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City Manager's Weekly Update 1/9/2026: Transit and Snow Shoveling Challenge, Federal Enforcement, Rate Case, and Q&As

Post Date:01/09/2026 1:30 PM

 

Hello City of Eau Claire employees, residents, and Council Members –

Here are some updates from around Eau Claire. Note that prior updates can be found here, and you can use these linked forms to send feedback to the City Manager’s Office or City Council.

City Manager Stephanie Hirsch

 

TWO CHALLENGES: Help us out with public education by participating in one or both of these challenges.

Students ride free promo challenge: As you’ve no doubt read, we have made it free for kids and teens to ride the buses this year. We’d like your help encouraging our community to “Try Transit.”

Here’s the challenge: Create an image or video that promotes Transit use and submit it by mid-February. Kids are encouraged to participate as well. (We know that they have some of the best technology skills in the community…) We will broadcast and share all of the promotions (assuming they are appropriate for the public viewing). We will ask the public to select a winner and then provide a prize. We will also enter all participants into a drawing for prizes.

Submit your ideas here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfEauClaire/StudentRideFreeChallenge

To get things started, I offer this promotion that I made as someone whose child usually takes City Transit to DeLong.

Transit Promot

Shoveling champion challenge: Our second challenge is for everyone to nominate a neighbor (or themselves or a family member who shovels) for “Snow Shoveling Champion” challenge. Who do you see out there, even while the snow is still falling... salting, sanding, shoveling the 36-inch path, clearing hydrants or drains, and shoveling out a neighbor? Send us a photo and shout-out, along with their first name or address, and we will share photos in future newsletters (without sharing the actual address or full names). 

Submit your ideas here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfEauClaire/SnowShovelingChampionChallenge

Here’s my nomination for a perfect stretch of sidewalk on Beach Street.

Sidewalk Champion

CITY UPDATES

Federal Enforcement Presence: Residents have reached out to ask about reports of Federal immigration enforcement in the region in recent days, and they have asked how this activity may relate to the operations of local government. For reference, linked here is the Police Department’s policy on immigration enforcement.

The policy says that the Eau Claire Police Department collaborates with the federal government on immigration issues when an individual has committed a criminal offense. However, they do not if an individual has committed a civil offense, such as most immigration violations. If federal immigration officials request assistance from our police, those requests are forwarded to a supervisor. At the discretion of the supervisor, the Department may provide support services, such as traffic control or peacekeeping efforts.  

Our Police Department works very hard to serve all residents. They do this by striving to be a trusted partner of the community and by employing officers with the highest qualifications and integrity. They support officers through extensive and ongoing training. Our officers take an oath of office to uphold laws and to keep our community safe. Their Oath of Honor reads: “I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution of the United States and the State of Wisconsin and dedicate my service to the City of Eau Claire and the Eau Claire Police Department.” We will continue to do our best to follow federal laws and guidance, while working to maintain peace and trust locally.

Water Rate Case: This week, City staff carried out media interviews (linked below) related to an upcoming possible increase in our water rates. For background, last year staff requested guidance from the City Council regarding a "Water System Rate Case," which is a process that adjusts water rates for customers. The City Council approved submitting a "full" rate case to the State's Public Service Commission. Here are some Q&As on this process:

What is a “rate case”? This is a process that the State requires to ensure that municipal water utilities can provide safe, reliable, and affordable water service. The Public Service Commission governs and establishes rates and monitors water utilities' financial sufficiency. The rate-setting process provides transparency to customers and allows a utility to address multiple objectives, including cost recovery, revenue stability, customer affordability, economic development, resource sustainability, and other factors important to the community.  

What will consumers see in terms of rates? Based on work with the Public Service Commission, the proposed increase in water rates is 20 percent. Note that water rates are one part of the resident bills, and sewer and stormwater rates will not see this increase, so the blended rate increase will be less than 20 percent.

Water utilities raise rates primarily to fund essential infrastructure upgrades (aging pipes, treatment plants), cover rising operating costs (labor, chemicals, materials, inflation), meet new regulatory standards (e.g. PFAS treatment), and ensure financial stability for future maintenance and investment, all under oversight from the Public Service Commission. Rate increases are necessary to provide safe and reliable water by paying for necessary maintenance and modernization.

Although 20 percent seems large at one time, we will still remain in the middle of a rate comparison with peer communities after the proposed increase. As seen in this graph below, after the rate increase, Eau Claire rates will fall right in the middle of comparable communities' rates. More information on rates is linked here. 

What are the next steps? Customers may participate and share feedback during the upcoming public hearing and comment period, as follows:

About three weeks after the Public Comment Period closes, the Public Service Commission will provide a final decision on the rates. The new rates will then go into effect in the spring.

Where can I learn more? More information on the Public Service Commission, plus media reports is below.

PFAS Facility

Childhood Immunizations Statement from Health Department: The City Council Health Department recently released a notice in response to the federal government’s updated national childhood immunization schedule, which was released on January 5th. Health Officer/Director Lieske Giese stated: “We will continue to recommend individuals and health care providers follow the evidence-based childhood vaccine schedule recommended by the state of Wisconsin and published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Vaccines save lives, and they’re critical to the health of people in our community. Individuals will continue to have choices about what vaccines they and their families receive. People in Eau Claire should continue to talk with their health care provider if they have questions.” For more information, please see this memo from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Dewey Street Bridge: Design continues on the Dewey Street Bridge. Information from the second public information meeting has been summarized and posted to the project‘s webpage: Dewey Street at the Eau Claire River | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin Notable points within the documentation are the preferred trail selection alternative and roadway design. Also note that the design schedule has changed some with 60 percent design completion in September 2026 and final design in late 2027. Pictured below is the preferred alternative for the roadway design.

Dewey Bridge Rendering

Fire Prevention Tips: Our Fire Prevention unit shared this update: “Happy New Year, and welcome to the first post of our brand-new weekly series! Every Friday, we’ll be sharing a quick and fun fact about fire prevention and fire service with the community. You’ll pick up useful tips to help keep your family fire-safe and get a behind-the-scenes look at what firefighter life is really like. From the tools we use, to the rich history of ECFD, please join us every Friday to learn something new about us because being fire safety smart is always a great idea!

For our inaugural post, we present the results of our 2025 'Keep the Wreath Green' Campaign. For every structure fire during the holiday season, a red bulb was added to the wreath.

Here are the fires that the area saw during the campaign (that added red bulbs):

Eau Claire Fire: 1

Altoona Fire: 0

Township Fire: 2

While this campaign was successful, our ultimate goal remains zero red bulbs.

The number that must change is the number of home fire deaths in Wisconsin. In 2025, Wisconsin reported 57 fire-related deaths. This is a 15-year record high for the state. Three out of every five home fire deaths occurred in homes that had no working smoke alarms. 

For our first fire prevention tip of the year, check your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if you haven’t already done so – or replace the entire unit if it’s more than 10 years old.

If you are a homeowner in the City of Eau Claire or know someone who needs help with their smoke alarms, contact ECFD at (715) 839-4825 or fireinspections@eauclairewi.gov to learn more about our free smoke alarm install program. Once again, Happy New Year and we look forward to sharing more tips and facts with you on Fridays. Have a safe and wonderful weekend!” 

Below is a photo of Squad 2 responding to a call on a snowy day. Watch a video version of this image here: Squad 2 in the Snow.

Snowy Firetruck

COUNCIL UPDATES

Next week is a Council meeting week. You can view the full packets for the meeting here: News | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin Notable agenda items are the kick-off of planning for street projects of next summer. On Tuesday, there will also be a work session where the Council will get updates on housing-related work, including these initiatives:

  • Day Resource Center Launch
  • Housing Our Neighbors Collaborative plan development
  • Housing Authority projects
  • Housing Supply and Housing Opportunities Commission projects
  • Maintenance of the downtown
  • Additional topics if possible, such as shelter space

I will share a summary of the discussion in next week's newsletter.

 

QUESTION & ANSWER: Feel free to share your question here and we will work on answering it: Service Request Form - City Manager | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (eauclairewi.gov) Send questions or comments to the City Council via this form: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/city-council/city-council-members/city-council-contact

Senior Living Unit Development

Question: “I wonder why Eau Claire has so few active senior independent living options? Those we do have are older, and they have long waiting lists. Also, some require purchase of meal plans, which is not independent living but closer in design to assisted living facilities. Do you know of any developers who are working to address this shortage? Thanks for any insights that you can share.”

Answer: Community Development Director Aaron White shared that he has heard interest from developers, though these projects are not sure things until they break ground. Aaron said: “Developing/managing these types of facilities is very expensive and requires experience to get the right mix of resident amenities that attracts tenants like yourself and your friends. There just aren't a lot of developers who specialize in that type of housing, but we are working to identify more and hopefully will have some information we can release to the public in the coming months.”

Additionally, specialized developments can occur when residents pair with a developer, especially if the prospective residents are able to make an investment in upfront capital. If community members are interested in spearheading this kind of effort and identifying others who share that interest, they can reach out to us and we can try to help facilitate a cooperative effort. One example of how senior living can be structured is Eau Claire's Realife Cooperative (see: Realife Management, Inc.) City staff got a chance to visit a while ago, and we loved it! 

Realife Cooperative

Northern Lite Micro Transit Pilot Update

Question: A constituent asks: “What is the ‘end date” for the micro transit pilot project?”

Answer: This is a great question, and it’s one that we’ve been discussing extensively within City government! The end date of the ARPA-funded pilot is the summer of 2026. We have learned a lot from the pilot, and we are currently considering whether or not we should use on-demand micro transit as part of the Transit tool kit, and where it might be most helpful.

In general, micro transit is most helpful in areas where population is the most sparse and/or at times of the day or week when there are the fewest travelers. The Northside was selected for the pilot due to it having lower density of population than the rest of the city.

Our micro transit consultant visited Eau Claire this week to share analysis of the data collected through our pilot and talk about options going forward. There will be a Transit Commission meeting at 4:30PM on Wednesday, January 21st in the City Council Chambers. At that meeting, Transit Commission and City Council Members will have an opportunity to explore options for continuing some form of Micro Transit after the summer of 2026. All are welcome to come comment at the start of the meeting and to listen throughout. I'll share the meeting packet when it's available.

The specific options that will be reviewed include:

  • Use of micro transit in the evening hours, when ridership is lower; 
  • Use of micro transit on Saturdays, when ridership is lower; and/or
  • Continued use of micro-transit on the North Side.

Note that continuation of micro transit after the pilot requires adjustments to fixed routes so as to be cost neutral. It’s possible, though, that these options will result in a savings. If we can confirm that this is the case, we can then decide how to use the savings. Those options include preventing other transit cuts, reducing fare costs, or expanding service (such as to the West side or to Sundays). Picking options requires review of the City’s fiscal picture and input from the public and Council. The logo and sign-up for Northern Lites is below.

Northern Lite

Snow Removal Questions/Comments

Questions/Comments: Our staff have received MANY questions and comments regarding the snow and ice. Taking these kinds of calls can be challenging, given how hard we are working to clear the streets. Here are a few:

  • “We have lived in this neighborhood and house for almost 20 years. The road NEVER gets plowed, and if it does, you can’t even COUNT on it for next snow storm. Roads are more suited for ATV’s or UTV’s.”
  • “Our streets are terrible with snow. Need a snow plow today.”

Answer: We recognize the challenges that snow and icy conditions pose to residents, especially any who may have mobility challenges. We are sorry for the stress, and we are also very grateful to our crews who have been out nearly around the clock for weeks. Street and Fleet manager Aaron Nicholson, along with administrative staff throughout the City, have been sharing information with the callers to try to reassure them that we are using all resources available to keep the streets passable.

For example, in response to one question, Aaron wrote on Wednesday: “Currently, we are unfortunately aware of the havoc the almost 0.5 inches of rain caused on the streets. This caused the packed down snow to fluff up and seem like there is a foot of snow on the roadway. Please know that we will be completing a full residential plow operation tomorrow that will significantly improve conditions. We will then evaluate conditions Thursday and/or Friday and potentially complete another operation then. Thank you for your patience as we navigate the never-ending precipitation this winter.”

On another day, Aaron shared this update about continuing plowing plans to stay on top of this weather. “Just giving everyone a heads up on what our plan is for this evening. The weather forecasts unfortunately still seem to be all over the place with no consistency amongst all of them. With that, we are sending all of our staff home at their normal 3PM end time. We will be bringing 13 operators and one supervisor back to cover 8 to 11PM, as the best chance for freezing rain appears to begin between 8 and 9PM. We then have 13 additional operators and one supervisor on call that will be available to come back any time after 11PM and cover the overnight if needed. 

For the rest of the week, we are planning to send out the grader and potentially some loaders tomorrow to work on scraping secondary streets. Then on Wednesday, we are planning to do a full residential plow, as things are already loosening up on the side streets due to temps in the 30s. We will be doing this during our normally scheduled shifts. Whatever isn't completed on Wednesday will be completed on Thursday. This is going to be a delicate operation as people will end up with snow at the end of their driveways again, but it will certainly improve the condition of the roads. We have received many calls today requesting that we plow the residentials again because of the warmer temperatures loosening up the snow. Lastly, we are keeping our eyes on another potential event this weekend that could bring a few more inches of snow. We are ready to take on whatever comes our way! Have a great evening and please reach out with any questions!”

In addition to Streets crews working around the clock, our Parks crews have been out working many, many hours beyond their regular schedule clearing trails and sidewalks and helping with the streets as well. On top of that, our Neighborhood Services team has been tackling sidewalk and parking complaints!

We have amazing employees. If you call for requests, please, if possible, understand that our crews are working very hard and extend them kindness when possible. And as people head to bed, please join me in sending grateful thoughts to the crews out plowing most nights, plus our dozens of police officers, firefighters/paramedics, and 911 telecommunicators who are fielding emergency calls, including many calls related to crashes/disabled vehicles and a large number related to mental health crises in this season of the year.

Given the many frustrated emails we receive, we were grateful to receive any kind notes that came our way, such as this constituent who sent a video of a snowplow driver (pictured below) who provided a “honk” in response to a child’s wave. That constituent wrote: “Thanks for keeping us plowed out in Eau Claire!” Also pictured below is an example of how the freezing rain impacted sidewalks, plus a couple in Phoenix Park who probably didn't mind the snow!

Thank You Plow Driver

IMG_6100

Couple Enjoys Phoenix Park

 

WAYS TO SERVE

Employment Openings: Take a look at our open positions here: Job Openings | Sorted by Posting Date descending | JOB OPENINGS (governmentjobs.com)

Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher): Put your customer service skills to use while serving your community! Help us provide an essential service for Eau Claire County residents and visitors. Join our team as a full-time Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher)! Deadline to apply: Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Neighborhood Services Specialist I: Are you passionate about keeping the community clean, safe, and well-organized? As a Neighborhood Services Specialist I, you’ll play a key role in enforcing parking regulations, ensuring compliance with municipal ordinances related to trash collection, zoning, parking, and more. This position offers a mix of fieldwork and administrative tasks, including inspections, investigations, and community engagement. Deadline to apply: Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Seasonal Laborers (Limited Term Employment): Don't want to spend your summer stuck in an office? Join us in the outdoors! Our Community Services & Engineering Departments are hiring Seasonal Laborers for the 2026 Summer Season. Deadline to apply: Open until filled, first review of applications on January 12, 2025.

Boards, Commissions, and Committees: We have several openings on the volunteer Boards, Commissions, and Committees that are listed below. Learn more about these roles and apply here:  Boards, Commissions & Committees | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Zoning Board of Appeals: The work of the board is to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Zoning Administrator. An understanding of zoning and land use is helpful, but not required.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: This commission provides advice to City Council that reflects community values on bicycle and pedestrian practices relative to the City.

 

CLOSURES/DETOURS, OPENINGS, DEADLINES, ALERTS, & REMINDERS:

Keep our Sidewalks Safe: Our Neighborhood Services Division share a request to please “Help us keep our community accessible and safe for everyone -- including students, mail carriers, and neighbors with mobility devices.” Under City Ordinance 13.20, residents and business owners are required to keep sidewalks adjacent to their property reasonably free of snow and ice. Please ensure your sidewalk is cleared within 24 hours after the snowstorm ends. Property owners could be subject for snow removal fees.

Quick Tips for Snow Clearing:

  • Clear the full width: Aim for a path wide enough for strollers or wheelchairs.
  • Don't forget the corners: If you live on a corner, please clear the curb ramps.
  • Treat for ice: Use sand or salt to prevent slippery patches once the snow is gone.
  • Be a 'Snow Hero': Check on neighbors who may need assistance clearing their walk!

Let’s work together to keep our city safe this winter. Thank you for doing your part! Please contact Neighborhood Services at 715-839-4961 or submit an online request Service Request Form - Sidewalk - Snow Covered | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin"

Viruses Circulating: The Eau Claire City-County Health Department shared this update: "Respiratory illness activity in our community is at a very high level and, with low vaccination rates, we expect this trend to continue increasing over the next several weeks. In Eau Claire County, the largest increase is occurring in Influenza A and COVID-19. Multiple data sources are used to monitor these trends, including emergency department data, wastewater monitoring data, hospitalization reports, and school illness absenteeism data. If you have a respiratory illness, follow the CDC guidance found here:  https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html." Pictured below is a "Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot."

Illnesses

Take Care Walking and Sand Available: Our Risk Management Department shared this message: "The mix of freezing precipitation and fluctuation of temperatures makes it hard to keep sidewalks and other areas free of ice. To avoid slips and falls, use care when you walk and take a few pointers from a penguin! Point your toes outward, keep legs apart, walk flat footed, take short steps, keep arms out for balance (and your hands free), go slowly.

Also remember that City of Eau Claire residents can get free sand for slippery sidewalks at Central Maintenance Facility, 911 Forest Street. Available anytime. You'll need to bring your own container and shovel, five-gallon limit. This is sand only -- no salt is added." The sign for the salt is pictured below.

Sand Available

Rinks Closed: Our Recreation Division shared this note: "Due to warm weather conditions, all outdoor rinks are currently closed through Saturday, January 10th and planned to reopen on Sunday, January 11th. The Pinehurst warming shelter is open for sledding/skiing/snowboarding as normal. We kindly ask the public to stay off the rinks during this time to help preserve ice quality. Please refer to our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information regarding rink closures as the warm weather continues. 

For reference, Pinehurst has had 1,946 recorded attendees so far during our staffed time at the warming shelter.  Actual numbers are higher as people use the hill and skate even when we don’t have the shelter open.  We have also had 123 people use one of our gear share items at Pinehurst so far (sleds, helmets, snowshoes, pucks/sticks)."

UWEC Winterim Route: Transit shared: "While UWEC is closed for January break, a UWEC Winterim Route replaces the 19 and 9 routes. There is no Winterim service on Saturdays, Sundays, or on January 19th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Go to Routes & Tracking on ecbus.org to learn more about specific stops and timetables. Have a safe and easy ride this winter!"

Merry Mulch Open: Recycle your Christmas tree at the City of Eau Claire Brush Site during Merry Mulch. Open daily through January 31st at 3PM. Please note, the drop-off location for Merry Mulch has changed. The drop-off location will be on the north side of the gravel drive that accesses the brush site.

A Few More Reminders:

  • Kids/Teens Ride Transit for Free in 2026: Children (and adults who are still in high school) can now ride Transit for free.
  • Communicable Disease Updates: Stay on top of the virus outlook by signing up for the Health Department’s monthly communicable disease email newsletter by clicking here.
  • Odd/Even Parking Restrictions: The City is enforcing winter odd/even parking restrictions. Alternate Side Parking rules are in effect even if there is no snow. If you're new to Eau Claire or just need a refresher, visit EauClaireWI.gov/AlternateSideParking for what you need to know. Alternate Side Parking rules do not replace more restrictive parking regulations, including any street posted with No Parking sign.

 

WAYS TO GET IN TOUCH: We encourage you to use these different ways to follow City news and reach out to us.

  • Contact City Council. Council Members welcome contacts, and you can reach them here: City Council
  • Attend Council Meetings. Individuals can stream or attend City Council meetings, and each Monday evening session has a period of public comment. Meetings can be found here: Meetings | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin
  • Invite us to a meeting. We are also always happy to send staff and Council Members to other meetings residents or stakeholders would like to hold. We can attend book clubs, lectures, classes, church assemblies, etc. We will come to you -- just let us know where and when.

 

COUNCIL CALENDAR (Tentative – Please see: City Calendar | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (eauclairewi.gov) for most complete and up-to-date list of public meetings)

  • Monday, January 12th, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers
  • Tuesday, January 13th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers
  • Monday, January 26th, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers
  • Tuesday, January 27th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers
  • Monday, February 9th, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers
  • Tuesday, February 10th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers
  • Monday, February 23rd, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers
  • Tuesday, February 24th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers
  • Monday, March 9th, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers
  • Tuesday, March 10th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers
  • Monday, March 23rd, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers
  • Tuesday, March 24th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers

 

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