Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Green Bay public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in parks rec with low priority
JBS Park sculpture purchase
A $90,000 lit seed-pod sculpture — part of the original publicly vetted JBS park design — will be purchased using developer art money and neighborhood enhancement funds rather than general tax dollars.
Porlier Pier removal
The long-delayed removal of the rotting, unsafe Porlier fishing pier finally got a contractor — $242,660.90 to Zenith Tech — with no replacement currently funded.
Badger Greenway site improvements contract
Northeast Asphalt, Inc. will build the Badger Greenway site improvements for $374,000.40, including the base bid and Alternate No. 2.
Badger Tracks neighborhood sign at Fireman's Park
A newly formed neighborhood association wants to place its sign on city-owned green space next to Fireman's Park. The association pays for and maintains the sign; city staff will pick the exact spot to protect mature trees and keep sightlines clear for drivers.
New CityDeck programming and downtown parking meters
A new "Rack on Deck" series starts Monday at CityDeck with partners like the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, and Mischief & Magic running roughly two nights a week. Officials also got an update on the paid parking lot compliance — improved signage is working, with a revenue/ticket report expected in a week or two.
Flags on the Fox public art initiative
The Path for Pause art project RFQ and the amended Arts Grant RFP were approved, moving public art and arts funding programs forward.
Fox River plein air painting event
A collaborative plein air event along the Fox River — led by De Pere artist Christine Steil with NWTC and the Neville Museum — is being planned for September, with possible PAC prize funds later.
Train depot naming rights
The anonymous donor who gave over $1 million for the west end train project will have the new depot named for them.
Hello, Haiku! library poetry project
Haikus by nine poets, including Poet Laureate finalists, are installed in all Brown County Library branches for National Poetry Month, making poetry visible in public spaces.
Community dinner social practice project and NOMAD mobile residency
Early-stage ideas: a movable artist-designed table for community dinners tied to the Neville Museum's food exhibition, and a mobile artist residency space called NOMAD that would travel between neighborhoods, possibly in a donated vehicle.
Bay Beach summer concert series
Noble Roots Brewing will run a summer concert series at Bay Beach on four Tuesday nights this summer, after a successful trial last year boosted concession and ticket revenue for the park.
Black History Month recognition
The commission honored Black History Month and discussed local opportunities to celebrate Black history, culture and contributions.
Triangle Hill opening and winter recreation
Staff have been making snow and grooming trails, and Triangle Hill is expected to open Friday for the full weekend.
Poet Laureate Program 2026–2028
Green Bay relaunched its Poet Laureate program after a pause due to staff transitions. The commission picked Miriam Brabham from five finalists to recommend to the Council, which makes the final appointment January 20.
AmeriCorps grant for MLK Day event
A small $1,050 AmeriCorps grant funds the Green Bay Conservation Corps MLK Day event at the Brown County Library. Staff accepted it early because of timing, prompting a chat about whether small grants could get a streamlined approval threshold.