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
- **July 6 — Board of Public Works:** Street privilege permit for a sign at 124 5th Ave South, partial street closures on Main and 6th Streets, and construction contract payments and change orders.
- **July 7 — Arts and Culture Board:** Budget status update and review of city grant policy and procedures.
- **July 7 — Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee:** Resolution 26-0703 to amend the 2024 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, with draft map updates.
- **July 13 — Climate Action Plan Steering Committee:** Energy Saving Performance Contract reports (Phase 3 Year 3 and Phase 4 Year 1) and a Sustainability Institute Climate Fellows request.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — La Crosse panel approves draft capital budget; mixed-use rezoning advances
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.