Jim Genrich, the father of controversial Democrat Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, is running for re-election amid a massive scandal in which the non-profit he helped run collapsed amid what appears to be widespread fraud.
Jim Genrich is seeking re-election to the Allouez Village Board in the April 7 general election, months after the collapse of the Northeast Wisconsin Community Action Program, where he served as treasurer and faced harsh criticism for his role in the organization’s financial downfall and potential fraud.
NEWCAP, a nonprofit that received millions in government funds to assist low-income residents in the Green Bay area, announced plans to close amid a reported multimillion-dollar budget deficit and widespread allegations of misused taxpayer money. In 2024 alone, NEWCAP received $14 million in government money.
An independent audit by Baker Tilly raised “substantial doubt” about NEWCAP’s ability to continue operating, and the Wisconsin Department of Administration placed it under rare “enhanced financial monitoring” and declined to renew key contracts
As treasurer on the board of directors, Genrich was one of the officials responsible for overseeing the agency’s finances.
An investigation into NEWCAP revealed serious questions about the board’s awareness of mounting problems, including a growing deficit that reached approximately $2 million. As treasurer, Genrich bore significant personal responsibility for the mishandling of those public funds, given his position in charge of financial oversight during the period leading to the organization’s demise.
NEWCAP almost certainly engaged in fraudulent practices, as former employees allege that grants for housing, weatherization, and direct aid to the poor were instead directed toward salary and benefits from high-level executives. In recent years, NEWCAP CEO Cheryl Detrick’s salary increased 140% and the non-profit spent lavishly on first-class travel and “team-building activities” at high-end restaurants.
Rep. Tony Wied and Rep. Bryan Steil called for a federal investigation into the organization.
“Northeast Wisconsin families work hard for their money, and it is our duty to ensure that every single one of their taxpayer dollars is used efficiently,” Wied said in a news release. “The allegations of misuse of funds at Newcap for the personal gain of executives and employees are unacceptable. I urge HUD to conduct a full investigation so taxpayers across Wisconsin’s 8th District can see how every penny was spent.”
Steil added: “The allegations of excessive spending raise serious concerns about wasteful and abusive behavior with taxpayer funds. I urge HUD to investigate the allegations of misuse and restore good governance and responsible management of critical housing programs.”
As treasurer of NEWCAP’s board, it would defy reason for Genrich to have no knowledge of NEWCAP’s excessive and potentially fraudulent spending. He also serves as an incumbent trustee on the Allouez Village Board and is running for one of three seats in next week’s election. The nonpartisan race also features candidates Matthew Harris and Matt Hohner. Christopher Sampson decided not to seek re-election.
Genrich has served multiple terms on the board and previously held positions on village committees including public works and historic preservation. He is the father of Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, a Democrat who has served as the city’s mayor since 2019.
Voters in the Village of Allouez will decide whether the elder Genrich returns to the board on April 7.
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