07/12/2026
Council meets Monday, July 13 at 6:00 PM and Tuesday, July 14 at 4:00 PM. Three items are especially worth watching:
Affordable housing: We will discuss new scoring rules for the Flexible Housing Fund and vote on the five-year capital plan. The proposed criteria prioritize deeper and longer-term affordability, housing for vulnerable residents, low-barrier access, preventing displacement, accessibility, and proximity to services. Two proposed amendments would also add a combined $500,000 for housing in 2027 by shifting money from road lighting, bridge maintenance, and city-building upgrades.
County EE land purchase: The city may spend $1.75 million to acquire eight parcels totaling approximately 220 acres. The packet identifies about 111 acres as potentially developable for future industrial use, with wetlands and timberland that could have conservation or public uses. A purchase would not approve a particular development, but it would shape what becomes possible. I am looking closely at the full infrastructure cost, environmental protections, potential future uses, and opportunities for public review.
Redevelopment districts: Monday’s discussion and Tuesday’s work session cover two proposed districts. The Core Reinvestment District could support rehabilitation, affordable housing, small businesses, and river access in central neighborhoods. Riverbend includes industrial land, riverfront property, the former HSHS site, and the former Shopko site. My questions are how public benefits will be enforced, how displacement will be prevented, and how residents will remain involved as individual projects emerge.
I have received thoughtful comments about the amount and structure of the housing funding, the role of the Housing Opportunities Commission, farmland and wetlands along County EE, possible industrial uses, and the long-term cost to taxpayers. Please keep them coming.
Agenda packets: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/city-council/city-council-packet
Comment to Council: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/city-council/city-council-members/city-council-contact
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com//streams
