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.