PRIDE volunteers needed

From The Center:

More volunteers are needed for Pride weekend this year!! if you want to help out sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA4A72BA7FAC52-64481426-pride#/

There will be a volunteer training on Wednesday, August 26th 6:00 pm at The Center. Can't attend? That's okay! Notes will be shared with you after signing up. Please reach out with any questions!

For vets & their families

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

for Military/Vets and their families

https://www.fscenter.org/content/programs-retreats/mental-health-first-aid-training

ZOOM: September 3-4

REGISTER BY AUGUST 20

or

In Person: Saturday, September 19

8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Franciscan Spirituality Center, 920 Market St.

REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 1

Mental Health First Aid is a training that equips participants with the skills to recognize and respond to signs of mental-health and substance-use challenges. Designed for service members, veterans, military families and those who support them, this interactive program explores military/veteran-specific risk and protective factors, reduces stigma and helps individuals connect others with appropriate care and resources. 

Participants will gain practical tools to assess risk, listen nonjudgmentally, provide support and encourage professional help when needed. The tools learned will be helpful in challenging conversations with anyone. Veterans, family members, community supporters – and the general community – are welcome.  

ZOOM OPTION: SEPTEMBER 3-4
Thursday–Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. each day
Presenters: Penny Carlson and Chris Carlson 
Registration deadline: August 20
Registration link for virtual training:
https://starfishfound.networkforgood.com/events/102686-virtual-mental-health-first-aid-military-veterans-and-their-families

IN-PERSON OPTION: SEPTEMBER 19
Saturday, 8:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m. 
Presenters: Rob Hilliard and Shawn Farr 
Registration deadline: September 1
Registration link for in-person training: https://starfishfound.networkforgood.com/events/102684-lacrosse-mental-health-first-aid-military-veterans-and-their-families

Investment:
Free for WI resident veterans and their immediate family members
$35 for certified peer specialist
$50 for general public/civilian 

Professionals will receive 8.5 CEHs for participating in this program. Learn how to have conversations about mental health,emotions, or feeling suicidal so you can guide others to well-being. Plus skills for self-care, so you have the resources for your own emotions.

Climate Fellows

From the Sustainability Institute:

Sustainability Institute Climate Fellows Program is a cohort-based leadership and learning experience that empowers young adults to design, implement, and lead meaningful climate action projects in the La Crosse community.

Through a partnership between the Sustainability Institute and City of La Crosse, this program looks to build on previous Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) success - taking what worked, tweaking what didn't and mixing in our wins from a past program - MPower. Sustainability Institute Climate Fellows combines hands-on project development with collaborative learning, mentorship, and connections to local sustainability.

Fellows will join the cohort to explore past projects, make connections to the City of La Crosse's Climate Action Plan, learn from local leaders, and ultimately develop/execute a climate action project in our community.

The Climate Fellows program is open to young adults from all academic backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact in their community through climate action. The program welcomes students enrolled at a college or university in the La Crosse area and/or young adults ages 18-24 who have graduated high school, regardless of their field of study or previous experience with sustainability.

Read more and apply by September 23 at https://sustaininstitute.com/so/feP-i6M4L/c

Do we want to be droned?

Public Notice

Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey and Common Council members have been invited to attend Skydio Experience Day drone demonstration at the La Crosse Police Department on August 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Notice is further given that members of other governmental bodies may be present at the above scheduled meeting to gather information about a subject over which they have decision-making responsibility.

###

Per Drone XL, an industry magazine, "The Minneapolis City Council deadlocked 6-6 on Thursday, July 16, 2026, killing a no-cost, 75-day Drone as First Responder trial with Skydio and turning Minneapolis away from a program model at least five other Minnesota cities already run. Council Vice President Jamal Osman, a co-sponsor of the measure, switched sides and cast the deciding no vote, citing Skydio’s equipment sales to the Israeli military and its work with the Department of Homeland Security on immigration enforcement."

Middle East Monitor reported in November, "AI-powered surveillance drones used by the Israeli occupation forces to carry out genocide in Gaza are now being deployed across the United States to monitor protesters and civilians.

"Built by the US-based company Skydio, these autonomous drones were shipped to Israel in the early days of the onslaught on Gaza, where they were tested and refined in live combat conditions."

If you have an opinion on whether our city should begin or, really, even consider a relationship with Skydio, please email the Mayor and use this form to contact the council. 

Why are we even inviting them to anything in our city? What if a concentration camp company wanted to give a demonstration of their quick-build detention centers or the electric shock glove company wants to do a demonstration of their new "crowd control" technology? Where is the line?

Flaco

From the International Owl Center:

On February 2, 2023, Flaco — a male Eurasian eagle-owl, the largest species of owl in the world — was discovered missing from his cage at the Central Park Zoo in Manhattan. What follows when Flaco, who had lived his entire life in captivity, was released in New York City is a surprising story revealing the delight, concern, and fascination of millions in the city and beyond.

Watch WILD INSIDE at the Rivoli Sunday, August 16 at 5:30 p.m. with a discussion following led by International Owl Center staff. Please note this film contains themes and situations around animal death that may be troubling for very young children.

Learn more and purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/816owlfilm.

Third Act - Let's Go

 From From Third Act

We Have Our Candidates- Let's Get Busy!

Our Democracy Team congratulates David Crowley and all of his supporters, after their narrow win in this week’s gubernatorial primary. We also truly appreciate those candidates who came up short (Francesca Hong, Kelda Roys, Joel Brennan), as responses to our Governor Candidate Survey showed all of them strongly supporting transition to clean energy, expanded voting access, and election integrity. 

By way of contrast, Tom Tiffany’s record and recent statements show him strongly opposed to our Third Act principles and priorities. On every issue we are tracking, a Tiffany victory in November would be a disaster. (For a quick list of specifics, see ““Don’t Be Fooled” from our friends at Grassroots North Shore.)  

Now that we know who will be running in the November election, you can expect to hear from our team soon, with a slate of Third Act-endorsed Wisconsin candidates for Governor, State Legislature, and U.S. Congress. Our special focus will be on key legislative races, with hopes for majorities in the WI Senate and Assembly that will be able to advance clean energy, protect against hyper-scale data centers, strengthen election integrity, and lots more.  

Over the next 2 ½ months, there will be many possible ways for each person reading this to help! Writing postcards or editorials, handing out literature at events, making campaign donations, knocking on doors, phone-banking—it’s going to be a busy fall! 

Can you start right now? 

Visit our Midterm Volunteer form, click on any of three focus areas, and we’ll get back to you with some specific tasks. Or check out our Democracy Action Page for up-to-the-minute opportunities to support democracy and climate.

[Third Act is a democracy and climate action group focused on people 60 and older founded by Bill McKibben in 2021, but anyone is welcome to participate in events and actions.]

Support Public Schools

From the La Crosse School District:

BOWTIE RAFFLE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR 

THE LA CROSSE PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Support public education through LPEF’s Bowtie Raffle! When you purchase tickets you’re removing barriers to student learning, bringing enhanced educational experiences to classrooms, supporting educators and staff, and funding district priorities needs.

Prizes include:

• Trek FX+1 E-bike ($1,999 value!) donated by Smith's

• Packers tickets

• Wine & pizza basket

• Staycation basket

Buy tickets online OR contact LPEF at 608-787-0226 or nell@lacrosseeducationfoundation.org to arrange a purchase in person.

Drawing will be held during halftime of the September 18, 2026 Central vs Logan football game, Veterans Memorial Stadium, 400 East Ave. N., La Crosse. Need not be present to win.

Proceeds to benefit LPEF, Raffle License No. R0025814-A-26538

David Crowley Meet & Greet

 

Meet David Crowley Friday, August 14, Noon

Grand Hotel Ballroom 

(Entrance Near Pearl St. Ice Cream)

207 Pearl Street

RSVP here

Tell him NO DATA CENTERS. Dan Shafer (Recombobulation Area) suggests reviving State Senator Habush Sinykin's Data Center Accountability Bill which would also help bridge the gap between Crowley and Hong voters.

Educate Yourself - Anti-Equity Constitutional Amendment

From the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Damaging Consequences of the Anti-Equity Constitutional Amendment

Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. ONLINE

Wisconsin voters will see a constitutional amendment on the November 3, 2026 ballot that could have significant impacts on public education, employment, contracting, and government programs across the state. While the ballot language references discrimination and preferential treatment, the proposed amendment would also limit the use of certain equity-focused policies and programs.  

Before you vote, take time to understand what's on your ballot and how this amendment could affect Wisconsin communities. 

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR HERE:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qDeUHa_RRgiTWZbkNKliPQ#/registration 

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF THIS AMENDMENT PASSES?

Government programs that help people have an equal chance to succeed would be unconstitutional, ending decades of work to fix inequality.

• What will be gained: Nothing

• What will be lost: 60 years of progress for women and people of color

WHAT PROGRAMS AND POLICIES COULD BE ELIMINATED?

• Health and Environmental Equity: Higher rates of chronic illness, disease and mortality and maternal mortality for Black women

• Education: Changes to K-12 accommodations, curriculum; changes to UW admissions, scholarships, grants, courses, textbooks

• Community-Action Programs: Head Start and social-support networks for operating food banks, homeless shelters, and domestic violence shelters

• Government, Businesses, and Contracts: Workplace initiatives for women, public contracts for certified minority-owned firms, policies that enable equitable hiring, promotion and retention; and the Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program 

Read more at: https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/constitutional-corner

Transit Talk & Treats

From La Crosse Area Transit Advocates:

Thursday, August 20, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

TRANSIT TALK & TREATS

People's Food Co-op

(Second Floor)

315 Fifth Ave. S.

Calling all bus riders, public transit advocates, urbanists, climate activists, non-drivers, and people interested in better, safer, cleaner transportation options in our area. 

Join La Crosse Area Transit Advocates (LATA) for an informal open house meet and greet to talk about our transit experiences and how local and regional public transit can be improved. Get info about regional connections. Learn about LATA and opportunities to get involved in local advocacy. 

Music, refreshments, and DOOR PRIZES (bus passes, gift cards, bus rider essentials). Come when you can, leave when you must.

FREE and open to all.

TAKE THE BUS!

VOTE TODAY

The City of La Crosse Municipal Transit (MTU) will offer free service on all routes on Election Day, August 11.

“Everyone is welcome to ride the bus all day long,” said MTU Director Adam Lorentz. “Regardless of your route, we will help you get to your polling place.”

For more information, please contact Tim Koterwski, Transit Operations Manager at koterwskit@cityoflacrosse.org or (608) 789-7375.

###

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling place, check your registration, see what's on your ballot at https://myvote.wi.gov. If you are not registered, you may register at your polling place. Take ID that proves your current address like a driver's license or state ID, utility bill, rent receipt, bank or credit card statement, letter from a government agency, etc. (see documents required for voter registration here: https://myvote.wi.gov/Portals/0/Documents/ProofOfResidence.pdf) 

All voters must have ID. See acceptable voter ID here: https://myvote.wi.gov/Portals/0/Documents/AcceptablePhotoIDs.pdf

The City of La Crosse Clerk has excellent voter info page at https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/Your-Government/Departments/City-Clerk/Elections-and-Voting and the La Crosse County Clerk has great voter info at https://lacrossecounty.org/countyclerk/elections/voter-information

IF YOU NEED A RIDE TO THE POLLS, PLEASE CONTACT US.

###
Remember to contact the ACLU Voter Protection hotline if something seems wrong. 

Addiction Awareness

 

LOVE IN THE TIME OF  FENTANYL

August 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 119 King Street

Film and resources for Overdose Awareness Month.

AND,

On August 30 at 5 p.m. at The Nature Place, join the Coulee Region Harm Reduction Collaborative in recognizing Overdose Awareness Month. 

New Local Gov't Resource

My name is Tony Ayala. I’m a La Crosse resident, a member of the Grandview-Emerson Neighborhood Association and District 4, and the co-creator and co-host of Before Council - Before Council Podcast on Spotify

At its core, we simply want a more informed and engaged public. I’m learning more about how our city works right alongside our listeners, and we’re trying to create an accessible civic utility for anyone who wants to do the same.

As part of our newest series, Before Council Presents: One Question, three Common Council members joined me for individual, long-form conversations about the proposed City Administrator charter ordinance and how they are approaching this decision:

Gary Padesky — District 1 - Padesky on One Question

Erin Goggin — District 2 - Goggin on One Question

Lisa Weston — District 12 - Weston on One Question

We’re excited about where this is headed and grateful for the opportunity to contribute in our own small way to a more informed and engaged La Crosse.

The larger goal is civic participation.

Before Council does not tell residents whether they should support or oppose an issue. Instead, the project seeks to provide enough context for residents to form their own questions and opinions and, when they choose, communicate those perspectives directly to their elected representatives.

Ayala approaches the project not as a political expert, but as a La Crosse resident learning more about his city week by week.

“If I’m trying to understand how our city works, I know I’m probably not the only one,” Ayala said. “The idea is to ask questions, learn alongside our listeners and make some of these processes a little easier to follow. You don’t have to become an expert on city government. You just have to be curious enough to start paying attention.”

With the August Common Council cycle underway, residents can use Before Council, the Meeting Companions and One Question conversations to learn more about the issues moving through City Hall and the people responsible for making those decisions.

Stay curious. Stay informed. Stay involved.

Know Before the Vote.

Media / Community Contact:
Tony Ayala
Co-Creator & Co-Host, Before Council
tony@justgoodfight.com

Saving the Driftless

From Wisconsin Conservation Voters:

In late 2025, residents of Grant County learned a $1 billion data center was being quietly planned near Cassville, a process conducted behind signed NDAs and zoning meetings with zero public comment.

 

Across Wisconsin, tech giants are eyeing rural communities to build massive, energy- and water-hungry facilities. But local residents are rising up to defend the Driftless Area’s unique landscape.

 

As local resident Pete Moris put it: “These are decisions that will impact our area for generations to come. We are stewards here for a short time, and I do not want to be the generation that screws this up.”

 

▶️ WATCH THE PREMIERE: Saving the Driftless Area on YouTube

 

The real cost of Big Tech’s invasion:

• Massive cooling demand uses tremendous amounts of water.
• 
  
• Shifting energy costs onto local families. As opponent Melodie Betts shared, “People cannot afford to pay for extra electricity… People can’t even afford the extra 20 or 30 dollars of gas in their gas tank.”
• 
  
• Developers use NDAs and secretive meetings to shut down community input.

“Our quality of life is way more valuable than any promises a data center developer is going to bring,” Moris said. “Putting people ahead of profits is what we’re seeing resonate with folks.”

 

Can a rural community stop Big Tech from reshaping Southwestern Wisconsin?

 

Watch the 10-minute video on YouTube, leave a comment, and share it with friends to help spread the word.

Donate

 

Passing along this opportunity to donate blood in the middle of a shortage. 

Help Onalaska High School student Saanvi Muduganti, founder, YouthGenHealth, with her Red Crosse Blood Drive on Friday, August 14 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Onalaska OmniCenter. Sign up online OR call Saanvi to schedule a time - 608-385-1971.

City budget, forums, administrator

The city's Capital Improvement budget for 2027 is being finalized over the next few months. It's on the agenda tonight at 6 p.m. at the Finance and Personnel committee. Public cUsually, the budget is pretty much finalized before official public budget comment is scheduled later in fall.

You can see what the plans are for spending, borrowing, and projects that might affect your neighborhood by following the budget process earlier in the year. 

###

The Mayor and Council members continue hosting district forums to hear about your concerns, ideas, and challenges. You don't have to live in a district to attend its forum. August forums will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the following locations:

August 11 at the Public Library from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

August 17 at the Unitarian Univetsalist Church, 401 West Ave. S. from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

August 25 at The Moose Lodge on Ward Avenue from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

###

The La Crosse Chamber of Commerce, a member of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, which has a history of campaign spending, through its Issues Council, to support far right candidates and anti-democratic, anti-worker, anti-environmental bills in the state legislature, is hosting a program about the proposed city administrator on Monday, August 11 at 8:30 a.m. at Viterbo. It's being noticed as a public meeting because council members have been invited to attend and a quorum of the council may be present. It is not known whether this event is open to the public.

Monday, August 10, 2026 8:30 AM

Council Attendance City Administrator Information Session 

Notice is hereby given that City of La Crosse Common Council Members have been invited to attend a City Administrator Informational Session hosted by the La Crosse Area Chamber on August 10, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. located at Viterbo University School of Nursing.

This attendance serves to gather information on matters within the Council's purview, in accordance with Wisconsin's Open Meetings Law. Notice is further given that members of other governmental bodies may be present at the above scheduled meeting to gather information about a subject over which they have decision-making responsibility.

Voter Protection

From Wisconsin ACLU:

As the Tuesday, August 11, Primary approaches and early voting begins, we need your help to protect our already safe and secure elections.

For many years, the ACLU of Wisconsin has been engaged in Election Protection efforts alongside a broad coalition of nonpartisan organizations across the state. Election Protection is staffed by lawyers who monitor the hotline, address systemic issues affecting access to the polls, and – when necessary – seek relief for voters in the courts.

As you head to the polls, here are some things you can look for and report back to the Election Protection hotline:

• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliance: ensuring accessibility of polling places, including curbside voting, and signage
• ANY instances of voter intimidation
• Challenges to a voter's eligibility to cast a ballot
• Any act or version of a citizenship check
• Ensuring language access and the use of an assistant for language assistance if needed
• Extremely long lines that are over 2 hours
• Unexpected or planned poll closures (late openings, outages, etc.)
• Any ballot shortage issues, similar to running out of ballots
• Voter ID issues – including students, address, or residency issues

If you need assistance on Election Day or witness issues at the polls, such as voter intimidation or other barriers to access, please contact Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE. We're ready to protect voters' rights and ensure this election runs smoothly!

Additional language options are also available:

• English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
• Spanish/English: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
• Asian languages/English: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
• Arabic/English: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)

As you know, polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Election Day and during early voting. If you see any of the above issues, you can help us safeguard the election by contacting the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

Thanks for helping keep elections free and fair.

Ryan Cox
Legal Director, ACLU of Wisconsin

Hang With Hong

 

Wednesday, August 5 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Pearl Street Books

 Meet & Greet with gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong. Ask questions and have a real conversation about top issues.

RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/francescahongforwisconsin/event/1002832/

Hiroshima and Nagasaki - 81 years later

From Physicians for Social Responsibility:

On Wednesday, August 5 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Central, Hiroshima members of May Peace Prevail On Earth International invite you to a live broadcast from Hiroshima Peace Park to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the atomic bomb which fell on the city. 

The Global Silent Minute will be observed to mark the exact moment the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima as we join the citizens of Japan who stop for one minute of silence to offer prayers for everlasting peace and a world without nuclear weapons. The live broadcast will feature a World Peace Prayer Flag Ceremony  offered at ground zero in front of the atomic bomb dome as prayers for peace to prevail will be offered to honor every world nation. Fumi Johns Stewart, Master of Ceremonies will introduce special guests including Kathleen and Sarah Burkinshaw, second and third generation Hibakusha atomic bomb survivors, Monica Willard from Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons, Dot Maver – Global Silent Minute, Kristin Hoffmann singer songwriter who will close the program along with music and sacred temple dancing. 

###

 

On August 7 at 11 a.m. Central, Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons will host a virtual screening of the film "Remembering and Reflecting on History: The Missing Pages of History."  

 

Learn more and get the Zoom link here: https://psr.org/event/nuclear-prayer-day-remembering-and-reflecting-on-history/ 

 

### 
 

On August 27 at 7 p.m. Central, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will host an online program featuring atomic bomb survivor testimony. 

"This event is co-hosted by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and moderated by Naomi Satoh. We will be joined by Ms. Teruko Yahata, who will share her story. If you plan to attend this event, I ask that you take the time to complete the short RSVP Google Form (linked below).

"This event is an online opportunity (for those located outside of Japan) to hear a first-hand testimony from a survivor of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in World War II. This event serves as an opportunity to learn, listen, and better understand the experiences of A-bomb survivors. There will be a 40-minute talk from an A-bomb survivor and 15 minutes following for a question and answer session."

Learn more here:  https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/6457/33554651

ACLU Legislative Recap

 From Wisconsin ACLU:

LEGISLATIVE RECAP Wednesday, Aug. 5 6:30 p.m.

Join us on Wednesday, August 5th at 6:30pm for a virtual webinar for a recap of the 2025-26 Wisconsin Legislative Session!  

 

This past session, we saw repeated efforts to restrict speech and privacy, target LGBTQ+ people, and increase involvement in federal immigration enforcement But we also secured meaningful victories, including protections for DACA recipients, an extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage, codification of Indigenous students' rights, and the defeat of dozens of harmful proposals. 

 

Whether you want to know which major policies made it across the finish line or learn about the defensive battles fought at the Capitol on issues impacting our civil rights and liberties, we'll give you the essential context and takeaways you need before the 2027-28 Session begins in January. Click here to register.

Saturday - Community Cupboard

 

August 8 from 10 to noon at Christ Episcopal Church (across from the library)

COMMUNITY CUPBOARD

Free necessities for anyone who needs them. Every second Saturday.

Email CommunityCupboard@proton.me with questions

Vs. Goliath: Appalachia

Join the Sierra Club for a virtual film screening of the new documentary Vs. Goliath: Appalachia on Tuesday, August 4 at 7 p.m.

Deep in the hollows of the Appalachian Mountains, the construction of a fracked gas pipeline rips through mountaintops, forests, and streams, bearing down on rural communities across Appalachia. Russell, an Army veteran who once swore an oath to protect and serve his country, now finds his home, waters, and forests under threat. He enlists in the battle to defend his community.

Russell joins forces with people along the pipeline route, including Georgia, an apple farmer in Virginia; Maury, a retired schoolteacher in West Virginia; and Crystal and Jason, Indigenous community leaders in North Carolina. Together, they form a movement that faces numerous setbacks as they take on the multibillion-dollar corporations behind the pipeline. When one of the nation’s most powerful politicians intervenes, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown.

After we watch the film, stay for a live Q&A where we'll be taking questions via the chat feature.

Register for the link here: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?id=701Po00001xUrNoIAK&formcampaignid=701Po00001xVZewIAG

Bills are Too Damn High

Reposting from 7/21

From Wisconsin Conservation Voters (and others):

July 31, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at The Root Note 

OUR BILLS ARE TOO DAMN HIGH!

a FREE advocacy concert hosted by Wisconsin Conservation Voters, Opportunity Wisconsin, For Our Future Wisconsin, and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.

We are building power and community around affordability and congressional accountability. Come listen to Luke Callen, Voulouse, and Humbird play at the Root Note on Friday, July 31!

Berge Fundraiser Aug. 3

 

WEIGH IN AUGUST 5!

A behind-the-paywall article in today's La Crosse Tribune describes the sudden renewal of efforts to add a $280,000/year city administrator to La Crosse's hierarchy. (Sometimes, a pay walled  article that has been archived at https://archive.is is available to read.) You can read newspapers at the public library.

The article notes that, "The Aug. 5 Judiciary & Administration committee will be the first public deliberation of the idea since February, when the resolution narrowly failed to secure a council supermajority. In that time, council members’ positions appear to have shifted significantly — and in all directions.

"Of the six council members who voted “no” in February, two have signaled cautious support, two said they were staunchly opposed and two were unwilling to reveal their current position."

Proponents say an administrator will save money but offer no proof. 

The position would add to the large personnel budget of a city with a budget deficit that is already not funding prior commitments like the Climate Action Plan. We have lost two libraries and a public swimming pool in just the last year. Our parks are underfunded and fees and utility costs are rising. While supporters say it will not diminish the role of the elected mayor, this powerfil, new, unelected person would assume mayor-like duties and report to the council. (Read the legislation below or at the legistar link).

The only opportunity to speak on this before a few council members is the Judiciary and Administration Committee on August 5 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers. (A data center moratorium is also on the agenda #26-0749 as well as the amended Bike-Ped Master Plan #26-0703) There are no opportunities for public input at meetings of the full council except by a special council vote.

There is also a District 12 Forum tonight at 6 p.m. at Central High School where CM Lisa Weston and the Mayor will be present.

People can contact the council members using an an online form and also email the city clerk and the Mayor (reference agenda item 26-0741). You can read the legislation and accompanying documents here: https://cityoflacrosse.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8140160&GUID=652A47C6-6752-4F09-8935-A78BAB40F26F&Options=&Search=