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La Crosse meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Plain-English weekly recaps written from official meeting records. 7 weeks available.

Weeks

Week of 2026-08-17

Council adopts 2027-2031 capital budget; city administrator measure fails

The La Crosse Common Council adopted the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Budget and awarded two construction contracts at its Aug. 13 meeting, but a proposed charter ordinance to create a city administrator position failed to receive the required two-thirds vote. The council also referred a petition for a citizens' healthcare action committee to the November referendum.

Capital Improvement Budget and contracts

The council adopted the five-year capital budget on a 9-4 vote after rejecting three amendments that would have moved specific projects. Amendments to move the Library Parking Lot to 2031 (5-7), move Houska Park Bathrooms to 2027 (3-10), and move the MSC building out one year (5-8) all failed.

Two construction contracts were awarded unanimously (13-0): $286,422.64 to Fowler & Hammer for the Washburn Lighting North project and $38,194.51 to Fowler & Hammer for the 14/61 RRFB project. Bids for the Accessible Water Bubblers project were rejected (13-0).

City administrator measure fails

The charter ordinance creating the Office of City Administrator, which would have removed duties from the mayor, failed to get the required two-thirds vote and was not adopted. The Judiciary & Administration Committee had recommended the ordinance earlier this month on a 3-2 vote with one abstention.

Other council action

The council referred a petition for a Citizens' Advisory Healthcare Action Committee to the November referendum (13-0).

Other decisions from boards and committees

The Board of Public Works approved operating and maintenance costs for the downtown parking system and Sanitary Sewer District #1 rates for 2025-2026, both on 5-0 votes. It also approved a street privilege permit for Doc's Hideout LLC at 200 Main St. and right-of-way acquisitions for Losey Blvd.

The City Plan Commission recommended a temporary moratorium on data centers (voice vote) and several zoning changes, including duplex conversions at 1705/1707 and 1233/1235 16th St. S., and a mixed-use rezoning at 2423/2425 16th St. S. and 1613/1617 Chase St. It also adopted certified survey maps for Fox Hollow Drive and 748 Losey Blvd. N.

The Finance & Personnel Committee recommended the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Budget as amended (2-4) before the council adopted it, and also recommended resolutions on sewer lateral reconstruction, parking system costs, and TID 11 amendments. It approved a police Safe-Cam donation from La Crosse City Vision Foundation (5-1) and re-referred the Market Square Parking Ramp assignment for 30 days.

The Arts and Culture Board approved three grants totaling $7,750: $3,500 for the Northside Night Market, $3,500 for "Field Notes: FFA and County Fair Culture in the Driftless Region" (4-1), and $750 for "Adam Wright: Coulee Region Man."

Coming up

Week of 2026-08-10

La Crosse committee recommends city administrator role; capital budget advances

The most consequential action in the past two weeks came from the Judiciary & Administration Committee, which voted 3-2 with one abstention to recommend a charter ordinance creating the Office of the City Administrator and removing duties from the Mayor. The recommendation now goes to the Common Council. The Finance & Personnel Committee also moved the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Budget forward, though its final recommendation passed 2-4, with the majority voting no.

City administrator role recommended

The Judiciary & Administration Committee on Aug. 5 recommended a charter ordinance that would establish a city administrator position and strip certain duties from the mayor. The vote was 3-2 with one abstention. The item will be considered by the Common Council. The committee also recommended a temporary moratorium on data centers (6-0), several zoning changes, and license renewals under Chapters 4, 6, and 10 (6-0).

Capital improvement budget advances

The Finance & Personnel Committee on Aug. 6 recommended the amended 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Budget to the Common Council, despite a 2-4 vote on the final recommendation. Amendments included moving Houska Park bathrooms to 2027 at a cost of $175,000 (unanimous) and removing the Library Parking Lot project (4-1, one abstention). The committee also recommended resolutions on sewer lateral reconstruction, downtown parking system costs, and TID 11 amendments, all by 6-0 votes. A Market Square Parking Ramp assignment was re-referred for 30 days.

Data center moratorium recommended

Both the City Plan Commission (Aug. 3) and the Judiciary & Administration Committee (Aug. 5) recommended a temporary moratorium on data centers. The Plan Commission acted by voice vote; the committee voted 6-0. The moratorium will be considered by the Common Council.

Other decisions

The Board of Public Works approved several items on July 27 and Aug. 3. On July 27, it approved a new ADA bubbler design and pursuit of a patent (5-0), Metronet conduit placement on Norplex Drive (5-0), and sanitary sewer lateral special assessments for the 900 block of East Avenue S (4-0). On Aug. 3, it approved downtown parking system operating and maintenance costs (5-0), Sanitary Sewer District #1 rates for July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 (5-0), and a street privilege permit for dumpsters at 200 Main St. (5-0).

The Arts and Culture Board on Aug. 4 approved three grants totaling $7,750: $3,500 for the Northside Night Market, $3,500 for Field Notes: FFA and County Fair Culture in the Driftless Region (4-1), and $750 for Adam Wright: Coulee Region Man.

Several other meetings were held but were agenda-only, with no decisions recorded: the International Committee, Common Council strategic plan presentations, Human Rights Commission, Building and Housing Appeals Board, Library Board, and Floodplain Advisory Committee.

Coming up

Week of 2026-08-03

La Crosse boards approve property purchase, TID funding for Public Market, ADA bubbler design

La Crosse's Economic and Community Development Commission approved the 2026 Amended Action Plan and an offer to purchase property at 2010 14th St S on July 22, among several decisions made across city boards over the past two weeks.

Economic and Community Development Commission — July 22

The commission took action on five items by voice vote:

Redevelopment Authority — July 23

The RDA adopted a resolution allocating Tax Increment District 11 funds to the RDA for Public Market predevelopment work. The board also approved a 5th Extension to the Planning Option Agreement with RyKey for Lot 9, approved a Commercial Letter of Intent on 65 Kraft St as amended, and approved the May 2026 meeting minutes. All items passed by voice vote.

Board of Public Works — July 27

The Board of Public Works approved a new ADA bubbler design as the preferred design and authorized the pursuit of a patent (5-0). Other decisions included:

Joint Review Board — July 21 (agenda only)

The Joint Review Board was scheduled to review resolutions for the creation of Tax Incremental Districts No. 22 and No. 24 and discuss a draft project plan for TID No. 11. Minutes have not yet been published.

Common Council — July 21 and July 28 (agenda only)

The council was scheduled to receive an informational presentation on the city's 2027 employee health insurance plan, with Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey presenting, on July 21. On July 28, the Mayor, council members, and city staff were scheduled to attend a presentation of the city's new strategic plan at the Southside Neighborhood Center. No decisions were listed for either meeting. Minutes have not yet been published.

Other meetings (agenda only)

Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published.

Coming up

Week of 2026-07-20

La Crosse Council Awards $1.49M Copeland Park Contract, Creates Two Tax Increment Districts

The La Crosse Common Council approved a $1,490,000 construction contract for Copeland Park and created two new Tax Increment Districts at its July 9 meeting, part of a busy two-week stretch of city board and committee activity.

Common Council: Contracts, Districts, and Appointments

The council voted 12-0 to award the Copeland Park contract to Fowler & Hammer, Inc. Two additional infrastructure contracts also passed unanimously: $513,127 to A-1 Excavating LLC for Prospect Street (Stoddard Street to George Street) and $326,782.55 to Gerke Excavating Inc. for East Avenue South (Jackson Street to Mississippi Street).

On tax increment financing, the council terminated Tax Increment District 14 (12-0), implemented an affordable housing extension for TID 14 (12-0), created TID 22 (12-0), and created TID 24 (11-1). An ordinance for mixed-use development at 1325 St. Andrew Street passed 12-0. The council also confirmed various municipal appointments on a 10-2 vote, adopted 2026 bills and engineering estimates (12-0), and received and filed the May Financial Report (12-0). June 11 meeting minutes were approved 11-0.

Board of Public Works: Street Closures and Utility Permits

The Board of Public Works met twice. On July 6, it approved partial street closures for pavement replacement on Main Street and 6th Street (5-0), a street privilege permit for a sign at 124 5th Ave South for Kellogg Investments LLC (5-0), and construction contract final payments and change orders (both 5-0).

On July 13, the board approved a payment list for right-of-way acquisitions on Losey Blvd (5-0), construction contract change orders (5-0), a street privilege permit for Trane Inc. to relocate a utility pole at 2504 Losey Boulevard South (5-0), and a permit for Metronet to install new fiber at 2550 Commerce Street (5-0). July 6 minutes were approved 5-0.

Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Master Plan Updated

On July 7, the committee adopted an amended resolution updating the city's 2024 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan on a voice vote of 7-1. Members voted 8-0 to add Badger Street in place of Pine Street on the plan's network map. A separate proposal to shift routes from Vine and 6th Streets to State and 5th Streets was rejected 7-1.

Other Boards and Commissions

The Arts and Culture Board approved its June meeting minutes on July 7 and heard updates on the budget and grant policy, taking no further action.

The Police and Fire Commission unanimously approved May 20 meeting minutes on July 15 and unanimously accepted and filed June and July 2026 fire and police personnel reports.

Several boards met on an agenda-only basis, with minutes not yet published: the Housing Authority (July 8, scheduled vote on Resolution #1039 to revise grievance procedure policy), the Committee for Citizens with Disabilities (July 9), the Climate Action Plan Steering Committee (July 13), the ADA MTU Advisory Committee (July 14), the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee (July 14), and the Library Board (July 14, which listed requests for $20,000 in materials and $6,000 for Director's Hospitality for 2026-2027).

Coming Up

Week of 2026-07-13

La Crosse committees advance new tax districts, infrastructure contracts, and bike-ped plan updates

The Finance & Personnel Committee recommended creating two new Tax Incremental Districts, approving police collective bargaining agreements, and advancing water main and sewer improvements — all headed to the Common Council for final action. The committee's July 2 votes were among several consequential decisions made by La Crosse boards and commissions over the past two weeks.

Finance & Personnel Committee

The committee voted 5-0 to recommend creation of TID 22 and its project plan, and 4-1 to recommend creation of TID 24 and its project plan. Members also recommended terminating TID 14 and extending its affordable housing provisions (5-0).

Two police collective bargaining agreements — one for non-supervisory and one for supervisory associations — were each recommended for adoption on 5-0 votes. The committee recommended water main improvements for the 500 blocks of St. Andrew Street and the 800 blocks of St. Cloud Street (5-0 each), sanitary sewer improvements for the 800 block of St. Cloud Street (5-0), and a development agreement with Stizo, LLC for 1319 St. Andrew St (5-0). A parking assignment at Market Square Parking Ramp was referred to August 2026 meetings (5-0).

City Plan Commission

The commission approved the draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Budget by voice vote following a public hearing. It recommended rezoning 1325 St. Andrew Street for mixed-use development (voice vote, Yager recused), rezoning multiple Rose Street properties for commercial and residential redevelopment (voice vote), and a 20-year FAA off-airport land lease (voice vote).

Judiciary & Administration Committee

Building on the Plan Commission's work, this committee recommended the 1325 St. Andrew Street mixed-use rezoning to the Common Council on a 5-1 vote, subject to design review. It also recommended various 2026-2027 license applications (6-0), an airport concessionaire designation with a liquor permit (6-0), the Rose Street rezoning (6-0), and the 20-year FAA lease (6-0).

Board of Public Works

The board met twice. On June 29, it approved construction contract change orders and a storm sewer and highway maintenance easement acquisition from Badger Corrugating Company, each by 5-0 votes. On July 6, the board approved construction contract final payments (5-0), change orders (5-0), a street privilege permit for a sign at 124 5th Ave South for Kellogg Investments LLC (5-0), and partial street closures for pavement replacement on Main St and 6th St (5-0).

Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee

The committee adopted an amended resolution updating the city's 2024 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (voice vote, 7-1). Members approved adding Badger Street in place of Pine Street on the plan map (8-0) but rejected a proposal to shift routes from Vine and 6th Streets to State and 5th Streets (7-1).

Budget Parameter Committee

The committee unanimously directed staff to prepare three versions of the 2027 operating budget: one meeting the Expenditure Restraint Program, one with a 3% increase, and one with no increase. It also approved the Board of Estimates meeting schedule for September and October, including an additional 6 p.m. public hearing.

Other Meetings

The Neighborhood Revitalization Commission reviewed progress on the 'Forward La Crosse' zoning code update, including built form studies and residential lot standards; minutes are not yet published. The Arts and Culture Board approved June minutes and heard updates on budget and grant policy without taking further action. The Housing Authority and Committee for Citizens with Disabilities met July 8 and 9 respectively; minutes are not yet published.

Common Council Agenda

The Common Council's July 9 meeting agenda includes a $1,490,000.00 contract to Fowler & Hammer, Inc. for Copeland Park Shelter Building & Site Improvements, a $513,127.00 contract to A-1 Excavating LLC for Prospect St (Stoddard St to George St), a $326,782.55 contract to Gerke Excavating Inc. for East Avenue S (Jackson St to Mississippi St), the 1325 St. Andrew Street mixed-use ordinance, and creation of TID 22 and TID 24 with termination of TID 14. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming Up

Week of 2026-07-06

La Crosse boards approve capital budget, road closures, and TID 14 termination

The City Plan Commission approved the draft 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Budget after a public hearing on June 29, marking the most consequential financial decision among recent La Crosse government meetings. The commission also recommended rezoning two areas for redevelopment and a 20-year FAA airport land lease, all of which advanced to the Judiciary & Administration Committee the next day.

Capital budget and rezoning recommendations

The City Plan Commission approved the 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Budget by voice vote on June 29. The commission also recommended three items to the Judiciary & Administration Committee: an ordinance to rezone 1325 St. Andrew Street for mixed-use development (voice vote, with Yager recused), an ordinance to rezone multiple Rose Street properties for commercial and residential redevelopment (voice vote), and a resolution approving a 20-year FAA off-airport land lease (voice vote).

On June 30, the Judiciary & Administration Committee acted on those recommendations. The mixed-use rezoning at 1325 St. Andrew Street passed 5–1 with one abstention, subject to design review. The Rose Street rezoning passed 6–0, and the 20-year FAA lease resolution passed 6–0. The committee also recommended approval of various 2026–2027 license applications (6–0) and a resolution designating an airport concessionaire and authorizing a liquor permit (6–0). All items now go to the Common Council.

TID 14 termination and affordable housing

The Economic and Community Development Commission adopted resolutions on June 24 to terminate Tax Increment District 14 and extend affordable housing incentives within the district. The commission also approved the 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report after opening and closing a public hearing, and authorized a Request for Proposals for the former North Community Library. Vicki Markussen recused herself from voting on the library item. All items passed by voice vote.

Board of Public Works: gas permits, road closures, easement

The Board of Public Works met twice in the past two weeks. On June 22, the board unanimously approved two Xcel Energy gas permits for new gas mains on La Crosse Street and East Avenue North (both 5–0), and approved partial street closures on Main and 6th Streets for pavement replacement work (5–0).

On June 29, the board approved a Bidder's Proof of Responsibility (5–0), construction contract change orders (5–0), and the acquisition of a storm sewer and highway maintenance easement from Badger Corrugating Company (5–0). The board also received a quarterly utilities business services update as a presentation only.

Budget scenarios ordered for 2027

The Budget Parameter Committee directed staff on June 30 to prepare three versions of the 2027 operating budget: one meeting the Expenditure Restraint Program (ERP), one with a 3% increase, and one with no increase. The committee also approved the Board of Estimates meeting schedule for September and October, including an additional 6 p.m. public hearing. All votes were unanimous.

Other meetings

The Redevelopment Authority received informational updates on June 25 — a monthly financial update, a project management update on the River Point District, and an update on Cowboy Jack's. No votes or actions were taken. A separate ribbon cutting for War Eagle Apartments at 55 River Bend Rd was listed as a ceremonial event.

The Common Council's June 25 meeting was canceled; the Mayor and Council were invited to attend the Wisconsin City/County Management Association Conference.

The Human Rights Commission (June 24) and Neighborhood Revitalization Commission (July 1) agendas listed leadership elections and a zoning code update discussion, respectively, but minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

Week of 2026-06-29

La Crosse panel approves draft capital budget; mixed-use rezoning advances

The La Crosse City Plan Commission approved a draft five-year capital improvements budget June 29 following a public hearing, clearing a key step for infrastructure spending from 2027 through 2031. The voice vote was among several consequential land-use and financial decisions made by city boards and committees in the past two weeks.

Capital improvements

The City Plan Commission forwarded the 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Budget on a voice vote. No dollar amount was included in the draft. The Budget Parameter Committee took a related step June 30, unanimously directing staff to prepare three versions of the 2027 operating budget: one meeting the state’s Expenditure Restraint Program, one with a 3 percent increase, and one with no increase. The committee also set a Board of Estimates meeting schedule that adds a 6 p.m. public hearing in the fall.

Land use and development

The Judiciary & Administration Committee voted 5–1 on June 30 to recommend a rezoning at 1325 St. Andrew Street for a mixed-use development, pending a design review. One commissioner abstained. The item had drawn a recusal from Plan Commission member Vicki Markussen on June 29, when the commission recommended the same mixed-use rezoning and forwarded it to the committee.

The committee also voted 6–0 to recommend rezoning several Rose Street properties from commercial to a planned development for commercial and residential redevelopment, and 6–0 for a 20-year Federal Aviation Administration off-airport land lease.

Tax district changes

The Economic and Community Development Commission adopted resolutions terminating Tax Increment District 14 and extending affordable-housing incentives within that district. It also authorized a request for proposals for the former North Community Library. All votes were by voice, with Markussen recusing herself from the library item.

Infrastructure work

The Board of Public Works advanced several items in two late‑June meetings. On June 29, the board voted 5–0 to acquire a storm sewer and highway maintenance easement from Badger Corrugating Company and approved construction contract change orders. A week earlier, on June 22, it approved Xcel Energy permits for new gas mains on La Crosse Street and East Avenue North and partial street closures on Main and 6th Streets for pavement replacement — all 5–0.

Other notes

The Common Council canceled its June 25 meeting so members could attend a professional conference. The Redevelopment Authority held a procedural session June 25 with no votes and attended a ribbon‑cutting for War Eagle Apartments at 55 River Bend Road. The Finance & Personnel Committee met July 2 to consider creating two new tax districts, TID 22 and TID 24, terminating TID 14, police collective‑bargaining agreements for 2027–2029, and a development agreement for 1319 St. Andrew Street; the agenda was published but minutes were not available at press time.

Coming up

The Board of Public Works meets July 6 to consider a sign permit for Kellogg Investments LLC, road‑closure requests, and construction payments. On July 7, the Arts and Culture Board reviews the city grant policy and receives a budget update, while the Bicycle‑Pedestrian Advisory Committee examines a resolution to amend the 2024 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The Climate Action Plan Steering Committee meets July 13 to review energy‑savings performance reports and a request from the Sustainability Institute Climate Fellows program.

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.