Many of you have reached out to the office regarding an issue that has been receiving a lot of press over the past few weeks. It is referred to as ‘the Dark Store’ issue and it is one that CARW has been monitoring since early 2016. In 2016, bills had not surfaced so we had nothing concrete to work with. At this time we have seen several bill drafts that will likely be introduced this session. From our public affairs committee, we have a small group assembled who are working on a strategy to ensure the legislation’s outcome is favorable for our industry. We have been speaking with and working with a number of associations who are deeply involved with the issue and the legislators who will eventually introduce legislation.
We are reaching out to you, in advance of a bill introduction, to get your feedback on the drafts which we believe be introduced in the next few weeks to months. The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association has brought this issue to the State policy committee and executive committee as well.
Here is our ask of you: Please reach out to the Association Office if you would like to learn more about this issue, no later than Thursday, January 26. It is a vast topic and the specific direction of the legislation is complicated. We will forward information and establish a call to garner additional information about member interest in engaging on the topic. In addition, we plan to bring in subject matter experts to assist. We estimate that the proposed legislation will impact all commercial real estate sectors, specifically retail and investment property.
Here is a link to one of the recent articles on the issue: