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Volume 8, Issue 44, March 17, 2026 |
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In this issue of the Business Advocate • Chippewa Valley Rally Bill: vetoed by Gov. Evers • Eau Claire City Council entertains shifting the City's assets in budget discussions • April 7 Election information
Note on article links: A subscription is required for those marked with "$" |
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Register now... Eau Claire City Council President Candidate Forum Replacing the monthly Eggs and Issues Event for the month of March is the Eau Claire City Council President Candidate Forum. This forum will take place at the CVTC Business Education Center and will be moderated by WEAU to reinforce the Chamber's neutral role. No endorsements will be made and both candidates will adhere to the same set of rules. Open to Chamber investors at no cost, the discussion will focus on substantive policy issues impacting the business community and the broader Eau Claire region. To encourage a thoughtful, conversational format, there will be no rebuttal portion, and the moderator will have the flexibility to ask follow-up questions. The event will be livestreamed by WEAU and recorded for additional distribution by the Chamber. As this is a public forum rather than a campaign event, campaign materials and insignia will not be permitted. Event information: City Council President Candidate Forum • Wednesday, March 25, 12:00-1:00p.m., Business Education Center, CVTC |
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Register now... Wisconsin Competitiveness Report: What Does it Mean for Your Business? • Wednesday, May 20, 7:30-9:00a.m. • Sleep Inn and Suites Conference Center (29 Pines Travel Center) Join us for a timely and high-impact event as Kurt Bauer, President & CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, presents the newly released Wisconsin Competitiveness Report—a data-driven blueprint for securing our state’s economic future. Wisconsin is at a crossroads. A shrinking workforce, rising costs, regulatory burdens, and other economic pressures are creating real challenges for employers, families, and communities across the state. For business leaders in the Chippewa Valley, these trends directly impact your ability to attract talent, manage expenses, and remain competitive in a regional economy that depends on growth and innovation. In this engaging presentation, Kurt Bauer will break down what’s holding Wisconsin back, why it matters to your business, and—most importantly—the practical, ready-to-enact solutions that can help move our state forward. Backed by real economic data and the collective voice of the business community, the report offers insights every Chippewa Valley business leader needs to help shape policies that keep our region—and our state—positioned for long-term success. Exclusively for Chamber members, connect with peers facing similar challenges, access unique insights to power your advocacy, and contribute to shaping policies that protect and grow your business – benefits that establish members as leaders in regional economic growth. Co-sponsored with the Eau Claire Area Chamber and the Menomonie Area Chamber and Visitor Center, members of all three Chambers are invited to attend. • Find the Wisconsin Competitiveness Report here |
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Update on Eau Claire City Council Vacancy City Council has decided that they will proceed by appointment Eau Claire has a vacancy on its City Council following the announcement that District 2 Council Member Emily Anderson has stepped down from her role after eight years of service. After weighing the options, the City Council decided last Tuesday to move forward with an appointment process, as to not leave District 2 without representation for the remainder of the term. The appointment process has now begun to find a Councilperson to fill the role until the next election on April 6,2027. The term itself runs through April 20,2027. If you or someone you know is interested, applications are due to the City Clerk's office by 4:30pm on Thursday, April 2. Further discussion regarding next steps will take place at the Legislative Session on Tuesday, March 10, at 4:00p.m. Read more... Click here for more information on City Council vacancy application materials Click here to view the City of Eau Claire's Aldermanic Districts Emily Anderson stepping down from Eau Claire City Council (WEAU) Eau Claire City Council approves water rate increase, sets steps to fill council vacancy (Leader-Telegram)
Eau Claire City Council Budget Discussions Continue City Council has yet to formally decide how to proceed The City Council has begun to discuss shifting or leveraging city assets such as the Hobbes Municipal Ice Arena, Fairfax Outdoor Pool, and the Eau Claire Soccer Park to access further funding from the state Innovation Fund, created in the last state budget. Councilmembers emphasized that such an approach would require careful consideration and transparency, however, the deadline to apply for the Innovation Fund looms as March 31st approaches. On Monday, March 16th, the City Council held a special City Council Budget Work Session with the purpose of continuing work on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Development with a discussion of innovation funding, options for balancing the budget, and additional analysis. The Council must discuss and approve the plan this week in order to submit an application for the Innovation Fund by its due date, March 31. The goal of the Innovation Fund is to incentivize municipalities to consolidate and regionalize services to decrease long-term costs. The fund provides the short-term boost necessary in order for the consolidation effort to get started. The Council is open to feedback from community members and encourages community involvement and engagement in this decision. For more specific details on the current state of this proposal, access the "Overview of Potential Health Department Innovation Funding Application." Read more... WI Department of Revenue Innovation Grant City Council Meeting Public Notice Eau Claire residents urged to weigh in as city proposes cuts to close $2.2M budget deficit (WEAU) City of Eau Claire discusses ways to save money; faces potential $2.2M budget deficit in 2027 (WEAU) More information: Eau Claire City Council • City Council Budget Work Session, Tuesday, March 17, 4p.m. • City Council Public Hearing, Monday, March 23rd, 6p.m. • Council Legislative Session, Tuesday, March 24th, 4p.m. • Hold for Special Council Meeting, Monday, March 30, 6p.m. Click here to send an email to all City Council members Click here for individual contact information for each City Council member Link to videos of city meetings (City of Eau Claire, YouTube channel) City of Eau Claire Public Notices (City of Eau Claire) City News Updates -incl. City Manager's Weekly Update (City of Eau Claire) Comprehensive Plan website (City of Eau Claire) Housing Opportunities Commission (City of Eau Claire)
Also meeting this week and next... |