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In this issue:
• Eau Claire City Council to revisit Graham Ave development agreement
• Feb 3 entry deadline approaching: Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
hosting National Civics Bee Wisconsin state competition for 6th-8th graders
• Wed: WisPolitics virtual webinar on state data center legislation
• Evers and legislative leaders say PFAS deal is near
• Minnesota Chamber: Open letter from CEOs urging deescalation of tensions
• Tackling the Housing Shortage with Data-Driven Solutions - US Chamber
launches housing playbook
• Food for thought
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 "+"
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New date: Postponed because of last week's severe weather...
Eggs & Issues: Addressing homelessness in Eau Claire
The Housing Our Neighbors Planning Collaborative - a public-private effort across a wide spectrum of local governments and organizations - has spent the past year developing local strategies to bring together existing resources and initiatives, build on local strengths, and apply evidence-based strategies to tackle homelessness in our community. At this edition of Eggs & Issues, learn the six key strategies the collaborative is recommending to make homelessness in Eau Claire County rare, brief, and non-recurring. Leaders of the Collaborative will answer questions and discuss the next steps to move these recommendations forward to implementation.
Event information:
• Friday, Jan 30, 7:30-9:00 a.m., CVTC Business Education Center, Eau Claire
Click here for details and to register
NEW Eggs & Issues times for 2026: 7:30-9:00 a.m. (30 minutes later)
Don't miss it!
Eau What a Night: 111th Chamber Annual Meeting
This year’s theme, Illuminate, sets the tone for an evening that recognizes leadership, innovation, and meaningful impact while bringing the business community together to celebrate.
Event information:
• Thursday, Feb 12, 4:30 p.m., Eau Claire Event District
Click here for details and to register
Earlybird registration discount ends January 30
32nd Annual Chippewa Valley Rally
Organized by the Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance representing
the Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire and Menomonie Chambers of Commerce
This annual event is a unique opportunity to bring a collective voice on regional and state economic priorities to Madison all at one time. This year's trip will be important to strengthen relationships with legislators, express thanks for accomplishments, and highlight issues that still need attention.
When you join us, you'll spend a productive day taking part in issue briefings, small group meetings at legislative offices, a keynote luncheon, and networking with others from our area who are interested in state government policy. You'll also be invited to online pre-event briefings to help you be prepared for a effective day in Madison. And don't worry if you've never participated before. Our legislative office meetings will be led by experienced previous attendees.
Event information:
• Thursday, February 19, Madison
Click here for details and to register
Eggs & Issues: Altoona's innovative housing initiatives
Addressing housing supply and affordability has long been a policy priority for the City of Altoona, already known for its innovative Solis Circle affordable housing community. At this edition of Eggs & Issues, we'll learn how the city plans to deploy the $6 million affordable housing fund created from its recent tax increment district closure, discuss plans underway for its 80 acre east side development to include a new model for housing at attainable price points, and look at aspects of its new zoning code designed to achieve housing goals. City leaders will detail the 12 principles guiding their efforts and the importance of key partnerships in achieving success.
Event information:
• Friday, Feb 27, 7:30-9:00 a.m., River Prairie Center, Altoona
Click here for details and to register
Also for your calendar...
• Business After Hours - Monday, Feb 2
• Wisconsin National Civics Bee - For Middle School Students: Essays due Feb 3
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Eau Claire City Council to revisit development
agreement for Graham Ave parking ramp site
Work session scheduled for strategic plan
After postponing action at its January 13 meeting, the Eau Claire City Council will once again consider a proposal to declare the site of the current Riverside Parking Ramp at 402 Graham Avenue as excess land, selling it to a developer and approving a development agreement. The agreement with the entity, 402 Graham Ave. 1st Floor LLC, represented by Stuart Schaefer, would allow it to purchase the site for one dollar, remove the current, closed parking deck, then later fully develop the site.
The proposed development agreement included language related to the future residential project that would allow "for construction of either townhomes with attached garages atop a new parking structure, or conventional multifamily housing featuring three floors of rental housing above one or two levels of parking, whichever approach Developer determines best meet market need and demand." During the City Council's discussion of the development agreement, some Council members were uncomfortable with the lower density of the condo option, and the Council voted to postpone action until this week's meeting.
Although the development agreement language remains the same, the developer's proposed alternative project plans have been modified, with the possible eight-unit condominium option replaced with a three-story structure with 26 apartments. The other two options show a potential five-story building with 55 apartments and a four-story structure with 36.
The top deck of the two-level ramp was closed on November 1, and the lower level is scheduled to close March 1, with the facility at the end of its useful life. Under the proposed development agreement, the sale would close on March 31 and the developer would take responsibility for removing the ramp. It would provide temporary surface parking within six months, then develop a residential project within five years with a minimum value of $10 million. Purchase price would be one dollar, taking into account the estimated demolition and site stabilization costs of $700,000. By moving to private ownership, the current public site would also pay real estate taxes.
There will be a public discussion of the agreement at Monday's Public Hearing, and action by the Council at its Tuesday Legislative Session. (See pages 37-66 of the Monday Agenda Packet linked below.)
After Tuesday's meeting, the Council will hold a work session on its Comprehensive Plan Update. (See pages 218-238 of the Tuesday Agenda Packet.)
More information:
Eau Claire City Council
• Monday, Jan 26, 6 p.m., Public Hearing Agenda Packet (66 pages)
• Tuesday, Jan 27, 4 p.m. Legislative Session Agenda Packet (104 pages)
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)
Also meeting this week...
Full public meetings calendar
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