La Crosse · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Crosse public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2025 federal grant performance (CAPER) and public service subrecipients
Karuna Inc. dissolved and can't use its share of the HOME-ARP supportive services award, leaving the city to figure out how to redirect funds that serve the chronically homeless. Staff will bring options back next month.
Driftless Apartments development agreement compliance
The first completed project at River Point District passed its annual compliance review, with an amended agreement setting a $9.6 million tax base guarantee by tax year 2027 and clarifying how payments in lieu of taxes count toward the developer's obligations.
2027-2031 Capital Improvement Budget
Parks staff walked through projects across the city: Copeland Park shelter rebuild, eight new pickleball courts at Trane, Memorial Pool wall repair, the Veterans Freedom Trail, and the $3.5 million River Point marina plus $10.9 million park plan — funded by a mix of TID money and borrowing.
Council Expense Accounts and Reimbursement Policy
A proposal to convert the $300 monthly council expense stipend into receipt-based reimbursement failed 9-3-1. Supporters of the stipend argued it keeps council service possible for working parents and people without flexible jobs; others said council should model employee policies and find budget cuts.