Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Crosse public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in public safety with medium priority
Fire Station #1 window replacement
Fire Station #3 is in the middle of a remodel, and its four garage doors are being replaced with heavier-duty versions. The new springs are rated for 50,000 uses versus the 10,000-cycle springs currently at their max — important since fire rigs go in and out constantly. The doors will be red to match Stations #2 and #4.
Week Without Driving participation
La Crosse will join the national Week Without Driving October 1-8, asking elected officials to experience getting around without a car. WisDOT estimates 40% or more of city residents are non-drivers.
Alcohol and tobacco license compliance
The police department's quarterly review showed several bars sold alcohol to underage buyers in compliance checks, and Rolling Trees was arrested in an investigation over illegal tobacco sales. The fake ID fine was raised to $575 for a first offense.
Out-of-community inflow question
Council member Lisa Weston raised concerns about unsheltered people being transported into La Crosse, as Eau Claire recently did. Data shows 83% of people on the housing list last had housing in La Crosse, and more people have left the regional coalition than arrived over four years.
Oktoberfest parade right-of-way policy and public awareness
The board approved the annual parade right-of-way policy and added a push to actually tell people about it — city website, Police and Parks Facebook pages, and neighborhood associations — hoping better information means fewer problems for police.
Fire prevention code modernization
Two fee bumps are headed to Council: fire prevention fees in the Appendix C fee schedule and higher court costs on municipal citations — both of which show up in what violators and permit holders pay.
Safe Cam 2 security camera expansion
Donated foundation money will add cameras along south Riverside Park and eventually River Point North — a low-cost public safety boost tracing back to the 2013 downtown double homicide.
District 7 polling place relocation
A resolution would move the District 7 polling place for the rest of the 2026-2027 election term, changing where those voters cast ballots.
Commission leadership and future rules
The commission was set to elect a chair and vice chair, and future agenda items could include rules for staff review of complaints and a discussion of the commission's powers and duties.
Expanded ambulance coverage with Tri-State
The council approved step one of a plan to run a Tri-State ambulance 24/7 out of Station 1 using La Crosse firefighter-paramedics, addressing rising call volumes and paramedic shortages.
Police Department Practices
La Crosse’s police department was the only one in Wisconsin doing something unusual with officer payouts—and it reportedly cost taxpayers money. If you care where your tax dollars go, this is worth a look.