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

 

CITY UPDATES

Project Updates: Residents may have read about (or seen directly) the resumption of work at Mt. Washington in Shawtown. This is exciting news! Read more about Mt. Washington in these media stories:

• You Ask, We Answer: What's the latest with the Mt. Washington project? | You Ask, We Answer | wqow.com

• Mt. Washington Project Back On Track With New Financiers -...

A recent view of Mt. Washington is pictured below. 

Also, here are updates on a few of the other projects that we watch closely. Often the details are confidential, so this is a very high-level update, shared by our Economic Development team.

Eau Claire Academy: A developer acquired the Eau Claire Academy, and renovation work is underway. They are working on an initial phase of converting existing rooms into apartments. A recent view of the building is pictured below.

Haymarket Plaza: The large commercial units on the ground floor next to Haymarket Plaza are under contract, and the sale is expected to close in March. Once it does, announcements will be made about what will be going into the space. That space is pictured below.

Orchard Hills: Work on is underway on the newest part of the City of Eau Claire. Permits have been issued, and construction is occurring on the first houses in that development. 

Coop/Holiday Gas Stations: In 2025, a number of gas stations owned by Mega-CO-OP were closed, (See: Mega! CO-OP Closes remaining locations). Since then, most have been purchased and have been reopened or will reopen in the coming weeks. A few became Amoco gas stations, and several others will be Circle K stations. Pictured below is the station on Brackett.

We hope to have more updates soon, such as information on plans for the former Sacred Heart. Feel free to pass along any other questions you have, and we will do our best to track down questions!

Block-by-Block Update: As you may have read in the news, for the past year, the City has been working with a national company called Block-by-Block (BBB) to pilot litter cleanup and hospitality in the downtown area. This pilot has been funded through Federal Covid-relief funds, and all ARPA funding wraps up at the end of this year. Because BBB faced challenges with fulfillment of their contract terms, the City has decided to end their work early, and they are wrapping up their work within the month.

Here are a few ways we are covering the scope that we had intended BBB to cover:

• City custodial staff will be carrying up cleanup in the parking ramps and downtown blocks going forward.

• Staff from other departments and/or partner organizations will be carrying out outreach to businesses in the downtown.

• We hope to work with Visit Eau Claire and DECI to create opportunities to welcome visitors to the Downtown and to share information with visitors on Eau Claire’s amazing amenities.

Our downtown is a key economic driver of our community, as well as one of our most important cultural hubs and shared community spaces. We will continue to work with our community partners to ensure it’s the best downtown in the state and country.

In an WEAU interview, Deputy City Manager Solberg said it well: “We take taxpayers’ dollars seriously, and we take the downtown seriously and really recognize it as a heartbeat for the community…We want people to enjoy it like its intended to be enjoyed.”

Three Events: Here are three events that have connections to the City. We encourage you to join if you are able/interested.

Voice of Freedom Forum: The City Council recently provided a proclamation supporting the work of Fierce Freedom, which is a group that works to eliminate human trafficking. Here is an event that will be held in our area that you can attend to learn much more: “Fierce Freedom is hosting the Voice of Freedom Forum on Saturday, March 14th from 9AM to noon, at the Valleybrook auditorium (412 Barstow Street). The Voice of Freedom Forum features Jess Michaels, a TEDx speaker, social-impact founder, and survivor-advocate resharing how we understand trauma, safety, and community care. A 1991 Jeffrey Epstein and childhood sexual abuse survivor, Jess has navigated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for more than three decades, an experience that now fuels her life's work. She is the founder and CEO of 3Joannes, Inc. Learn more here: https://fiercefreedom.org/"

Vigilant Parent Program: Here’s another invitation shared by our Police Department: “Join the Eau Claire Police Department, the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office, and the Altoona Police Department for another Vigilant Parent night. You can learn more about the program here: Program Information. Through this hands-on program, learn about Snapchat and Instagram's safety features to help keep your children safe online. The program will be held on Wednesday, March 18th from 5:30 to 7:30PM at the Altoona Police Department." Sign up here: Program Sign Up A flier for the program is pictured below.

Water Street Accessibility Tour: We invite you to join a tour that's being organized in partnership with the University and the City's EDI Commission. The tour will occur in the Water Street area, and we will discuss ideas to make accessibility improvements in this and other places that students and residents go to shop, eat, and socialize. There will be five students from UWEC, as well as two staff from the UWEC Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office, and possibly other UW administrators. The City of Eau Claire City Manager and ADA Coordinator will be joining. We will meet in front of Aspenson Mogensen Hall (AMH) at 3:30PM on Wednesday, March 25th. You can expect the tour to take less than an hour. Contact Anoosheh Hamzehee with any questions, by email or phone at (715) 839-4902.

Online Tax Form Resources from the Library: Our Library shared this update… “We haven’t offered them for a few years, but residents are still surprised the Library no longer keeps a stock of paper tax forms. HOWEVER! We do offer a curated webpage of super helpful online tax form resources, including links to printable forms. Check it out: https://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/taxes

Note: The decision to discontinue paper forms is largely based on available staff time weighed against actual use of the service. In 2023, Library staff dedicated an estimated 155 hours to providing physical tax forms. Based on how many forms we distributed last year, only about two percent of Eau Claire’s adult population used the service. In addition, the IRS and DOR only provide libraries with the most basic forms, meaning most taxpayers would still need to track down additional forms. The change saves staff time, and thus, taxpayer dollars.”

We have an amazing Library staff, and their care and discipline with using their tax-funded time, space, and energy is an example of how we work to serve you best with limited resources.

One more reminder… The Free Legal Clinic we host with the Eau Claire County Bar Association on the third WEDNESDAY of the month from 5:30 to7PM (That’s a correction on the day of the week). See the full schedule at Legal Resources | L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library

Close Call with Carbon Monoxide: Our Fire Department shared this report, which includes an important reminder:

“In the early morning hours of January 30th, Medic 6 was dispatched to a medical call in the Town of Pleasant Valley. (The Eau Claire Fire Department provides ambulance service for residents in a 400+ square mile area). Before the initial patient could be transported, a second resident at the location began experiencing a medical emergency. Medic 6 immediately requested assistance from Medic 5.

Upon arrival, Medic 5’s jump bag-mounted carbon monoxide (CO) detector began to alarm. Due to the potential danger, Medic 5 requested Township Fire to respond and evaluate the scene for CO, while they continued providing patient care.

Township Fire arrived to find dangerously elevated CO levels exceeding 200–300+ ppm, caused by an exhaust and pipe completely blocked by ice (as seen in this photo from Township Fire staff). In addition to their search, they also rescued the family dog and two cats in the process. Unfortunately, no residential CO detectors were found inside the home

There is no doubt that the CO monitor on the medic’s equipment averted a tragedy. Without that alert, the patients and responders could have remained inside a hazardous environment, unaware of the invisible danger.

This incident highlights the critical importance of:

• Proper training to recognize life-threatening hazards;

• Properly equipped responders, including personal CO monitoring; and

• Early detection and monitoring to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Kudos to the medics for their quick thinking and professionalism, and thanks to Township Fire for rapidly ventilating the residence."

 

COUNCIL UPDATES

Budget Preparation: After last week’s Tuesday Council meeting, we held a discussion about the preparations for 2027 budget. That budget doesn’t go into effect for another 10 months, however, we are giving our team as much time as possible for planning, given how challenging we anticipate next year’s budget will be. We will be continuing the discussion at a second work session on next Tuesday, March 3rd, at 5PM in the Council Chambers. View the slides from this week’s meeting here: Work Session Slides

We are seeking some initial feedback from the City Council so that we can then work through a community engagement process, as well as complex logistics as we look ahead to possible changes.

Changes we have proposed to the Council include:

• Applying for the State Innovation Funding, which we hope will help our Health Departments and potentially our Fire Department, as well as communities who use City of Eau Claire ambulance service.

• Considering the transfer of some of our Recreational facilities to related partners.

• Creation of a Trash Utility which, we hope, will help improve services for residents while also potentially lowering costs and helping to cover some of our administrative costs.

• Reducing all core departments (Police, Fire, Community Services, Transit, City Manager, Finance, HR, and more), while trying to maintain services as much as possible, and improving them where possible.

• Expanding paid parking near City amenities and in near-downtown neighborhoods.

We are working to ensure no staff are laid off, and we are trying our best to preserve City services and even continue to try to improve them in a few cases where an efficiency may result in better service. We look ahead to likely changes in Wisconsin tax law that governs how municipal governments are funded, and we will be doing our best to be positioned to adopt any changes that can help our residents and staff.

Pictured below is an example of how we are mapping out steps we are taking to prepare for the FY27 budget.

 

SHOUT-OUTS

Thank You for Vehicles: The Eau Claire Fire Department shared: “We at the ECFD want to thank Alter Metal on the north side of Eau Claire for helping us over the years with vehicles for extrication training. Pictures below are from the recent extrication training with our new hire.”

Thank you for Par-Te-Rec Participants: Recreation shared this thank you to all who shared up to their Valentines Day party: “We had such a sweet time celebrating Valentine’s Day at Par-Te-Rec! Seeing friendships grow, confidence shine, and smiles light up the room made the night unforgettable. We’re so grateful for all of our amazing participants!” Below are two sets of participants in the event photo both. 

Thank You for Scavenger Hunt: Resident Bobbie Kuchta recently shared that she had worked with her friend Kate during COVID to solve a Clearwater Clues challenge. It was a way to get out and have fun during those isolating times of the pandemic. That friend subsequently passed away, and Bobbie shared that this month, in order to honor her late friend and to keep Kate's spirit of fun and adventure alive, Bobbie tried out the Sculpture Tour Scavenger Hunt. Bobbie said, "To honor Kate's determination, I decided to find ALL of the sculptures." As of Friday, Bobbie had found all but three, but she was still on the search for the remaining sculptures prior to the deadline! Pictured below are the two friends and Bobbie's search this year.

Thank you to Bobbie and Kate, and thank you also for our Recreation Team and Visit Eau Claire staff who put together these adventures that invite us to get out to enjoy our community.

Thank You for Youth Snowboarding: Our Recreation Department shared this shout-out: “We loved seeing so many kids build confidence, try something new, and hit the slopes with big smiles! Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Youth Snowboarding Program such a success!”

 

WAYS TO SERVE

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

Seasonal Laborers - Limited Term Employment (Engineering and Community Services): 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.

Recreation Part-Time Summer Positions (Community Services): The City of Eau Claire Recreation Division is now hiring for part-time recreation positions. (number of hours per week and duties vary with position) Deadline to apply: Open until filled.

GIS & Planning Intern (Community Development): Are you a current undergraduate student? Do you have an interest in planning, architecture, GIS, urban studies, or a related field? Join us and grow your skills! We are currently accepting applications for a GIS & Planning Intern in the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department. This position offers invaluable experience for your resume. Deadline to apply: Monday, March 2nd at 11:59PM.

Firefighter (Fire Department): We are seeking responsible, compassionate, and courageous individuals who value community service and are interested in a rewarding career. As a member of our team, you will enhance the quality of life for City of Eau Claire residents and visitors by protecting lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical services, disaster response, fire prevention, and public education. Deadline to apply: Open until filled, apply by March 2nd to be considered for an interview.

NEW - Utility Operator I (Wastewater Plant): Would you like to provide a vital service to your community, work with a tight-knit group of individuals, and use your mechanical knowledge? We are currently accepting applications for a Utility Operator I position at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Community Services Department. This position is responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, and auxiliary apparatus for the wastewater treatment plant and lift stations. Deadline to apply: Sunday, March 8th at 11:59PM.

NEW - Public Health Specialist (Health Department): The Eau Claire City-County Health Department has an opportunity for a full-time Public Health Specialist to lead a regional grant project focused on access to care. This position will be responsible for grant-related activities, overseeing administrative and fiscal reports, assuring partner collaboration, providing grant-related communication, and ensuring adequate progress is made toward meeting project objectives. This position requires excellent analytical, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, along with a bachelor’s degree in public health, health education or another related field. This position is currently grant-funded through December 31st, 2027. Wage range starts at $33.81 with benefits. Deadline to apply: March 11th.

Become a Poll Worker: The City of Eau Claire needs poll workers for upcoming elections. Election Inspectors (poll workers) register new voters, give credit in the poll books to those who vote, answer questions, hand out and explain ballots, and work with ballot counting equipment. Training sessions are held before each election. Currently, poll workers are paid $8.25/hour, including for time spent at the training sessions. The polls are open from 7AM to 8PM on Election Day. A full day for most workers lasts from approximately 6AM to 10PM. Some poll workers work half day shifts, either from 6AM to 1PM or from Noon to close. More information can be found here: Elections | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

The first step to becoming a poll worker for the City of Eau Claire is to go to the city’s Human Resources page and fill out the application here: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/our-divisions/human-resources. Once you have completed the application, we will contact you about the follow-on steps. After completing the poll worker hiring process, you will need to attend a two-hour training session prior to working your first election.

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: This Board hears and decides appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Zoning Administrator.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: This Commission advises the City Council on bicycle and pedestrian policies and practices, ensuring they reflect community values and priorities.

Housing Opportunities Commission: This Commission advises on and reviews policies to ensure affordable housing in Eau Claire, facilitates access to housing programs and funding, and promotes public-private partnerships to expand diverse and affordable housing options. Currently seeking residents with experience in housing real estate, building/development, accessible design, property management, or home financing.

Plan Commission: This Commission makes and adopts a master plan for the physical development of the municipality, and it exercises final review and approval of site development plans and requests for conditional use permits.

 

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

Service Line Survey: You may have received a notice from our Utilities Division about an important survey for property owners in the city of Eau Claire. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI-DNR) require the City to inventory water service line materials citywide to identify any possible lead in the system. The survey is a few simple questions about the type of pipes you have in your home. It’s quick and easy to complete, visit EauClaireWI.gov/SLI

LVRF Tips: If you see a City of Eau Claire Local Vehicle Registration Fee on your Wisconsin license plate renewal but don’t live in the City of Eau Claire, it’s often because your vehicle’s address information with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation isn’t up to date. WisDOT applies local vehicle fees based on where your vehicle is customarily kept, using the address on file for that vehicle. If you’ve moved or keep your vehicle outside the City of Eau Claire, updating your vehicle information with the DMV should correct future renewals.

The Local Vehicle Registration Fee is collected by WisDOT and returned to local governments to help fund street maintenance and transportation needs.

Learn more or update your information:

• Wisconsin DOT Wheel Tax info: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/wheeltax.aspx

• City of Eau Claire LVRF details: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/budget/lvrf

Police Non-Emergency Line Reinder: Our PD Shared this request… “We’ve recently learned that some residents are calling the wrong number for non-emergency police services. Some residents told us they found the non-emergency number via Google's AI search.

If you need to reach the non-emergency line for the Eau Claire Police Department, please call: 715-839-4972. We would encourage you to save this number in your phone so you have it when you need it. We would also encourage you to share this message so we can inform more residents about what our non-emergency number is.

Remember, always call 911 for emergencies. The non-emergency number is for situations that do not require an immediate police response but still need attention. Thank you for helping us keep the city of Eau Claire safe and informed!”

Upcoming Elections: Here is what we can expect for elections this year… 2026 Election dates in Eau Claire are:

• Spring Election 4/7/2026

• Fall Primary 8/11/2026

• Fall General Election 11/3/2026

Information about registration, absentee ballots, I.D. requirements and more can be found at EauClaireWI.gov/Elections Visit MyVote.WI.gov for your complete voter information and much more.

Please Pick Up Dog Feces and Litter: With the snow melting we are seeing what’s under the snow. We all help make this a wonderful place to live. Please help keep sidewalks and trails clean and clear for everyone—pick up after your pooch. And while we can’t change everyone’s behavior, we can help solve the problem (even if we don’t have a dog or don’t litter). Consider bringing a bag along on your next walk, and help clear whatever is visible.

A Few More Reminders:

• Name Our Pool Bus: Transit shared… Submit your name ideas for names for our pool bus and win a prize: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfEauClaire/NameThePoolBusRoute”

• Pool Passes Available: Pool Memberships are 10 percent Off from February 1st through May 15th. You may purchase the passes online on at https://activenet.active.com/eauclaire/ or in person at the Recreation Office at 915 Menomonie St.

• Sand Available: Remember, City of Eau Claire residents can get free sand for slippery sidewalks at Central Maintenance Facility, 911 Forest Street. Available anytime. Bring your own container and shovel, five-gallon limit. This is sand only -- no salt is added.

• Kids/Teens Ride Transit for Free in 2026: Children (and adults who are still in high school) will take Transit for free starting in 2026! Stay tuned for more details.

• Keep our Sidewalks Safe: Reminder, shovel sidewalks per local law to keep our residents safe. Please contact Neighborhood Services at 715-839-4961 or submit an online request Service Request Form - Sidewalk - Snow Covered | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Shelters and Rinks: Rinks and warming shelters are now closed for the season.

• 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.

• Follow our social media accounts. Those accounts include: Police, K9 Murphy, Fire, Transit, Parks/Recreation, Fairfax Pool, Hobbs Ice Arena, Economic Development, and the General City account. Some of the accounts allow constituents to send direct messages, which staff will respond to.

• Use web forms. Submit a question or comment via our web forms: Service Request | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin We will reply, and I will continue to share the FAQs we hear in the weekly newsletter.

• Contact City Council. Council Members welcome contacts, and you can reach them here: City Council

• Sign up for City notices. The City sends out notices on many different topics, and you can elect to receive any of them here: Sign Up for eNotifications | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• 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

• Attend (or apply to be part of) a Board, Commission, or Committee: Individuals can also attend the meetings of our different volunteer committees. Those also have a public comment period. Residents can learn more here: Boards, Commissions & Committees | 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.

• Join (or form) a Neighborhood Association. Neighborhood Associations are the building blocks of community ties and community change. Visit this site to learn more about how to join or create a Neighborhood Association: Neighborhood Associations | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Try the ECPD app. Download the app to find the Report a Crime form, track career opportunities, and get instant alerts: https://www.joinecpd.org/ecpdapp

• Volunteer. Get involved in the nuts and bolts of City Operations by volunteering to staff the winter parade, to help maintain a park, or more. Learn more here: Volunteer Opportunities | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Contact the ADA Coordinator. Have a question about accessibility? Contact the ADA Coordinator here: ADACoordinator@EauClaireWI.gov, or learn more here: ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act Information

• Contact us. Find more ways to reach us via this page: Contact Us - Service Directory | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

 

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)

• NEWLY ADDED - Tuesday, March 3rd, Council Work Session on FY27 Budget, 5PM, 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