{{CFirstName}}, you are receiving this e-newsletter because you have shown interest in public policy issues. Contact us if you don't want to receive future issues.

Volume 7, Issue 31, Dec 16, 2024
 Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, Eau Claire, Wis. 
Published the first business day of each week
Business Advocate Past Issues
Public Meetings Calendar
Chamber Events Calendar
The Chamber's Advocacy Principles
The Chamber's 2024 Business Issues Agenda
"Talking Po!nt" Podcast
How to become a Chamber investor
Contact: Scott Rogers, VP Governmental Affairs
rogers@eauclairechamber.org
Chamber Business Hours: Mon-Thu 7:30a-5:00p, Friday 7:30a-1:30p

In this issue:
 • EC City Council drops proposed Short Term Rental restrictions,
    passes licensing
 • Zoning Code Update deliberations continue with Monday meeting
 • CV Health Cooperative may reopen St. Joseph's as temporary location
 • Aspirus location for CF hospital revealed
 • United Express flights return to EAU, Sun Country to Ft. Myers starts Jan 31
 • Report: The future of transportation funding in Wisconsin
 • Food for thought
 • Mark your calendar
Note on article links: A subscription is required for those marked with "$"
Publications known to have article limits or other access restrictions for non-subscribers are marked with "+"

Last chance to register...
Eggs & Issues: Holiday Legislative Breakfast
   Get a preview of the key state legislative issues in 2025 from members of the State Senate and Assembly who will represent the Chippewa Valley area beginning in January. This is an excellent opportunity to hear the top priorities that our local lawmakers will be taking to Madison for the 2025-27 budget session. Legislators who have RSVP'd so far include Senators Jesse James (R-Altoona), Romaine Quinn (R-Cameron) and Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire); Reps. Dave Armstrong (R-Rice Lake), Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire), Clint Moses (R-Menomonie), and Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer); and Reps-elect Rob Kreibich (R-New Richmond), and Christian Phelps (D-Eau Claire). The program will include moderated Q&A from questions submitted in advance by registrants.
Co-sponsored with the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber and the Menomonie Chamber and Visitor Center.
• Friday, Dec 20, 7:00-9:00 a.m., CVTC Business Education Center
    Click here for details and to register

31st Annual Chippewa Valley Rally
    A unique opportunity to bring a collective voice on regional and state economic priorities to Madison all at one time. Organized by the Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance, representing the Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, and Eau Claire Chambers of Commerce.
 • Wednesday, March 5, Madison
    Click here for details and registration information

Also for your calendar...
• Eau What A Night - 110th Chamber Annual Meeting - Thursday, Jan 30

EC City Council deletes proposed Short Term Rental restrictions,
passes licensing process and updates zoning code
   The Eau Claire City Council last Tuesday enacted two ordinances related to Short Term Rentals (STRs), but first struck a provision that would have required a 7-night minimum stay and limited their availability to one 180-day period annually. STRs are accommodations typically booked through sites like Airbnb and VRBO.
   One of the two ordinances updated the City's Zoning Code to address market changes that led to the creation of STRs, as well as clarifying the definition of more traditional Bed and Breakfast accommodations. The second created a licensing framework, requiring a City license to operate STRs, but eliminating the previous requirement to obtain a Conditional Use Permit. Under the new process, a first time license will require a $700 fee, with a $300 fee annually for renewal. STRs are also required to obtain a separate state license.
Removal of restrictions passes 7-3
   The Chamber and Visit Eau Claire, the area's visitors bureau that markets area tourism, raised objections to the severe limits on availability. The Chamber provided a letter to members of the Plan Commission and City Council, opposing the restrictive mandates that would "have a detrimental effect on tourism and our community’s competitiveness in this growing area of economic activity," diminish opportunities for room tax revenue, and inhibit the right and ability of home owners to get the best use of their property. Visit Eau Claire (VEC) Executive Director Kenzi Havlicek provided a statement expressing concerns that the proposed ordinance "would put Eau Claire at a competitive disadvantage and sharply reduce the collected room tax revenue for our city." It pointed out that over 90% of current STR bookings are for stays less than 7 nights.  It further noted that "today’s travelers increasingly seek diverse lodging options, including non-traditional accommodations such as short-term rentals. Havlicek and the Chamber's Vice President Governmental Affairs, Scott Rogers, both spoke to the Council at the Monday Public Hearing, as did a number of STR owners and community members.
   During consideration of the licensing ordinance, Council Member Josh Miller proposed an amendment to strike the section limiting STR availability, which was seconded by Council President Emily Berge. The amendment passed 7-3. Voting in favor were Council Members Miller, Berge, Emily Anderson, Aaron Brewster, Charlie Johnson, Rod Jones, and Clara Serrano. Voting against the amendment were Council Members Kate Felton, Jessica Schoen, and Andrew Werthmann. The amended licensing ordinance then passed 7-3 with the same members voting for and against. Council Member Larry Mboga left the meeting earlier and did not vote. The ordinance changing the zoning passed unanimously. 
More information:
Eau Claire City Council
 • Monday, Dec 9, Public Hearing Agenda Packet (28 pages)
 • Tuesday, Dec 10, Legislative Session Agenda Packet (148 pages)
    Link to videos of city meetings (City of Eau Claire)
    City Council Online Comment Form (City of Eau Claire)
    Contact information: City Council members (City of Eau Claire)
    City of Eau Claire News Updates (including weekly City Manager's Update)
Short-term rentals:
Visit Eau Claire statement on Short Term Rentals (Visit Eau Claire)
Chamber letter to City Council, Plan Commission (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)
Short-Term rental ordinance to go into effect (Leader-Telegram $)
Fast facts about the Eau Claire short-term rental ordinance (WEAU 13 News)
Chamber and Visit Eau Claire oppose proposed severe restrictions that could inhibit tourism (Leader-Telegram $)
City of Eau Claire could change rules for short-term rentals; some are opposed (WEAU 13 News)
Visit Eau Claire and Chamber of Commerce raising concerns over proposed short-term rental limits (WQOW News 18)
City Rule Change Could Wipe Out Most Airbnb Bookings in E.C. (Volume One)
Other City-related stories: 
Eau Claire City Council requesting help from upper levels of government to address growing homelessness (WEAU 13 News)
City of Eau Claire announces new City Hall hours (WEAU 13 News)

Eau Claire Zoning Code Update process continues Monday 
   The City of Eau Claire's deliberations to update its entire Zoning Code continues on Monday evening with a meeting of the Zoning Policy Advisory Committee (ZPAC), consisting of members of the City Council and Plan Commission.
   The ZPAC has been meeting since late 2023 to complete a full rewrite of the City's Zoning Code, which it has dubbed the "Century Code Update" because the City's first zoning code was created 100 years ago. The project is being led by the City's Planning Department with help from a consultant.
   According to City Manager Stephanie Hirsch's latest City Manager's Update, "Revised codes in Eau Claire will reflect community priorities and the City’s Comprehensive Plan. It will encourage the development of neighborhoods that are livable, sustainable, compact, and higher-in-average density to reduce development's impact on the natural environment." Hirsch also noted that purposes of the update are to: "Remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, such as the often-needed planned development application that lengthens review periods and thus adds cost and time to projects; Reduce the added costs that come with current outdated requirements for lot area sizes, setbacks, and parking, which will allow for more housing choices and arrangements that meet modern lifestyle preferences; and Improve development outcomes and certainty for both the public and for property developers."
   At Monday's meeting, ZPAC will review the administrative aspects of the proposed new code. The next step will be a community open house on February 17 to review the complete draft, followed by public hearings and City Council action later in the spring.
More information:
Zoning Policy Advisory Committee
 • Monday, December 16, 4:00-6:00 p.m. (with open house following)
   Banbury Place, 800 Wisconsin St Bldg. 2, 3rd floor, Eau Claire, WI 54703
   Meeting details
   Century Code Update project website (code drafts and other information)
Zoning language being updated for the City of Eau Claire (Leader-Telegram $)

Also meeting this week...
Full public meetings schedule

Altoona Board of Education
• Monday, Dec 16, 6:30 p.m. Meeting information

Eau Claire Board of Education
• Monday, Dec 16, 7 p.m.  Meeting information

Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors
• Tuesday, Dec 17, 7 p.m. Meeting information

Altoona City Council
• Thursday, Dec 19, 6 p.m. Meeting information

Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative may reopen
St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls
Would be temporary until construction of planned new hospital
   At its public meeting on December 9 detailing plans for a new community hospital in Lake Hallie, leaders of the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative said it has signed a letter of intent with HSHS to purchase and reopen St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls to provide services until its new hospital opens in 2027.
   “Since we started the Cooperative, we’ve been singularly focused on making high-quality healthcare accessible and affordable for Chippewa Valley residents as fast as possible,” said Robert Krause, Chair of the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative. “The new facility we’ve planned in Lake Hallie is fundamental to the long-term sustainability of the hospital. At the same time, if we can, reopening the St. Joseph’s facility in 2025 will help us serve patients faster and doesn’t impede our plans or ability to open the new hospital.”
   According to a news release, the Cooperative says it "has until early April 2025 to conduct thorough due diligence to determine if reopening the hospital is financially possible. The St. Joseph’s facility has significant deferred maintenance that may need to be addressed before the hospital can be reopened. If it’s feasible, the Cooperative could open its doors at the St. Joseph’s campus as early as fall 2025."
More information:
Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative evaluating St. Joseph's as bridge to new hospital (News release)
Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative announces intent to reopen HSHS St. Joseph’s (WEAU 13 News)
St. Joseph’s Could Reopen as ‘Bridge’ to New Hospital in Lake Hallie (Volume One)
Health Cooperative announces possible reopening of St. Joseph’s Hospital at event (Leader-Telegram $)
Rep. Jodi Emerson Applauds Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative’s Initiative to Restore Hospital Services; Urges Legislative Action on Funding (WEAU 13 News)

Aspirus CF hospital location to be on Chippewa Crossing Blvd
   The specific location of the Chippewa Falls hospital recently announced by Wausau-based Aspirus Health is on a 22.1 acre parcel along Chippewa Crossing Blvd., near the City Fire Station. The Certified Survey Map was approved by the Chippewa Falls Plan Commission last week and will be on the Chippewa Falls City Council agenda on Tuesday.
More information:
Aspirus Plans for Chippewa Falls (Aspirus Health)
Aspirus Seeking to Build Hospital in Chippewa Falls (Aspirus news release)
Exact location of Aspirus Hospital in CF revealed (Leader-Telegram $)

SkyWest United Express O'Hare flights return to EAU
Seasonal Sun Country flights to Ft. Myers begin on Jan 31
   The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (CVRA) last Friday celebrated the return of daily United Express flights to Chicago O'Hare, operated by SkyWest under a new federal Essential Air Service (EAS) contract.
   SkyWest left the airport two years ago, along with a number of other EAS markets, citing the pilot shortage. At the time, CVRA was able to secure a new EAS contract with Sun Country to operate several weekly flights to MSP and seasonal flights to Ft. Myers, Orlando, and Las Vegas. When the contract came up for renewal this year, SkyWest reapplied, citing resolution of the pilot shortage. Although Sun Country sought to continue its contract, CVRA and US DOT ultimately decided the return of daily flights to O'Hare was preferrable. However, CVRA worked out an arrangement with Sun Country to operate twice-weekly seasonal jet flights to Ft. Myers beginning on January 31. Continuation of seasonal flight will be dependent up marketing success for the service.
More information:
Flight information (Chippewa Valley Regional Airport)
CVRA welcomes United Airlines back with ribbon cutting (WEAU 13 News)

More local stories...

Transit-Transfer Center slated to be open in late summer or fall 2025 (Leader-Telegram $)

NorthLakes Community Clinic opens in Augusta (WQOW News 18)

Cold weather brings high demand for warming shelters (WQOW News 18)

City wins suit over Scheels tax bills (Leader-Telegram $)

UWEC, CVTC named 2024 Organizations of the Year by Feed My People Food Bank (Leader-Telegram $)

Voting for E.C. Sculpture Tour ‘People's Choice’ Award is Open (Volume One)

Chippewa Valley to Host First-Time Professional Pickleball Tournament in 2025 (Volume One)

EC Community Foundation announces local nonprofit grant recipients totaling $136,000 (Leader-Telegram $)
E.C. Community Foundation Distributes $136K in Grants to Three Local Nonprofits (Volume One)

Coach Ken Anderson honored at UWEC for Small College Basketball Hall of Fame induction (Leader-Telegram $)

Community Bids Farewell to Philanthropist, Educator Brady Foust (Volume One)

Chippewa County calls for regional inpatient psychiatric facility in absence of HSHS (WQOW News 18)

Chippewa County Board to vote on $150K courthouse security measure (Leader-Telegram $)

Hoffman announces he won't seek another term as CF mayor (Leader-Telegram $)
Hiess announces candidacy for Mayor of Chippewa Falls (WEAU 13 News)
CF Councilman Hiess announces candidacy for mayor seat (Leader-Telegram $)

Marieke Gouda receives state dairy grant (Leader-Telegram $)

Wisconsin Policy Forum Report: Assessing and
funding Wisconsin’s transportation needs
   A new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum "finds that state transportation funding has faced challenges from large projects, skyrocketing inflation, and the repeal of a state law that once tied increases in the gas tax rate to inflation. To make up the difference, the state has increasingly relied on general income and sales tax revenues."
   According to the Forum, the report’s key findings include: "Without these general tax revenues, inflation-adjusted transportation funding in 2023 would have hit its lowest point since 1998; Rapid inflation has made road work more expensive even as transportation funding has lagged; Wisconsin’s gas tax ranked fourth-highest nationally in 2005, but by 2022, the state’s tax ranking had fallen to 19th; State leaders can choose from a menu of options for raising transportation revenue, including traditional sources like the gas tax and vehicle registration fees, renewed infusions of general tax revenue, optional local taxes, or innovative strategies like a vehicle miles traveled fee."
More information:
Road Map - Assessing and funding Wisconsin’s transportation needs (Wisconsin Policy Forum)

More state and regional stories...

DHS Announces Innovative Medicaid Housing Benefit (News release)
Medicaid: Housing Support Services Medicaid Benefit (Website details)

Wisconsin receives nearly $18M for clean buses, dump trucks (WPR)

Amtrak ridership hit an all-time record high in 2024. Here are the Wisconsin numbers (Journal-Sentinel +)

WMC Foundation Report: Health care price transparency would help state businesses (Insight on Business)

Most powerful solar project in Wisconsin history gets OK in Portage County (WAOW)

Hesselbein to revive medical marijuana bill as Senate Democrats weigh new power (WPR)

Sen. Kelda Roys calls for shift in Joint Finance Committee makeup (The Cap Times)

Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman reelected for second term (WEAU 13 News)

Jesse James releases statement after campaign theft (WEAU 13 News)

La Crosse could expand pay-to-park hours in downtown ramps (WKBT News 8000)

"Junk fees" will be disappearing from Minnesota menus soon (Axios Twin Cities)