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.
Redevelopment of former community policing center at 713 St. James St.
The city is preparing to seek redevelopment proposals for its vacant former community policing center, modeled on the recent library RFP. Commissioners flagged that the site could be rezoned for housing, and the mayor emphasized the city shouldn't let owned buildings sit vacant.
Fire Station #1 window replacement
Fire Station #3 is in the middle of a remodel, and its four garage doors are being replaced with heavier-duty versions. The new springs are rated for 50,000 uses versus the 10,000-cycle springs currently at their max — important since fire rigs go in and out constantly. The doors will be red to match Stations #2 and #4.
Bike parking design standards
A proposal to ban worst-offender bike racks (schoolyard-style, wheelbenders) and require secure, usable short-term parking, plus indoor long-term bike storage in larger multifamily buildings. It would ride along with the city's zoning code update, though members want more evidence from cities La Crosse's size before committing.
Week Without Driving participation
La Crosse will join the national Week Without Driving October 1-8, asking elected officials to experience getting around without a car. WisDOT estimates 40% or more of city residents are non-drivers.
Main Street closure for US Bank crane work
A large crane operation will close Main Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets for roughly one day next week to remove cell equipment from the US Bank Building. The contractor handles traffic control, business notifications, and 24-hour no-parking signage.
Green steel trial at the wastewater plant
The plant is only the second city in the country trialing 'green steel' — steel mill slag — to replace ferric chloride for phosphorus removal. Sixty days in, the plant is running better than ever with a third less chemical, and staff built the feeder in-house for $2,150 instead of a $100,000 system.
Illicit railroad storm sewer connection closed
The railroad piped an unpermitted connection into the city storm sewer at Charles and St. James Streets using substandard materials. Staff closed it off; the railroad must go through the engineering department if it wants to reconnect.
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.
Water Utility Fleet and Equipment Needs
The water utility kept three trucks it was going to sell because flushing and valve-turning work left crews short on vehicles — cheaper than renting at $2,000 per truck for six months.
Copeland Park shelter and bathroom project progress
Good news at Copeland Park: the downsized open-air shelter is finished and the old bathroom building is demolished. Crews are waiting on Bright Speed to relocate a fiber line before digging the new bathroom foundations.