startup financing and incentives.[93] Despite these, the region's low unemployment and industrial occupancy suggest underlying structural strengths capable of addressing such issues through targeted local initiatives.[94]Government and Politics
Structure of local government
Green Bay operates under a mayor-council form of government, as established by Wisconsin state law for cities, where the mayor functions as the chief executive and the common council serves as the legislative authority.[95] The mayor is responsible for enforcing city ordinances, preparing the annual budget for council approval, appointing department heads and board members subject to council confirmation, and possessing veto power over council legislation, which can be overridden by a two-thirds vote.[96] The office is held by Eric Genrich, elected in April 2019 and reelected in April 2023 to a four-year term in nonpartisan spring elections.[97] [98] The common council consists of 12 aldermen, each elected from single-member districts to represent residents in enacting ordinances, approving budgets and contracts, and overseeing city administration. [99] Aldermen are elected in nonpartisan elections held annually in April, with terms of two years and elections staggered to ensure continuity.[95] The council elects a president from among its members to preside over meetings and perform duties in the mayor's absence.[96] Council districts are redrawn decennially following U.S. Census data to reflect population changes, with the most recent adjustment in 2021 maintaining 12 districts. The municipal court handles violations of city ordinances, traffic infractions, and minor criminal matters, operating independently under a presiding judge appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council.[96] Administrative departments, including finance, public works, and community development, report to the mayor and support council policies through specialized services.[100] This structure emphasizes direct accountability to voters via frequent elections and separation of executive and legislative functions.[95]Political history and voter tendencies
Green Bay's political landscape has historically aligned with Brown County's conservative traditions, rooted in the region's 19th-century logging, manufacturing, and agricultural economy. Established as a county in 1818 under the Michigan Territory and becoming part of Wisconsin upon statehood in 1848, Brown County contributed to the birth of the Republican Party in Ripon that year, fostering early support for Republican candidates amid ethno-religious tensions and economic growth.[101] Local governance in Green Bay, incorporated as a city on April 6, 1854, emphasized pragmatic administration over ideology, though nonpartisan elections often reflected underlying partisan divides tied to working-class priorities like trade protectionism and infrastructure.[102] In contemporary elections, Brown County voters demonstrate a reliable Republican lean, supporting GOP presidential candidates in 2000 (George W. Bush by 15 points), 2004 (Bush by 17 points), 2012 (Mitt Romney by 7 points), 2016 (Donald Trump by 9 points), and 2020 (Trump by 6 points), with the sole Democratic win in 2008 (Barack Obama by 3 points).[103][104] This pattern extends to gubernatorial races, where Republicans have prevailed in every contest since 2000, and U.S. Senate elections, split evenly in the period. The electorate, characterized by a high proportion of white, non-college-educated workers in manufacturing and trades, prioritizes economic stability, law enforcement, and skepticism toward expansive government intervention, contributing to the county's status as a bellwether mirroring Wisconsin's swing-state volatility.[105][103] Local politics, conducted via nonpartisan ballots for mayor and the 12-member Common Council, nonetheless reveal partisan undercurrents, with the city proper showing slightly more competitiveness than rural outskirts. Republican Jim Schmitt served as mayor from 2003 to 2019, focusing on downtown revitalization and Packers-related development. Democrat Eric Genrich, a former state assemblyman, succeeded him in 2019 with 51% of the vote and won re-election in 2023 with 52%, defeating Brown County administrator Chad Weininger, who campaigned on fiscal conservatism and crime reduction amid nationalized rhetoric.[97][106][107] The 2020 election cycle highlighted tensions, as attempts by Trump-aligned officials to oust City Clerk Celestine Jeffreys over unsubstantiated fraud claims failed in council votes, underscoring persistent distrust in election processes among conservative factions but affirming institutional continuity.[108] Overall, Green Bay voters exhibit moderate conservatism, with suburban and exurban areas bolstering Republican margins while urban cores occasionally tilt Democratic in low-turnout local races.[105]Key controversies and governance issues
In late 2021, the City of Green Bay installed audio-recording devices in three hallways of City Hall as part of security cameras, without prior public disclosure, leading to the secret capture of conversations involving residents, staff, and council members.[109] The move prompted widespread privacy concerns and legal challenges, including a 2023 lawsuit filed by Wisconsin State Senate Republicans against Mayor Eric Genrich and the city, alleging violations of constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment.[110] [111] The controversy, dubbed a "snooping scandal" by critics, escalated amid claims of overreach for surveillance purposes, with the city defending the measures as necessary for security following incidents like a bomb threat.[112] The lawsuit concluded in July 2024 with a settlement requiring the city to pay $100,000 and commit to not reinstating audio surveillance in public areas without legislative approval, marking a victory for civil liberties according to proponents like State Senator André Jacque, though total legal costs to Green Bay taxpayers approached $750,000.[113] [114] A federal judge partially dismissed the Senate from the case in March 2024 but upheld potential damages against city officials, highlighting tensions between local security needs and individual privacy rights.[115] This incident underscored governance challenges in balancing public safety with transparency, amplified by partisan divides where some outlets framed the suit as politically timed ahead of the 2023 mayoral election.[116] Election administration has faced repeated scrutiny, particularly under City Clerk Celestine Jeffreys, who in May 2024 admitted to violating state election law by failing to properly handle absentee ballot requests but claimed ignorance of the statute.[117] In February 2022, controversy arose when city officials counted absentee ballots before notifying observers, prompting Mayor Genrich to defend the process as compliant despite public outcry over transparency.[118] Additional complaints, including 2025 allegations of ballot tampering by a council candidate, were dismissed by the Wisconsin Elections Commission for lack of evidence, though they reflected ongoing distrust rooted in 2020 election disputes that have politicized local processes.[119] [108] Mayor Genrich encountered an ethics complaint in March 2023 from a former mayoral opponent, accusing him of using official city email for campaign promotion, though the outcome emphasized procedural lapses in separating municipal and political activities.[120] These episodes, alongside council debates over policies like a 2025 resolution to ban conversion therapy—which returned to committee after an 8-4 vote—illustrate persistent governance frictions over policy enforcement, fiscal accountability, and electoral integrity in Green Bay's Democratic-leaning administration.[121]Sports and Recreation
Green Bay Packers and NFL dominance
The Green Bay Packers, established in 1919 by Earl "Curly" Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun, joined the National Football League as a charter member in 1921 and hold the distinction of being the league's third-oldest franchise.[6] Unlike other NFL teams owned by individuals or corporations, the Packers operate as a publicly owned, nonprofit organization since 1923, with shares held by over 538,000 community shareholders who receive no dividends but ensure the team's stability in Green Bay, the NFL's smallest market.[122][123] This model has preserved local control, preventing relocation despite financial pressures that doomed other small-market teams. The Packers have secured 13 NFL championships, the most of any franchise, comprising nine pre-merger titles in 1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, and 1965, plus victories in Super Bowls I (1966 season), II (1967), XXXI (1996), and XLV (2010).[124][125] Early dominance came through consistent contention, but the Vince Lombardi era from 1959 to 1967 marked peak success, with five championships in seven years, including the first two Super Bowls against the AFL champion, leveraging disciplined execution and innovative power sweep offenses that overwhelmed opponents.[126] Later eras under coaches like Bart Starr, Mike Holmgren, and Mike McCarthy sustained contention, with quarterback Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers leading to multiple playoff appearances and the 1996 and 2010 titles amid a league-wide shift to passing attacks.[6] Lambeau Field, the Packers' home since its 1957 opening as City Stadium with an initial capacity of 32,150, expanded to 81,441 seats by recent renovations while retaining its historic bowl structure and achieving perpetual sellouts since 1960.[127] Renamed in 1965 for founder Curly Lambeau, the venue symbolizes enduring fan loyalty in a residential neighborhood, hosting practices visible to the public and fostering "Packers everywhere" culture. The team's achievements underpin Green Bay's "Titletown" moniker, driving economic surges like the $72.9 million impact from the 2025 NFL Draft in Brown County alone, through tourism, hospitality, and merchandise that bolsters a city reliant on manufacturing and logistics.[128] This dominance, rooted in communal ownership and historical resilience, elevates Green Bay's profile, with revenues exceeding $650 million annually supporting infrastructure while prioritizing competitive reinvestment over profit extraction.[128]Other professional, amateur, and community sports
The Green Bay Gamblers compete in the United States Hockey League (USHL), a Tier I junior ice hockey league, and have won the Anderson Cup for the league's best regular-season record as well as the Clark Cup playoff championship.[129] In the 2024-25 season, forward Will Zellers led the USHL with 44 goals in 52 games, setting a franchise record and earning Forward of the Year honors, while teammates Aidan Park and Lukas Peterson received All-USHL selections.[130] [131] The Green Bay Blizzard play indoor American football in the Indoor Football League (IFL), having joined in 2010 after competing in the af2 league from 2003 to 2009; they advanced to the Eastern Conference championship in 2025 for the second consecutive year following a playoff win over the Quad City Steamwheelers.[132] [133] In baseball, the Green Bay Rockers represent the city in the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer league; they claimed their second league title in franchise history during the 2024 season and were named Organization of the Year.[134] Soccer includes the Green Bay Glory, a women's team in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), operating as a nonprofit community club.[135] The Green Bay Rugby Football Club, founded in 1972, fields men's teams in Division II and Division III of USA Rugby, promoting the sport as a 501(c)(3) organization.[136] Amateur and community sports encompass youth and adult leagues organized by the Green Bay Parks and Recreation Department, offering co-ed softball, basketball, volleyball, and other activities.[137] The Greater Green Bay YMCA runs recreational programs in basketball, soccer, and flag football for youth, emphasizing skill-building and sportsmanship.[138] Additional facilities like Sports Emporium host year-round soccer and flag football leagues for all ages, while Cornerstone Community Center provides adult hockey leagues and youth instruction.[139] [140]Culture and Attractions
Arts, entertainment, and media landscape
Green Bay's performing arts landscape features several historic and modern venues dedicated to theater, music, and live events. The Meyer Theatre, a restored 1924 vaudeville house with a capacity of 1,011 seats, hosts nearly 200 performances annually, attracting over 80,000 visitors for concerts, musicals, and comedy shows.[141] The Tarlton Theatre, an Art Deco venue opened in 1925, serves as a drafthouse cinema, club, and space for local performing arts productions.[142] Community-based groups like the Green Bay Community Theater produce quality theatrical works using local talent, while Evergreen Theater supports rehearsals, workshops, and performances in a dedicated facility.[143][144] Visual arts thrive through galleries and cultural centers such as The Art Garage, which fosters appreciation for visual, performing, and literary arts via exhibitions and events.[145] Other notable spaces include the Mulva Cultural Center, SAGE, and Urban Cultural, showcasing evolving local artist works.[146] The Weidner Center for the Performing Arts and Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center present regional, national, and international touring productions, including Broadway shows like Kinky Boots and Mrs. Doubtfire.[147][148] Entertainment options emphasize live music across diverse venues. The Resch Center accommodates large-scale concerts and events as Northeast Wisconsin's premier facility.[149] Epic Event Center features national, regional, and local acts in a dedicated music space.[150] The Levitt AMP Green Bay Music Series offers free outdoor concerts with varied genres, promoting inclusive community programming.[151] Smaller spots like The Lyric Room, Cup O' Joy, and At The Tracks at Tarlton host live bands and local favorites.[152] Local media includes the Green Bay Press-Gazette, a daily newspaper covering news, sports, and community affairs since 1870, now published by Gannett.[153] Television outlets comprise WBAY (ABC affiliate), WFRV Local 5 (CBS), WGBA NBC26, WLUK FOX11, and WCWF CW14, providing news, weather, and sports coverage for the region.[154][155][156] Radio stations feature WTAQ (97.5 FM/1360 AM) for news talk and WGBW (97.9 FM) for local news alongside timeless hits.[157][158] These outlets heavily emphasize Packers-related content, reflecting the city's sports-centric identity, though they also report on broader local developments.[153]