Wisconsin Statutes
Wis. Stat. § 62.04 (2026)
Intent and construction
✓ current as of July 2026
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62.0462.04 Intent and construction. It is declared to be the intention of the revision of the city charter law, to grant all the privileges, rights and powers, to cities which they heretofore had unless the contrary is patent from the revision. For the purpose of giving to cities the largest measure of self-government compatible with the constitution and general law, it is hereby declared that ss. 62.01 to 62.26 shall be liberally construed in favor of the rights, powers and privileges of cities to promote the general welfare, peace, good order and prosperity of such cities and the inhabitants thereof.
62.04 AnnotationSection 66.0301 (2) specifically authorizes a municipality to contract with other municipalities for the receipt or furnishing of services. In addition, this section and s. 62.11 (5) confer upon cities all powers not denied them by other statutes or the constitution. In this case, the city decided to make certain of its property available to neighboring municipalities for wastewater treatment service on the terms and conditions it negotiated in contracts with those municipalities, including annual license fees. Section 62.11 (5) unquestionably conferred authority upon the city to do so. Mary Lane Area Sanitary District v. City of Oconomowoc, 2023 WI App 48, 409 Wis. 2d 159, 996 N.W.2d 101, 22-1649.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 17
cases (3 in the last 5 years), 1928–2026 · leading case: Thomas F. Benson v. City of Madison, 2017 WI 65 (Wis. 2017).
Thomas F. Benson v. City of Madison, 2017 WI 65 (Wis. 2017). “" Wis. Stat. § 62.04 . ¶81 According to these statutes, the City of Madison has the power——which is to be liberally interpreted——to manage its property, operate golf links, and to act for the good order of the city, for its commercial benefit, and for the health, safety, and…”
Conway v. Bd. of Police & Fire Com'rs, 2003 WI 53 (Wis. 2003). “The court of appeals considered the legislature's statement of intent in Wis. Stat. § 62.04 was significant. The relevant portion of that statute states: *12 For the purpose of giving to cities the largest measure of self-government compatible with the constitution and general…”
Wisconsin's Env't Decade, Inc. v. Dep't of Nat. Resources, 271 N.W.2d 69 (Wis. 1978). “” While this Special Charter was repealed, its effect was ultimately preserved by sec. 62.04, Stats., which provides in its entirety: “Intent and construction.”
Conway v. Bd. of the Police & Fire Commissioners of Madison, 2003 WI 53 (Wis. 2003). “The court of appeals considered the legislature's statement of intent in Wis. Stat. § 62.04 was significant. The relevant portion of that statute states: *12 For the purpose of giving to cities the largest measure of self-government compatible with the constitution and general…”
Metro. Milwaukee Ass'n of Com., Inc. v. City of Milwaukee, 2011 WI App 45 (Wis. Ct. App. 2011). “Cities and villages have the right to "determine their local affairs and government, subject only to [the state] constitution and to such enactments of the legislature of statewide concern as with uniformity shall affect every city or every village.”
Apt. Ass'n of South Cent. Wisconsin, Inc. v. City of Madison, 2006 WI App 192 (Wis. Ct. App. 2006). “" In Wis. Stat. §§ 62.04 and 62.11(5), 7 the legislature has given cities *185 broad powers, such that they possess all powers not denied them by the statutes or the constitution.”
Conway v. Bd. of the Police & Fire Commissioners, 647 N.W.2d 291 (Wis. Ct. App. 2002). “Section 62.04 provides in part: For the purpose of giving to cities the largest measure of self-government compatible with the constitution and general law, it is hereby declared that ss.”
Associated Builders & Contractors of Wisconsin, Inc. v. City of Madison, 2023 WI App 59 (Wis. Ct. App. 2023). “Article XI, § 3(1) of the Wisconsin Constitution, referred to as the “Home Rule Amendment,” vests cities with the right to “determine their local affairs and government, subject only to [the state] constitution and to such enactments of the legislature of statewide concern as…”
Smith v. City of Wisconsin Rapids, 76 N.W.2d 595 (Wis. 1956). “By sec. 62.04, Stats., the legislature expressed its intent and gave directions concerning the construction of the chapter as follows: “Intent and CONSTRUCTION.”
State Ex Rel. Cortez v. BD. OF F. & P. COMM., 181 N.W.2d 378 (Wis. 1970). “Sec. 62.04, Stats., entitled "Intent and construction," expresses the purpose and intent of the legislature in enacting secs.”
Conway v. Bd. of Police & Fire Com'rs of Madison, 2002 WI App 135 (Wis. Ct. App. 2002). “26 shall be liberally construed in favor of the rights, powers and privileges of cities to promote the general welfare, peace, good order and prosperity of such cities and the inhabitants thereof.”
Apt. Ass'n of South Cent. Wis. v. Madison, 2006 WI App 192 (Wis. Ct. App. 2006). “§§ 62.04 and 62.11(5), [7] the legislature has given cities broad powers, such that they possess all powers not denied them by the statutes or the constitution.”
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