Meeting this week...
Full public meetings schedule
City of Eau Claire Plan Commission
• Monday, Nov 3, 6 p.m. Agenda Packet (86 pages)
Eau Claire Board of Education
• Monday, Nov 3, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. closed session) Meeting information
Altoona City Council
• Thursday, Nov 6, 4:30 Budget Committee, 6 p.m. Council Meeting information
Altoona School Board
• Thursday, Nov 6, 6:00 p.m. Special meeting for citizens Interested in Running
for Board of Education Meeting information

Local budgets nearing completion
With local county and municipal governments operating on a calendar year basis, each is in the process of completing its 2026 operating budget, with school districts finalizing their 2025-26 academic year budgets. Some of those include the following:

City of Eau Claire
The Eau Claire City Council is scheduled to act on its 2026 Operating Budget at its Legislative Session next Tuesday, November 11, following a Public Hearing on Monday, November 10. City staff have published a draft budget, with proposed amendments from Council members due on November 3.
The budget foresees spending $100.8 million next year, a 4.5% increase over 2025, and includes an increase in the Local Vehicle Registration fee from $24 to $50. Proponents argue that the wheel tax is the only realistic tool the City has to increase revenue, given state-mandated constraints. Advocacy group Americans for Prosperity has been running a social media campaign against the tax, arguing that families cannot afford another tax hike.
More information:
Eau Claire City Council
• Monday, Nov 10, 6 p.m., Public Hearing
• Tuesday, Nov 11, 4 p.m. Legislative Session
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)
City of Eau Claire Public Notices (City of Eau Claire)
City News Updates -incl. City Manager's Weekly Update (City of Eau Claire)
Budget-related information:
City Manager's Weekly Update with budget comments - Oct 3 (City of Eau Claire)
Eau Claire City Budget development timeline (City of Eau Claire)
Budget Process and Current Documents (City of Eau Claire)
2026 Proposed Operating Budget (City of Eau Claire)
City Manager's Budget Message (City of Eau Claire)
Americans for Prosperity opposition information:
AFP ad and pre-written letter
AFP Facebook ad
News coverage:
An Overview of the Eau Claire City Budget (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)
Municipalities like Eau Claire look to local wheel tax for revenue (WEAU 13 News)
Eau Claire's proposed 2026 budget sees 4.5% increase and a potential wheel tax increase (WQOW News 18)
City of Eau Claire Proposed 2026 budget would more than double current wheel tax (WKBT News 8000)
More Wisconsin counties, municipalities turning to local wheel tax (WPR)

Eau Claire County
The Administrator's proposed budget was released at the end of September, estimating spending at $165.9 million, a 6% increase. The Committee on Budget and Finance has conducted joint meetings with each County Board Committee. It held its first public hearing at the Tuesday, October 21, County Board meeting. Adoption is planned at its November 12 meeting.
More information:
Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors
• Wednesday, Nov 12, 7 p.m. Meeting information
County 2026 Budget page (Eau Claire County)
Budget Timeline (Eau Claire County)
Major departments see increases and cuts in 2026 Eau Claire County budget (WQOW News 18)
Eau Claire County 2026 budget proposal sees increases, decreases ahead of November vote (Leader-Telegram $)

Chippewa Valley Technical College
On October 27, the Chippewa Valley Technical College District Board approved the tax rate for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. CVTC district residents will see a slight reduction in the tax rate of less than 64 cents per $1,000 of valuation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, down from 65 cents in 2024-2025. This reduced rate is attributed to the increase in new construction and property values.
Caleb Cornelius, CVTC vice president of administration and chief strategy officer, said new construction in the CVTC district, which includes 11 counties, increased by 1.76 percent, and overall property values increased by nearly 8.94 percent. However, the College’s proposed tax levy is set to increase by 4.99 percent from the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Cornelius said continual increases in costs to the College, including debt service costs, are the reason.
More information:
CVTC board approves reduced tax rate, increased levy (WQOW News 18)

Eau Claire Day Resource Center remodeling under way
Nov 13 Launch Event to detail plans, kick off final funding campaign
The partners involved in creating the Day Resource Center in downtown Eau Claire are inviting members of the community to a special event to share the vision and impact of the facility. According to organizers, participants will "learn how this vital resource will offer compassionate support, essential services, and a pathway to long-term housing for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity." The facility is a former state office building located at the eastern end of One Better Way, the eastern section of the former Gibson St.
The project includes the co-location of a Day Resource Center and Western Dairyland's Housing & Family Services, which will provide access to basic needs, counseling, and coordinated programs that help people in our community build stronger, more stable futures. The building will provide year-round daytime shelter in a modern facility, to be managed by Hope Gospel Mission. The building will include expanded offices Housing First, Rapid Rehousing, Homeless Prevention, Homeless Assistance Program for Youth, Family Shelters, Housing Stability, and Fresh Start. Additional space will be available to local businesses and organizations serving the homeless community.
"Our goal is to provide immediate relief, then connect our clients with the resources they need to succeed."
The event will kick off a $6.4 million campaign to fully fund the facility. A campaign fund has been established at the Eau Claire Community Foundation, including initial contributions of $500,000 from the City of Eau Claire, $422,000 from the Pablo Foundation, and donations from Mayo Clinic Health System and other local businesses and community members.
More information:
One Better Way Launch Event
• Thursday, Nov 13, 5:30 p.m. Click here for details and registration
Project overview (Western Dairyland/Hope Gospel Mission)
Day Resource Center Sees Progress as Campaign Kickoff Nears (WQOW News 18)

Lutheran Social Services begins renovations at former
Libertas Treatment Center in Chippewa Falls
Last Monday, Lutheran Social Services held a kickoff event to commemorate the beginning of renovations to the former Libertas addiction treatment center in Chippewa Falls. The center was part of last year's closure of all HSHS and Prevea healthcare facilities in the Chippewa Valley. LSS received a $1 million grant in the state budget as part of the funding for remodeling and reopening the center, and is completing a capital campaign to fully fund the facility and its operations.
More information:
Open house held at former LE Phillips treatment center (Leader-Telegram $)
Lutheran Social Services begins renovations at L.E. Phillips treatment center (WEAU 13 News)
Lutheran Social Services holds construction kickoff celebration at former Libertas Center (WQOW News 18)

More local stories...
Eau Claire looking for more input on major construction proposals for 2026 and 2027 (WEAU 13 News)
Eau Claire plans ahead for 2026 street construction (WQOW News 18)
CVTC unveils new Safety Training Center (WEAU 13 News)
CVTC unveils new safety training center (WQOW News 18)
Two Downtown Businesses Uplift Each Other Under The Same Roof (Volume One)
Eau Claire Marathon again named Wisconsin's best (Leader-Telegram $)
Eau Claire Marathon named best marathon in Wisconsin by RaceRaves (WEAU 13 News)
Eau Claire Marathon named best in the state again (WQOW News 18)
Venture Academy unveils expansion plans for K-12 school (Leader-Telegram $)
Venture Academy Shares New Building Plans for K–12 Expansion (WEAU 13 News)
CF School Board approves 2025-26 budget (Leader-Telegram $)
Dunn County Board to Vote on 2026 Budget with Lower Tax Rate (WEAU 13 News)

Menomonie Chamber to host Federal Reserve speaker
Ron Wirtz, Regional Outreach Director for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, will speak at a luncheon next week hosted by the Menomonie Area Chamber and Visitors Center. He will share timely insights into Wisconsin’s economy, workforce trends, and business outlook. Attendees will also take part in an interactive survey capturing local perspectives on hiring, inflation, and business activity.
More information:
Economic Insights and Workforce Trends for the Future
• Tuesday, Nov 11, 11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Bill's Distributing
Click here for details and registration

Xcel Energy, UW-Eau Claire receive Regents
Business Partnership Award
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents last Tuesday presented the Regents Business Partnership Award to Xcel Energy and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for their record of comprehensive collaboration.
Regent Ed Manydeeds presented Xcel Regional Vice President Brian Elwood and UW-Eau Claire Interim Chancellor Michael Carney with the prestigious award, which was created in 2023 to recognize the critical partnerships that have formed between businesses and the Universities of Wisconsin. Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman was in attendance for the presentation at Xcel Energy’s regional headquarters in Eau Claire’s Sky Park Industrial Center.
“I want to congratulate Xcel Energy and UW-Eau Claire, which have worked together to benefit students and our communities across western Wisconsin,” Manydeeds said. “This partnership is helping Eau Claire and the greater Chippewa Valley thrive, and the Board of Regents is proud to recognize this important collaboration.”
“We are truly thankful to receive the Regents Business Partnership Award and value our longstanding collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire,” said Karl Hoesly, president, Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan. “It’s been a privilege to work together on initiatives like the workforce development programs and joint sustainability projects."
Cited as an example of the partnership between Xcel Energy and UW-Eau Claire can be found in The Sonnentag. The $122 million recreational facility operated by UW-Eau Claire opened in 2025 to rave reviews and is a net energy-neutral building that received gold-level certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system. The Sonnentag is powered by Xcel’s new Chippewa Sun solar array.
Xcel has also worked extensively with UW-Eau Claire over the past decade to offer internships for students and career opportunities for graduates, and Xcel has supported career fairs and several STEM-related events through the UW-Eau Claire Foundation. Xcel has also sponsored the annual Blugold Breakfast, the university’s fall-semester opening event.
More information:
Xcel Energy, UW-Eau Claire receive Board of Regents Business Partnership Award (UWEC)
UWEC, Xcel Energy honored with Business Partnership Award by UW Regents (Leader-Telegram $)
UW-Eau Claire, Xcel Energy presented with Regents Business Partnership Award (WEAU 13 News)
Xcel Energy and UW-Eau Claire honored for vital Wisconsin partnership (WQOW News 18)
UW-Eau Claire honors Xcel Energy with Regents Business Partnership Award (WKBT News 8000)

More state and regional stories...
New Marquette Law School Poll finds large majority of Wisconsin voters not yet tuned in to who is running in major 2026 elections (Marquette Law School Poll)
New Marquette Law School poll shows voters unsure of who to back for governor (WEAU 13 News)
Mandela Barnes faces pushback as he moves toward launching a Democratic campaign for governor (Journal-Sentinel +)
One year from midterms, 7th Congressional District race filling up (WPR)
Michael Alfonso announces candidacy for Congress in Wisconsin’s Seventh Congressional District (WEAU 13 News)
Wisconsin judge puts on hold ruling that required citizenship check of voters (AP)
Budget votes on education funding likely to play a role in races for competitive Senate districts (WisPolitics)
Charlie Kirk brought young voters to the GOP. Now they’re looking toward 2026. (WPR)
Gov. Evers Takes Action on 19 Bills (Office of the Governor)
Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a raft of Republican passed bills. Here's what to know about the measures (Journal-Sentinel +)
Wisconsin becomes the 36th state to limit cellphones in schools (WPR)
Evers signs Wisconsin school cell phone ban into law (The Center Square)
Wisconsin DOJ suggests eliminating religious tax exemptions (WPR)
Governor appoints CVTC student to WTCS board (CVTC)
Wisconsin landlords could get grants for fire sprinklers under proposed law (WPR)
Wheel taxes would require voter approval under Wisconsin GOP bill (WPR)
State Building Commission Releases Funding Gov. Evers Requested to Revamp Corrections Facilities (Office of the Governor)
State Building Commission approves millions in corrections, UW building projects (WQOW News 18)
Wisconsin hospitals report that unpaid care increased in 2024 (Wisconsin Examiner)
Wheel tax, bus routes and human services. What to know about Milwaukee County budget amendments (Journal-Sentinel +)
Data center operator QTS plans multi-billion dollar development in Dane County (Journal-Sentinel +)
Passengers advocate for more trains in Wisconsin (Badger Herald)
La Crosse Warming Center to open Nov. 1 (WEAU 13 News)
Green Bay suburb considers ban on camping on public property (WPR)

Local student to represent Wisconsin at
National Civics Bee finals on Nov 11
Essay portal now open for 2026 competition
The winner of the Wisconsin competition for the National Civics Bee, Leila C., a student at Eau Claire's South Middle School, will represent the state at the national finals on Tuesday, November 11, in Washington, DC. The event will be live-streamed and you're invited to watch online that morning.
The Eau Claire Chamber will also be hosting the 2026 state competition. In advance to the live event to be conducted next spring, any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Wisconsin with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their essay to enter the National Civics Bee® Competition. The top 20 will then be selected to compete in a quiz-style live competition.
More information:
2025 National Civics Bee Finals
• Tuesday, Nov 11, Click here for more information
Registration link for streaming
Video: Preview National Civics Bee Finals in Washington DC (1:20, YouTube)
2026 Competition information:
Video: What the National Civics Bee is about (1:21, YouTube)
2026 Competition information - Essay information and how to enter

More federal and economic stories...
Government Must Use Emergency Funds for SNAP Benefits, Judges Rule (Wall Street Journal +)
Judges order the Trump administration to use contingency funds for SNAP payments during the shutdown (WPR)
Democrats Urge Trump to Engage in Talks as Shutdown Closes In on Record (Wall Street Journal +)
Republican leaders reject Trump’s demands to scrap the Senate filibuster to end the shutdown (AP)
TSA employees continue working at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport with no pay (WEAU 13 News)
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declares state of emergency as shutdown continue (WPR)
Legislators, Community Table urge SNAP benefits to continue (Leader-Telegram $)
Senate rejects Trump’s global tariffs, the final vote in a series of rebukes (Politico)
Evers says ACA premiums will ‘skyrocket’ unless Congress extends tax credits (WPR)
Housing Prices Show Signs of Slowing. Will It Last? (Governing)
Huggies maker Kimberly-Clark to buy Tylenol maker Kenvue for $40 billion (Axios)

Food for thought...

How Markets Work: What Hayek Understood About the Unknowable Nature of Markets (Peter Boettke, The Dispatch) From President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs and acquisition of government stakes in industrial and tech businesses to Zohran Mamdani’s avowedly socialist New York mayoral campaign, politicians in 2025 are not shy about central economic planning. Critical to Hayek’s argument was that central planning or socialistic policies cannot replace the efficiency with which a true market economy— driven by competition, profit, and loss—uses society’s limited resources.

Thanks for reading this issue of Business Advocate. If you have comments or questions, contact Scott Rogers, Sr Dir of Governmental Affairs, at 715-858-0616 or rogers@eauclairechamber.org