Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in De Pere, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in business jobs
One Barrel Brewing retail license
One Barrel Brewing Company at 303 Reid Street received approval for a full-service retail sales license, supporting its downtown taproom operations.
Business Improvement District 2027 operating plan
The plan sets how downtown properties are assessed ($2 per $1,000, $3,000 cap) and how roughly $166,000 is spent on downtown promotions, events, and visitor tracking. The budget is up about 7% from 2025.
BID board vacancies and term limits
Two members are resigning and one seat was already open, leaving three openings on the seven-member board. The board also plans to add term limits to its bylaws in 2027.
Sale of Business Park land to Robinson Inc.
Robinson Inc. wants to buy 5.86 acres of city business park land for a parking lot and access road to support 500–600 new employees. The deal also creates a second access to the WPS substation and a multi-party stormwater easement with Brown County, WPS, and American Transmission Company.
Nicolet Ale Works premises expansion
The downtown brewery can now serve alcohol on its mezzanine, second floor, and balcony, adding seating and event space.
De Pere Deacons Hockey liquor license renewal
The hockey organization's Class "B" beer license at 1450 Ft. Howard Ave. was renewed without objection — routine but it keeps the rink's concessions and bar operating.
Downtown parking garage rates
The new downtown parking garage will charge monthly reserved stalls at $95, daytime non-reserved at $50, plus hourly rates with daily maximums and a special-event pay-on-entry option. Half the 224 stalls are committed nightly to the Marriott hotel and the 550 William Street project, and those tenants pay the same public rates.
Machine Plus expansion incentives
Machine Plus will more than double its 2130 American Boulevard facility in two phases, with about $142,000 in city incentives and roughly $255,000 total across both phases. The project carries guaranteed assessed values of about $2.5 million.
Alcohol license renewals for 2026-27
Every liquor license in the city has to be renewed annually, and this meeting cleared all 20 of them for the year starting July 1. Background checks still need to clear before the licenses are actually issued.
New liquor license for TownePlace Suites hotel
The TownePlace Suites downtown hotel can now serve beer and wine to guests. It's a small convenience for travelers and a modest boost for the hotel's business.
New liquor licenses for two local businesses
Two businesses — Colombian Flavors on Main Avenue and Big Cheddar Bounce on American Boulevard — can now serve beer, liquor, or wine, helping round out downtown and family entertainment options.
New alcohol licenses for downtown and west-side businesses
A Colombian restaurant on Main Ave is picking up a liquor license after The Porch Bar closed, and a new entertainment spot on American Boulevard wants to serve beer and wine. Both now go to the Council for final approval.