June Updates

If you are interested in helping plan the August 4 National Night Out event in cooperation with Good Shepherd Church, we are meeting at 5:30 on Friday. We've done this before, so it shouldn't be a long meeting. Please email or call for details.

On Friday, June 12, you can Bike with the Mayor from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the City Hall parking lot. If you don't have a bike, you can use a Drift Cycle Bike Share or rent a bike from UWL's Outdoor Connection or Wrench & Roll. Get more information and register at https://tinyurl.com/BikeWithLaXMayor61226

The Mayor is co-hosting district forums with council members in their respective districts. Learn more here: https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/News-articles/Mayor-News/Mayor-and-City-Council-Will-Host-District-Forums-to-Reconnect-with-La-Crosse-Residents

• District 11: Tuesday, August 25 from 6 to 7:30 at the Moose Hall on Ward Avenue

• District 12: Thursday, July 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Central High School.
• District 13: Friday, June 12 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Independent Living Resources, 4439 Mormon Coulee Road (the entrance is east of Mormon Coulee Road off o Broadview Place – look for the ILR sign).

The City continues offering public info sessions on the zoning updates. See https://forwardlacrosse.org for more details. Upcoming opportunities:

• June 8 (tonight!) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, 401 West Ave. S. (accessible via #2 and Circulator 2 buses) 

• June 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, Main & Losey (accessible via #4 bus) 
• June 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 6th St. S. (accessible via #1 and Circulator 2 buses) 

The City's Juneteenth Celebration will be on Saturday, June 20 at Riverside Park from noon to 8 p.m. They are still seeking volunteers to help with set up, events, and clean up. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CA9A92DA3F8C34-62812119-copy#/ and learn more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083568422627

Riverfest this year will be July 1-4 at Riverside Park. Learn more here: https://www.riverfestlacrosse.com/

GROW La Crosse is seeking a few volunteers to help keep the Hintgen school garden weeded and watered over the summer. If you can spare a few hours to help, sign up here: https://growlacrosse.org/volunteer-2/

And, we received an email about a new way to find out what's going on in city government:

Hello Neighborhood Association Leaders,

My name is Tony Ayala, a La Crosse resident, and I wanted to introduce Before Council, a new independent civic education project.

Before Council is a monthly podcast that reviews the Judiciary & Administration (J&A) and Finance & Personnel (F&P) Committee meetings and helps residents better understand issues before they reach the Common Council.

The project is part of Open Session, an ongoing effort to help residents better understand how local government works and how they can engage in the process.

Former Common Council Member Mac Kiel and I recently released our first episode of Before Council, where we discuss committee agenda items, city process, and upcoming Council business in plain language. We hope it becomes a useful resource for residents who want to better understand how local government works but may not have the time to read every packet or watch every meeting.

You can learn more here:

Website: https://www.justgoodfight.com/before-council

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opensessionpod

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LgtCQ5fRWrFAYqd3qyTv3

Updated updates!

Zoning info sessions continue with a few coming up soon! See info from ForwardLaCrosse below.

Also on Thursday from 5 to 6:30 there will be a bike-themed neighborhood night at Huber neighborhood (Gladys Street) which is home to many Hintgen school children. Flyer attached. 

Did you know you can schedule 15 minutes to meet one-on-one with our Mayor? Times are available for June 10. Schedule your time here: https://outlook.office365.com/book/Book-CityofLaCrosseMayor@cityoflacrosse.org/?ismsaljsauthenabled  (choose month = JUNE).

If anyone would like to get together every other week to spruce up Highland Park, please email HintgenNA@gmail.com. We have some herbs for the planters which we'll put in this weekend. We're still working on the case of the stolen water fountain!

Would anyone like to help set up a neighborhood event in early summer and/or plan the August 4 National Night Out event? Please email us if yes.

 

===

 

Zoning Update Info Sessions (all start at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted) 

May 19: Cappella Center, 8th & King

May 26: Fier Station #4, 920 Gillette Street

June 8: Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, 401 West Ave. S 

June 22: First Congregational Church, Main and Losey

June 23: Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 6th St, 6:30 p.m. start

April/May updates

 

Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Sustainability Institute and others will host the La Crosse Earth Fair at Myrick Park. You can learn more here. The MTU Route 4 which goes through our neighborhood, past Hintgen School, up 28th to Haas, along Hass to Losey, and north on Losey, will be free tomorrow and has slightly stretched its route to drop and pick up right at Myrick. https://www.sustaininstitute.com/earthfairlacrosse

On Monday, April 27, the public is invited to a joint Common Council-City Planning Commission Workshop on the zoning code update from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Black River Beach Neighborhood Center on Rose Street. There will be more public information events coming up in the next few months, too. Learn more here: https://forwardlacrosse.org/events/zoning-code-update-joint-common-council-city-plan-commission-workshop-april-27-2026/

The City is encouraging residents to participate in Grow Green, formerly known as No Mow May. Refocusing No Mow May to Grow Green expands upon the once month-long program, which originally took place during the month of May, to a season-long program beginning in April. Doing so encourages the implementation of sustainable lawncare and landscape practices all season long. You can learn more and sign up (optional) at https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/Your-Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation-Forestry/Parks/Natural-Resources/Sustainability/Grow-Green-Spring

The City will also be hosting Housing Week events from May 3 through 9.  From the website: "La Crosse Housing Week partners, hosts, and sponsors have created a week’s worth of events to boost involvement in local housing issues and zoning reform. We aim to connect participants to the information, tools, and resources they need to participate in decision-making processes in their community. We especially strive to reach people who are excluded from or do not have access to participation in public policy development." Find the schedule of events and sign up to participate at https://lacrossehousingweek.org/. 

Two community gardens offer the chance to garden and help others. GROW La Crosse manages the Hintgen Urban Garden (HUG) and they are always looking for volunteers to help maintain the garden over the summer. Learn how to help here: https://growlacrosse.org/volunteer-2/ There is also a community victory garden hosted by Aptiv, 3000 South Avenue. Volunteer gardeners grow produce for anyone who needs it. The group gardening time is Fridays at 8 a.m., but anyone can go whenever they like. Learn more at https://laxvictorygardens.blogspot.com/.

February updates

 

Please join us on Monday, February 16 for a Meet and Greet with our elected leaders and neighbors from Districts 11, 12, and 13. We'll be at the Moose Lodget #1920, 1932 Ward Avenue from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to everyond. Food will be available to purchase from the Moose Lodge. Please help spread the word!

Other events of interest:

February 4, MTU fares will be free all day for Transit Equity Day, and there is an Open House at the Grand River Station Transit Center, 314 Jay Street from 4 to 7 p.m. Learn more about public transit and its many benefits, have some refreshments, win a prize! Free and open to all! https://tinyurl.com/TEDLaCrosse-2026

Also on Wednesday, February 4, Citizen Action Driftless Cooperative is hosting a Health Care Town Hall from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Black River Beach Center. Everyone is welcome. More information is here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/C95qAAii9Uy7CqO_4yrx_w2

Normally, there would be a primary election on Tuesday, February 17, but this year, there is no need for a primary, according to the City Clerk's office. The spring election will be on April 7.

The City of La Crosse is recruiting citizens for city boards and committees. Immediate openings exist on the Arts Board, Flood Plain Advisory Committee, and Building and Housing Committee. Learn more about it at https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/Home/Components/News/News/1862/16

The Mayor is offering the chance for people to meet with him, one-to-one, for 15 minutes. Check out how to schedule a time at https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/Home/Components/News/News/2571/16

Please email HintgenNA@gmail.com if you would like to help plan our late spring/early summer neighborhood event!

November updates

 

Just a brief update for November.

The city's zoning update will be the topic of three upcoming meetings. Please attend one if you can:\

• TONIGHT! November 10 from 6 to 7:30 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 401 West Ave. S.

• November 17 from 6 to 7:30 at the 5th Ward Community Center, 1221 Hagar St

• November 24 from 6 to 7:30 at the First Congregational Church, Losey & Main

Learn more about the plan and the process here: https://forwardlacrosse.org

There are some public input meetings coming up.

• Monday, November 10 at 5 p.m. (register before 5 to speak) – Annual County Board Meeting and Public Hearing on the budget. Comments may be emailed to CountyBoardSupervisors@LaCrosseCounty.org.

• Tuesday, November 11 at 5 p.m. (register before) – Library Board budget meeting.. If you wish to speak, you must sign up at the library or by calling 608-789-7167 before the meeting. You may email comments to dwacek@lacrosselibrary.org.

• Monday, November 17 at 6 p.m. (arrive by or before 5:45 to sign in to speak) – City of La Crosse Annual Operating Budget meeting. Agenda is not yet available. Comments may be emailed to zzcouncilmembers@cityoflacrosse.org.

Leaf collection will continue through November 27, though the city encourages those who can to leave leaves on the ground. Their “Leaf It” initiative encourages mulching, not raking, to improve soil quality and reduce carbon emissions. Leaf drop off points closest to us: SW corner of Bennett St & 16th St S (Trane parking lot) and Shelby Ball Field Parking lot off of 33rd St

Our Highland Park water fountain was removed this summer and we are working to get it back. 

If you would like to help plan neighborhood events in 2026, please let us know!

October updates

 The City Administrator Working Group is hosting public input sessions

• Monday, October 6 at Nature Place (Marshview Room) in Myrick Park at 6 p.m. (not bus accessible)

• Wednesday, October 8  ONLINE (Zoom) at noon and 6 p.m. Find the links to join at the Working Group's page: https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/city-council/city-administrator-working-group

• Tuesday, October 14 at the Hmong Cultural & Community Center (Ward & South Ave) at noon and 6 p.m. (accessible by MTU) 

City Zoning Code Update Public Meetings will be on October 29 from noon to 2 at the Black River Beach Center and from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Southside Neighborhood Center. View the draft and more details about the process here: https://forwardlacrosse.org/ Both venues are accessible by MTU

There will be a Veterans Benefits Check-Up hosted by La Crosse County Veterans' Services on Thursday, October 9 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Holmen Community Center and on Saturday, October 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Onalaska American Legion. (You can get to both with MTU to DriftLink Shared Ride Taxi)  Learn about VA benefits and healthcare and visit with veteran-focused vendors. Veterans' Dental Treatment Planning Appointments are available through the Veterans' Dental Clinic on October 20 and November 3. You must sign up for an appointment. Treatment will be on November 10. Find more info and sign up links here: https://lacrossecounty.org/veterans

Indigenous People's Day is on Monday, October 13. https://www.uwlax.edu/events/?e=32920

• Myrick Park (not accessible by MTU) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - sports, speakers, activities, guided hikes, vendors and more

• UW-La Crosse (accessible by MTU) from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., more activities and speakers, guided hike, music, dance, and a keynote talk at 7:30 p.m. by Amy Lonetree, historian and enrolled citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation

Beyond the Bridge: A solution to homelessness film screening is on Tuesday, October 14 at 6 p.m. at the Weber Center. (not accessible by MTU) The event is free but tickets are required. Learn more here: https://www.lacrosselibrary.org/event/documentary-beyond-bridge-solution-homelessness-43814

A Fair Maps Community Hearing hosted by the League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area will be held on Tuesday, October 14 at 6 p.m. at Viterbo Nursing School Room 195. (accessible by MTU)  Learn more here: https://lwvlacrosse.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=484247&item_id=2727887

October is Pedestrian Safety Month and October 15 is White Cane Safety Day – White Cane Safety Day reminds us to follow the laws and policies put in place to make walking safer for the 31 percent of Wisconsinites who are non-drivers. We have had some unfortunate crashes causing pedestrian injuries recently in our neighborhood and our community. Last year, our neighborhood had tried advocating – again – for traffic calming and signs at some intersections with no success. We may try again. Learn more about pedestrian safety month at https://wcblind.org/events/pedestrian-safety-month-and-white-cane-safety-day/

Disability Pride Fest, an event by, about, and for those with disabilities and their friends and families, will be on Saturday, October 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Logan High School. The event features information, vendors, speakers, sports, activities, and networking. Learn more at https://www.disabilityactionnetwork.com/disabilitypridefest

There are several openings on various city committees, including the Building & Housing Appeals Board (Construction Industry Worker and a Registered Architect/Professional Engineer, must be resident), Housing Authority (Resident Tenant, must be a resident), Room Tax Commission (non-resident accepted), Flood Plain Advisory Committee, Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee , Neighborhood Revitalization Commission, Police and Fire Commission,, and Redevelopment Authority. For more information about each committee, visit City of La Crosse, Wisconsin - Boards, Commissions, Committees (legistar.com)

On September 24, the Park & Rec Department hosted a Fall Sustainability – Leaf It! event at Myrick Park, encouraging residents to mulch leaves in place in order to feed the ground and promote soil health. You can learn more and register here: https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/parks-recreation-forestry/sustainability/fall If you do have to rake, leaf collection begins October 27 and run until November 21, with crews attempting one collection per week (click here to view our online map ). Put your leaves ON THE BOULEVARD (not in the street) within three feet of the curb. Please don't park in front of leaf piles. Make sure there's no brush or branches mixed with the leaves. There will also be Leaf drop-off sites open October 24.

The city will be flushing fire hydrants in October, including all dead-end mains in south La Crosse. Flushing will begin at about 7 a.m. on October 15.

The Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit (SMRT) bus service has routes that go from La Crosse to Tomah, La Crosse to Viroqua, and La Crosse to Prairie du Chien. Since 2012 it has served commuters, students, non-drivers, patients, youth, families, and tourists, providing affordable connections to rural areas and services, schools, workplaces, shops, restaurants, and the Amtrak station in La Crosse. The La Crosse county administrator proposes ending the service on December 31 or this year. If you would like to learn more about the issue and how you can provide your opinion to decision-makers, please see La Crosse Area Transit Advocates.

More updates

 

The city is hosting a program on Wednesday at the Myrick Park Main Shelter at 4:15 p.m. Learn about its Leaf It fall sustainability initiative. “Join us for a free fall workshop focused on low-effort, high impact lawn care this fall season. We will discuss how easy it is to mulch your leaves, the benefits mulching provides, and answer all of your leaf compost questions! And, yard signs **while supply lasts** Our partners at Habitat for Humanity La Crosse and La Crosse Area Waters will be present sharing their expertise and guidance on fall lawn care practices! . The program starts at 4:15 p.m. and is FREE. Kids are welcome to attend, too. Read more about it at https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/parks-recreation-forestry/programs-activities/adult-recreation/adult-enrichment-programs

The City Administrator Working Group has scheduled a number of in-person and virtual public information sessions about the proposed City Administrator position (see https://cityoflacrosse.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?m=l&id=19820) Thanks to CM Weston for forwarding the info.

• Sept. 30 at noon and at 6 p.m. at the Black River Beach Neighborhood Center

• October 6 at noon and at 6 p.m. at The Nature Place, Myrick Park

• October 8 at noon and at 6 p.m. online (I'm not sure how to request access)

• October 14 at noon and at 6 p.m. at the Hmong Cultural & Community Center

The city's zoning code update is moving ahead. They are sharing what they have so far and will soon have more public input sessions. You can see the updates and reports on the first round of public engagement and sign up for updates at https://forwardlacrosse.org/

Starting Sunday, September 28 and through Sunday, October 5, almost 20 organizations, businesses, and agencies in the La Crosse area will host WEEK WITHOUT DRIVING, a national event to highlight the challenges non-drivers have in our car-centric world and to encourage us to consider how investing in more transportation options can improve access for everyone. You are invited to sign up for the WWD experience at https://weekwithoutdriving.org/join OR to participate in local events and activities, including speakers, a film and discussion at the library, group bike and bus rides, social gatherings, and more. All programs are FREE. A flyer is attached and more details are at https://tinyurl.com/WWDLaCrosse

On Wednesday, October 2, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will hold a public engagement session from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Nature Place in Myrick Park focused on the Highway 16 Corridor Study. Learn more about the project and how to provide comments online and by mail at https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/sw/533516-lacrosse/wis16-pi.aspx