Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Racine public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in public safety with high priority
Public Health Grant Funding Package
The city's health department relies on a bundle of state grants to fund HIV services, infant mortality reduction, lead testing, immunizations, women's health clinics, and emergency preparedness. The committee recommended accepting about $1.16 million, most with no local match required.
Liquor and Business Licensing Docket
New Class B liquor licenses for Old English Pub and La Esquina del Barrio were referred to committee, and Doobies Beer Joint was called in for a formal expression of concern over a police report.
Immigration Enforcement Ordinance
The council unanimously adopted Ordinance 0004-26 on immigration enforcement, a measure sponsored by the mayor and nine alders. It shapes how city government interacts with federal immigration enforcement and matters to many immigrant residents and their families.
New Fire Station 1 Headquarters
The council approved design work for a new Fire Station 1, possibly with apartments attached — a first for Racine. Alders pressed on whether the city would become a landlord; architects said Phase 1 is a feasibility study that answers exactly that. Total project cost is around $30 million.
Municipal judge race omitted from spring ballots
The city clerk explained how the municipal judge race went missing from some April ballots and what the city did to fix it. Bottom line: the county clerk prints the ballots and the city never sees them before they arrive — a gap alders want closed.
Firefighters' 2025-2028 labor contract
The tentative agreement with firefighters provides 2.5%-3% annual raises and higher health premium contributions, totaling about $1.6 million over four years. It's headed to Finance and Personnel before a final council vote.