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Background, a source-linked record, and campaign contact information for reporting on Jim Schmitt’s candidacy for Mayor of Green Bay.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2026
Jim Schmitt Announces Campaign for Mayor of Green Bay
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt today announced that he is running for mayor.
“Green Bay has problems. But they are problems we can solve. I have the experience, and we have a plan,” Schmitt said.
Schmitt served as mayor for 16 years. During that time, Green Bay advanced CityDeck, the Nicolet Bank headquarters, the Schreiber Foods headquarters and global technology center, the KI Convention Center expansion, and the Metreau Apartments. These were the results of a broader Green Bay effort, not the work of one person.
Schmitt is running with a message grounded in experience, local problem-solving, and the work ahead for Green Bay.
Biography, professional background, a source-linked record, and campaign contact information for reporting on Jim Schmitt’s candidacy for Mayor of Green Bay.
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Short biography
Jim Schmitt served four terms as Mayor of Green Bay from 2003 through 2019. Before entering City Hall, he graduated from St. Norbert College, founded and led Famis Manufacturing, and served two terms on the Brown County Board. He later completed Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. Today, Schmitt works at New Community Shelter, teaches at NWTC, and hosts Green Bay Way. He is running for mayor to bring experienced, practical leadership to the work ahead.
Extended background
Schmitt grew up in Two Rivers and came to the Green Bay area to attend St. Norbert College, earning a degree in business administration. He founded Famis Manufacturing in a Green Bay business incubator and grew the company to 18 employees and approximately $3 million in annual sales before it was sold.
After two terms on the Brown County Board, Schmitt served sixteen years as mayor. His administration was one part of a broader city effort that changed Green Bay’s downtown and waterfront, strengthened neighborhood participation, and improved public places and everyday city systems.
Jim and his wife, Dona, raised their family in the Astor neighborhood. His family and faith have shaped his understanding of service. He is also an author of a published book about his business, public-service, and mayoral experience.
For reporting
The campaign’s Green Bay Record links city accomplishments from Jim’s years in office to the retained public documents behind them. Reporters may use the direct source links and contact the campaign with verification questions.
For interviews, deadline requests, photographs, or additional background, email contact@schmitt4mayor.com.
Term limits
In 2018, Schmitt cast the tie-breaking City Council vote that put a twelve-year term-limit question before Green Bay voters. Later that year, he decided not to seek a fifth term, saying another run after supporting the question could be disingenuous. The campaign’s Questions & Answers page explains what that history means for his current candidacy.
At a glance
- Four-term former Mayor of Green Bay, 2003-2019.
- St. Norbert College graduate in business administration; completed Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.
- Founder and former president of Famis Manufacturing; candidate-reported peak of 18 employees and approximately $3 million in annual sales before the company was sold.
- Two-term former Brown County supervisor.
- Current work at New Community Shelter, teaching at NWTC, and hosting Green Bay Way. No organizational endorsement is implied.
- Author of a published book about his business, public-service, and mayoral experience.
- Source-linked Green Bay Record.