|
{{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 5, Issue 10, July 25, 2022 Published the first business day of each week |
|
|
|
August 9 Primary approaching Early voting Jul 26-Aug 5 Chamber Questionnaires published for 23rd State Sen, 68th Assembly In the run up to this fall's crucial mid-term election, the Tuesday, August 9, primary features important races in both the Democratic and Republican parties, including Governor, US Senate, and other statewide offices, as well as 3rd District US Congress. There are competitive local primaries for the Republican nominations for 23rd State Senate and 68th Assembly, as well as a Democratic primary for Eau Claire County Sheriff. The Chamber's Good Government Council has just published candidate answers to its legislative issues survey. See the links below. More information: (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce) myvote.wi.gov - voter registration, what's on your ballot, find your polling place Early voting information (Jul 25-Aug 5) Chamber Questionnaire - 23rd State Senate Chamber Questionnaire - 68th State Assembly
Eggs & Issues: The Economic Imperative of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion • Friday, Aug 19, 7:00-8:30 a.m., Pablo Center or online via Perigon Registration deadline 12:00 noon on Thursday, Aug 18 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has gotten increasing attention as an overall priority to ensure Eau Claire is a community that is welcoming to everyone. At this edition of Eggs & Issues, we'll take a specific look at why it is important to our economy. We've assembled a panel that will bring a wide range of private and public sector perspectives to that question, including Wes Escondo, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin and Chair of the Chamber's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Task Force; Valerie Fedie, Western Wisconsin & Duluth Market Leader, Wipfli; Maysee Herr, CEO, Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Lynette Livingston, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, CVTC; and Renee Sommer, Founder, At The Roots LLC. |
|
In this issue: • EC City Council: Country Jam, Referendum • RDA approves purchase agreements for downtown apartments • County budget survey • Election updates • COVID-19 updates • Mark your calendar |
|
|
|
|
|
|
EC City Council agenda: Country Jam rezoning & development plan, Fall referendum for public safety positions RDA approves purchase agreements for Barstow St apartment projects The Eau Claire City Council's agenda this week includes the rezoning for Country Jam USA's move and expansion to the southwest corner of Highway T and 20th Avenue. County Jam recently purchased the 166 acre site, where it intends to hold its music festival beginning next year. City approvals needed for completion of the project include rezoning the property; adopting a general development plan with a conditional use permit for a major event entertainment and other events, future commercial development and other site improvements; amending the comprehensive plan to allow for commercial and industrial development; and approval of a preliminary plat for a subdivision known as Eau Claire Heights (see pages 5-49 of the Monday Agenda Packet linked below for maps, elevations, narrative and other information). There is a public hearing on Monday evening, followed by a vote by the Council at its Tuesday Legislative Session. Also on Monday's Public Hearing agenda is a proposed referendum for the Nov 8 election which would seek to exceed levy limits by $1.2 million to provide for additional public safety positions in the police, fire, and 911 call center areas. North Barstow RDA sites to become apartment buildings At its meeting last Wednesday, the Redevelopment Authority (RDA) approved two purchase agreements that will develop the remaining vacant space it owns along North Barstow St. Developer Goeff Moeding, who previously built three apartment buildings in the area on the north side of Wisconsin St, plans a five story building with 115 units at the corner of Barstow and Wisconsin (See the RDA Agenda Packet linked below). This is the remainder of the current surface parking lot, the south half of which was sold to Menomonie Market Food Co-op for a new Eau Claire store. The City will provide Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance for the project, which is on the City Council's Tuesday Agenda this week (see pages 43-72 of the Tuesday Agenda Packet linked below). The RDA also approved a purchase agreement with Merge Urban Development Group the build a five story, 52-unit apartment building at Barstow St and Riverfront Terrace, immediately south of the Eau Claire Children's Museum currently under construction. The project includes commercial space on the ground floor. (See the RDA Agenda Packet linked below.) The developer is also asking for TIF assistance, which will be on the City Council's agenda next month. Town of Washington files suit over annexation The Town of Washington has filed suit against the City of Eau Claire challenging the City's recent decision to annex the Stewart-Haugen properties south of the City approved at its June 14 City Council meeting. The City based the annexation on it being a unanimous petition of property owners. Because it includes part of Lowes Creek Park, owned by Eau Claire County, which did not sign the petition, the Town contends it was not unanimous. The City cites case law that indicates non-developable, public property is not taken into account. The suit was filed in Eau Claire County Court. More information: Redevelopment Authority (RDA) • Wednesday, Jul 20, Agenda Packet (60 pages) Eau Claire City Council • Monday, Jul 25, 7 p.m., Public Hearing (Agenda Packet, 76 pages) • Tuesday, Jul 26, 4 p.m., Legislative Session (Agenda Packet, 171 pages) Link to videos of city meetings (City of Eau Claire) City Council Online Comment Form (City of Eau Claire) Eau Claire leaders honing fall referendum wording (Leader-Telegram $) All spoken for: North Barstow redevelopment hits milestone (Leader-Telegram $) Town contests City of Eau Claire annexation (Town of Washington) Town of Washington sues Eau Claire over annexation (Leader-Telegram $)
More local stories:
Gov. Evers, WHEDA Announce $32.4 Million in Grant Awards for Multifamily Housing Tax Credit Developments (Office of the Governor) List of grant recipients (WHEDA)
Wisconsin Jobs & Energy Coalition "Safest Way" Pipeline event • Wednesday, July 27, 4:30 p.m. UA Local 434 A coalition of Wisconsin labor, business and agricultural groups invite you to the "Safest Way Tour" - an opportunity to get a hands-on experience with an over 30-foot piece of pipeline that is the same type of pipe that will be used in the Enbridge Line 5 relocation project in Ashland, Bayfield and Iron Counties. The event includes a short program with elected officials, local business and labor leaders. Wisconsin Jobs & Energy Coalition
Eau Claire County Community Engagement Budget Survey Click here to take the Eau Claire County Budget Survey
Eau Claire Chamber Business Matters podcasts Episode 7: Retiring State Senator Kathy Bernier (41:26) Episode 8: Valley Sports Academy General Manager Chase Hoople (21:10) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COVID-19 Resources:
Mark your calendar:
Eggs & Issues: The Economic Imperative of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion • Friday, Aug 19, Pablo Center or live stream on Perigon
Bravo to Business Awards • Wednesday, Sep 14, The Florian Gardens
Eggs & Issues: Fall Election Outlook with Bill McCoshen • Thursday, Sep 22, Pablo Center or live stream on Perigon
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce • Wednesday, October 19, Monona Terrace
Workforce Solutions Summit • Wednesday, November 16, Pablo Center
"Eau What A Night:" The Chamber's 108th Annual Meeting • Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Pablo Center
29th Annual Chippewa Valley Rally • Wednesday, February 22, 2023, Madison
Next up on the public calendar
Wisconsin Political Calendar (WisPolitics.com)
• Partisan Primary - Tuesday, August 9 US Senate (Ron Johnson seat), Congress, State Senate (odd # districts) Assembly, Governor, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Secretary of State, County Sherriff, County Clerk of Court
• General Election - Tuesday, November 8
Congressional & Legislative Maps Wisconsin Congressional Maps (Dave's Redistricting) Wisconsin Legislative District Maps (Wisconsin Legislature)
Click the link above for the our regularly updated schedule of public meetings.
Thanks for reading this issue of Business Advocate. If you have comments or questions, contact Scott Rogers, Vice President Governmental Affairs, at 715-858-0616 or rogers@eauclairechamber.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|