WMC Litigation Center Wins Free Speech and Enterprise Challenge

Neenah Sign Ordinance Struck Down by Circuit Court

MADISON – This week, the Winnebago County Circuit Court struck down five provisions in the City of Neenah’s sign code. The WMC Litigation Center – an affiliate of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), the combined state chamber of commerce and manufacturers’ association – filed a lawsuit on behalf of four taxpayers against the City of Neenah in April 2023, asserting that the city’s sign ordinance violated the First Amendment right to free speech in several ways.

“This is a huge victory for freedom of speech and for businesses who rely on signs for advertising,” said Scott Rosenow, Executive Director of the WMC Litigation Center. “Neenah’s unnecessary and confusing sign code unlawfully restricted the right to free speech, which includes commercial speech.”

The Winnebago County Circuit Court struck down all five provisions the WMC Litigation Center challenged in the City of Neenah’s sign code: a ban on “advertising vehicles,” a ban on “off-premises signs,” a one-sign limit for lawn signs, a 30-day limit for lawn signs, and a permit requirement for certain signs.

“In order for businesses and free enterprise to thrive, businesses need to be able to advertise and exercise their right to free speech” added Rosenow. “We’re happy Neenah employers and residents are now protected from the city’s blatant overreach.”

Click here to read the written order.

###