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New editor starting next week...
Starting next Monday, March 2, this newsletter will come from a new email address - bodden@eauclairechamber.org - as Scott Rogers retires from the Chamber on Friday and Erica Bodden fully assumes her role as the Chamber's new Director of Advocacy. See Scott's farewell message at the end of this newsletter.
In this issue of the Business Advocate
• Wisconsin legislature nears finish line as Chippewa Valley Rally visits Madison
• Leadership transitions: Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to retire, Governor
Evers delivers final State of the State message
• Focus on housing in Altoona: City Council to act on Zoning Code Update,
Eggs & Issues to focus on affordable housing fund, development priorities
• Commonweal releases annual market overview: Office vacancy rate declines,
multi-family vacancy rate increases
• Eau Claire City Council begins to tackle fiscal challenges
• Two candidates advance in Menomonie Mayoral primary
• US Supreme Court strikes down tariffs
• Food for thought
• A farewell note from Scott Rogers
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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Last chance 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. The discussion will include Mayor Brendan Pratt, City Administrator Mike Golat, Grant and Housing Program Manager Julian Emerson, and co-owner of C&M Home Builders & Real Estate Cody Filipczak.
Event information:
Eggs & Issues: Altoona's innovative housing initiatives
• Friday, Feb 27, 7:30-9:00 a.m., River Prairie Center, Altoona
Click here for details and to register
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Local business and community leaders connect with
lawmakers at 32nd Annual Chippewa Valley Rally
In historic week, Gov Evers delivers final State of the State address,
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announces retirement
Last Thursday, business and community leaders from across the Chippewa Valley traveled to Madison for the 32nd Annual Chippewa Valley Rally, spending the day connecting directly with state lawmakers at the Capitol. Organized by the Chippewa Valley Chamber Alliance on behalf of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce, and Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce, the event continues to be one of the most effective ways our region shows up together to speak with a shared voice on the issues that matter most to our businesses and communities.
Participants traveled together by bus or on their own and began the day with a panel discussion featuring legislators representing the Chippewa Valley. The conversation focused on the most pressing issues impacting our region and how those priorities are reflected in current legislative proceedings. From there, 27 small teams fanned out across the Capitol to meet directly with more than 100 legislators and staff. Each team participated in up to four meetings, sharing perspectives and personal stories related to key issues including healthcare, childcare, PFAS, housing, workforce development, higher education, energy, and transportation. Despite the fast pace and a few schedule changes due to the busy nature of the Capitol, our delegation ensured that the Chippewa Valley’s voice was clearly heard.
At the luncheon, attendees heard remarks from Lieutenant Governor Sarah Rodriguez, who provided insight into the administration’s priorities, emphasizing the role of the Chippewa Valley in our state’s economy. This was followed by a panel of lobbyists who offered updates and new perspectives on the legislation we were advocating for throughout the day. The Rally concluded with a networking reception before the group returned home, energized by the meaningful connections made and the momentum built.
We are grateful for the strong engagement from businesses and community leaders across the region. Your participation strengthens our relationships with state leaders and advances the priorities that matter most to the Chippewa Valley. We look forward to building on this success next year, and we hope to see you again.
Historic week in Madison
The Rally occurred during a busy and historic week in the Capitol. On Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers, who is not running for reelection in the fall, delivered his final State of the State speech to a joint session of the Legislature. Then on Thursday, with many Chippewa Valley Rally attendees in the gallery, longtime Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced he will not be seeking reelection this fall.
The week also saw marathon sessions of the State Assembly as it dealt with dozens of bills as it headed towards adjournment. The Senate also met on Wednesday, but expects to have final floor sessions in mid-March.
Rally participants were tracking positions on nine bills, some of which now go to the Governor, but others await Senate action. In next week's Business Advocate, we will recap the status of that legislation.
There is also a possibility the Assembly will reconvene in a Special Session if negotiations between the Governor and legislative leaders advance on property tax relief.
More information:
32nd Annual Chippewa Valley Rally
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