City of La Crosse Bridges
July 2025
Welcome to City of La Crosse Bridges, designed to provide the latest news and information to residents, businesses, and visitors in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Please sign up for e-notifications and text alerts for the latest updates. We welcome your ideas, concerns and comments.
In a minute:
Latest News | Parks & Rec Connect May-July 2025
Brush & Yardwaste Site Season Information
City Council Agenda & Minutes
Your City Council Members
Jobs | Pathways Home | Construction & Engineering Project Map
VIEW ALL AT CITY OF LA CROSSE
Hello from Mayor Shaundel
Summer is upon us and that means great memories to be made in our beautiful city! This, of course, includes our Fourth of July celebrations. Please join me, Chief Kudron of the La Crosse Police Department, Chief Schott of the La Crosse Fire Department, and all our staff in promoting efforts to keep our community safe during these celebrations and to recognize that some of our citizens (including our furry ones), may have adverse reactions to the noise and lights of fireworks. Don't forget to enter the "Join the Bucket Brigade" contest (see below) to win a cool prize and be sure to watch our Fireworks Safety video here.
Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy your Independence Day festivities!
About the Mayor
Please continue to reach out to me through social media (Facebook/cityoflacrossemayor) or call 608-789-7500 to speak with staff.
I welcome you to join a city committee to engage in city matters -- your opinion is valuable to us. Learn about Serving on a Committee or Commission
I look forward to seeing you around our great city.
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 Raising of the flag for Juneteenth 2025!
 The legislative Black Caucus hosted a celebration of Juneteenth in the rotunda of the state Capitol on June 17 and the theme of the celebration was “Voices of Freedom: Justice in Motion, Leading with Purpose.” The caucus also honored La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey and Racine Judge Jamie McClendon, who are both the first black elected leaders to serve in their respected roles.
 It was an honor to meet the Prince of India Manvendra and his partner deAndre to talk about his journey and the work he is doing in India and in the U.S.
 Working on those potholes with City staff and Governor Evers!
Water Quality Report for 2024 Released
Water Quality Reports for calendar year 2024 are completed and were mailed to City of La Crosse water consumers on June 27, 2025. This annual report complies with federal and state drinking water rules, which require each water utility system provide our water quality information to our customers each year.
The Water Quality Report generally describes the water supply system and provides detailed information on what has been detected in the water. Unless otherwise noted, results are based on tests conducted in 2024. We are pleased to report that we continue to supply high-quality drinking water that consistently meets or exceeds the standards set by both federal and state authorities, ensuring that it is safe for our community.
The report, which is posted on the Water Utility site here, includes a Water Supply Data Table that summarizes current results of water quality testing. The Table compares water quality in La Crosse with applicable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) established by the U.S. EPA.
 Stormwater Utility Proposed Rate Increase
La Crosse Stormwater Utility conducted a Rate Study that proposed a rate increase (effective July 1, 2025) which was passed by the City Council. This increase will be reflected on the quarterly billing statements beginning in October 2025.
The Stormwater Utility was established in 2011 and is an enterprise fund for which stormwater related revenues and expenditures are separate from the City of La Crosse’s general tax levy, and rates have not increased since its inception. The rate increase is needed due to significant increases in operating expenses and capital project costs over the past decade, and to ensure the financial health of the Stormwater Utility.
Why do we need a Stormwater Utility Fee?
The stormwater system in La Crosse captures runoff from rain and melting snow that flows off building rooftops, driveways, lawns, streets, parking lots, and construction sites that then drain to stormwater pipes underground which is then discharged to a local body of water since these developed areas do not allow water to soak into the ground. Stormwater runoff is not treated like wastewater before it is discharged.
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 What about those roundabouts? Love'em or hate 'em, please review these safety tips. WisDOT Roundabout Educational Video: Take it Slow. How to navigate a multi-lane roundabout
 Update from the La Crosse County/City of La Crosse Pathways Home Iniatative
The Specialized Unit within La Crosse County Human Services has now been active for one year. Over this time, our team of six social workers has served 169 individuals. They work closely with our Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), focusing on building rapport and assessing service needs. We deeply appreciate their dedication and compassion.
The Collective on 4th celebrated its Grand Opening on May 13th. Thirteen of its units have been specifically reserved for referrals from our Pathways to Housing list. Caseworkers participating in Pathways Conferencing submitted referrals which are reviewed to ensure suitability before forwarding them to Lutheran Social Services, the property manager responsible for final selections. This housing model is designed for individuals who require lower-level support.
We are collaborating with local agencies to establish a system coordination process for the launch of Medicaid’s housing support waiver (1915(i)). This waiver provides eligible individuals experiencing homelessness with housing and relocation assistance. Our process will ensure everyone in our service network is informed about 1915(i) approvals and service assignments.
We are reviewing applications for our peer support specialist positions and have begun interviews. We seek individuals with lived experience of homelessness who can offer skill development training, foster trust, and encourage active engagement with support services. LEARN MORE
2025 Citywide Property Revaluation – City of La Crosse Assessor’s Office
The City of La Crosse Assessor’s Office has completed a revaluation for 2025 of all residential and commercial properties. The last citywide revaluation was completed in 2022. Open book requests run now until July 9.
Why a Revaluation?
In 2024, the City’s assessment ratio was 83.23%, meaning assessed values were, on average, only 83.23% of full market values. This falls below the acceptable range set by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, which requires assessed values to be between 90% and 110% of full market value.
Revaluations are necessary to:
Ensure fairness and equity in the tax base
Bring all property assessments in line with current market values
What This Means for Property Owners:
Revaluation does not directly increase or decrease property tax revenue. Instead, it redistributes the tax burden based on updated property values.
This process helps ensure that all property owners are paying their fair share based on the true market value of their property.
For more information or questions about your new assessment, contact the City of La Crosse Assessor’s Office at (608) 789-7525 or email assessor@cityoflacrosse.org.
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How it works - Watch!
Meet the Staff
Work for Us! Career Opportunities at City of La Crosse
The La Crosse Public Library Board of Trustees has appointed Dawn Wacek as the new Director of the La Crosse Public Library, effective Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Wacek brings more than two decades of library leadership to the position. She has served as the Library’s Deputy Director since 2021 and previously held leadership roles in several libraries, including five years as Director of the Rice Lake Public Library.
"The Board is excited to work with Dawn as she moves into Directorship.” said Sue Anglehart, Library Board President. "We are so proud of the work that Dawn and all of the LPL staff do to bring essential library services to our community.”
Wacek’s 24-year career in public libraries has focused on community engagement, equitable access to information, and evolving library services to meet changing public needs. As Director, she will oversee all operations of the library and continue to lead strategic initiatives that enhance access, education, and innovation, such as the grant-funded renovation later this month.
Ms. Wacek expressed her excitement about the appointment: "I’m thrilled to serve La Crosse in this new role. Libraries are essential to the well-being and growth of our community, and I look forward to working with our talented staff and partners to continue expanding our impact."
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! LEARN MORE
Work for Us!
We're Hiring! | City of La Crosse, WI
Multiple job openings across departments! Join our team and help make a difference in your community.
 Positions include:
- Banquet Cook
- Bus Operator
- Community Service Officer
- Custodian
- Deputy Director – Public Works & Utilities
- Firefighter
- Maintenance Worker – Streets
- Payroll Coordinator
- Police Officer
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
 Competitive pay & benefits
Full-time city positions
 Do I need a license for a short-term rental property?
Do you operate a short-term rental in the City of La Crosse? If so, the City Council adopted an ordinance in 2023 that requires short-term rentals to license. A short-term rental means a residential dwelling that is offered for rent for a fee and for fewer than thirty consecutive days and does not include bed and breakfast establishments.
The purpose of this short-term rental license is to ensure that the quality of short-term rentals operating within the City is adequate for protecting public health, safety, and general welfare; to determine the responsibilities of owners, operators and property managers offering these properties for tourists and transient occupants; and to provide minimum standards necessary for the health and safety of the persons occupying or using buildings, structures or premises.
LEARN MORE
Questions? Contact: cityclerk@cityoflacrosse.org
 Why is the lobby at City Hall closed on Fridays?
City Hall and all municipal employees work a full day on Fridays, however the lobby at City Hall is closed to the public so staff can work to complete administrative tasks and projects. Citizens are welcome to contact any department or staff member to arrange a meeting at City Hall or other city offices. Visit Departments | La Crosse, WI to view contact information. We look forward to serving you!
City of La Crosse
400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 | 608.789.2489
Download the App: La Crosse 311
City Hall Lobby Hours:
8 a.m.- 4 p.m. M - Th Kiosks: Treasurer, Parks, City Clerk, Community Risk Mgt.
City Hall open by appointment on Fridays.
www.cityoflacrosse.org
Sign up for Bridges and email alerts! You can also view City Council and Committee Meetings at www.cityoflacrosse.org
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