Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in De Pere, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in environment with medium priority
Street tree requirements in new subdivisions
New subdivisions will have to include street trees, with a fee letting the city plant them so the urban canopy is even and healthy instead of patchy. Alderperson Hansen has pushed this for years.
Compost reimbursement program sustainability
The city's composting reimbursement program has grown to about 24 active properties, with nearly all participants requesting their reimbursements. Members think more promotion could grow it further.
Stormwater recognition and Wisconsin Stormwater Week
Stormwater Week runs September 19-27 with social media pushes and a mayoral proclamation. Commissioners want to do more — email campaigns to Adopt-a-Drain participants, yard signs, and possibly billboards — to grow the program.
New yard waste site opening June 1
The new fenced, code-access yard waste site is residents-only, and the board confirmed it stays that way after a landlord complained. Non-resident property owners can still use curbside brush and yard waste pickups.
2026 Fox-Wolf IMPACT Award for De Pere water quality work
The city — Public Works plus the Sustainability Commission — was anonymously nominated for an award recognizing water quality efforts like pond sweeping and Adopt-a-Drain outreach. The ceremony is October 1st, with the award presented at the October Common Council meeting.
De Pere Canopy Growth Plan
The commission is exploring how to grow the city's tree canopy, but the forestry department is already maxed out with ash tree removals. Ideas on the table include tree giveaways, hiring Green Bay's sustainability corps crew, or volunteer plantings — with watering and upkeep the biggest hurdle.
Floodplain ordinance updates
The Shelley Lane appellant revealed his basement has flooded repeatedly — most recently this April — and that public easements and city drainage eat up most of his yard. The assessor gave him a 20% land-value discount, but said older-home basement flooding otherwise doesn't move the needle on value.
Terrace tree replacement program
The city will now pay to replace dead right-of-way trees for homeowners who want one, starting in 2027. Participation is optional to avoid forcing trees on unwilling residents.