Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Janesville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in general
New City Manager selection
The council is actively working on hiring a new city manager — the city's top administrator who oversees day-to-day operations and department heads. The details of the candidate search are being handled in closed session, so residents won't see who's being considered until the council is ready to act publicly.
Downtown DORA alcohol district
The council created a downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area letting people carry drinks in marked areas — with hours trimmed to noon–10 p.m. after concerns about morning drinking near the farmers market and youth spaces. It sunsets in June 2027 so the council can review data before renewing.
City Manager Salary
Recruitment for the next city manager ramps up fast: posting June 23, interviews in early August, appointment August 24, with a $240,000-$270,500 base salary range based on Wisconsin peer cities.
Data center opposition at the GM site
A resident urged the council to reject a data center at the former GM site, calling it an 'elephant in the room' and criticizing what he sees as a rubber-stamp city government.
City Manager Resignation
With Kevin Lahner departing at the end of May, the council heard the recruitment plan: public input sessions May 28 and June 4 plus a resident survey, run by the search firm Innovative Public Advisors.