Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Green Bay public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Priority-based budgeting implementation
The city now maps nearly all of its $294 million budget to 385 programs and scores them against council priorities. Departments are reviewing cost-saving ideas from other cities, with 50 flagged for study — savings would likely show up in the 2028 budget, not next year's.
Draft 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan
The city's five-year capital wishlist is on the table — about $90 million recommended for 2027 alone, from fire engines and police radios to street reconstruction and a new Bay Beach maintenance building. Only about $20 million would likely be borrowed; the real borrowing request comes later with the 2027 budget.
Tax Incremental District No. 35 (200 N Monroe)
The city created a new TID at 200 N Monroe to finance redevelopment there using future property tax growth within the district. It's a major economic development tool, though it diverts that incremental tax revenue from general city coffers while the district is active.
2027 City Fee Schedule
Next year's citywide fees for permits, licenses and services — including higher commercial building permit fees and a corrected new-construction rate — now head to the Common Council. Most residential fees held steady while commercial fees rose to cover city costs.
2027 Employee Health and Benefits Package
Health premiums rise just 1% — far below the ~13% market rate — because the city switched pharmacy managers and savings plan administrators. Employees could save up to $100 a month on disability coverage thanks to the premium-holiday income continuation plan.
2027 Police and Fire Labor Agreements
Contract talks with both the fire and police unions are underway for 2027. Details were discussed in closed session and not made public.
City sustainability staffing and funding
The Commission's community engagement work group had planned to recommend adding city staff for sustainability initiatives, but Mayor Genrich said new headcount is very unlikely during budget season. Instead, the Commission will bring staffing needs to him case-by-case.
Citywide Efficiency and Organizational Review
Berry, Dunn, McNeil and Parker LLC was hired to conduct the city's efficiency and organizational review.
TID 12 wind-down and $1.4M shipyard transfer
Up to $1.4 million left over in the closing I-43 Industrial Park TID would go to the shipyard district, helping match a federal grant for the over-budget $12 million shipyard park phase two and cleanup of the old Badger Sheet Metal site.
GBHA Operating Budget for FY 2026-27
The authority approved its FY 2026-27 budget and reported that its move away from the HUD public-housing subsidy model is paying off — rents now bring in about $400,000 more per year, building reserves for major repairs like Mason Manor's ~$500,000 roof.