Align Wisconsin presentation: Racine needs targeted recruiting and workforce intermediaries to close long-term unemployment gap Jeff Neubauer of Align Wisconsin told the council the city has been above the state unemployment rate for decades and estimated that roughly 441–467 more residents in targeted central tracts need jobs to reach parity; he urged the city to fund a recruiter and partner employers, schools and training providers.

Racine's unemployment gap has persisted for over three decades, and targeted intervention is crucial to connect hundreds of residents with job opportunities.

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Racine council unanimously adopts ordinance targeting spectators at illegal traffic events The Racine Common Council on Nov. 4 unanimously adopted Ordinance 0012-25, aimed at curbing “street takeovers” and related spectating. Sponsors said the measure, modeled on Milwaukee’s law, gives police additional enforcement tools; the vote was 13-0.

Racine's Common Council just took a bold step to combat dangerous street takeovers by unanimously passing a new ordinance that empowers law enforcement to crack down on illegal traffic events!

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Racine Common Council adopts 2026 city budget after debate over $4.5 million levy increase The Racine Common Council approved the proposed 2026 City of Racine budget, 8–5, after a public debate about a $4.5 million increase in the property tax levy, higher debt service and the role of TIFs in overall tax burdens.

The Racine Common Council's approval of the 2026 city budget sparked fierce debate over a staggering $4.5 million property tax increase that could impact residents' wallets.

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Racine resident urges mayor, police chief to share plan after recent shootings During public comment at the Nov. 6 special Common Council session, resident Keith Fair described recent shootings and two murders in the city and asked city leaders to provide a public roadmap and more transparency about steps to stop the violence.

After a week of shocking gun violence in Racine, a concerned resident demands transparency and a safety roadmap from city leaders to help restore community trust.

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Council Reviews Sweeping Property Maintenance Code Overhaul, Including Vacant-Building Registration A proposed update to Racines property maintenance code would consolidate multiple housing- and nuisance-related provisions, adopt an international property maintenance code template, and require registration and upkeep standards for vacant buildings. Council members and staff discussed enforcement, inspection timing and fees.

Racine is set to overhaul its property maintenance code, introducing new standards and fees for vacant buildings that could reshape neighborhood safety and investment.

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Council Considers New Rules for Adult Family Homes; Proposal Would Require Certificates, Create Review Process Council reviewed two related ordinances that would require adult family homes to obtain certificates of occupancy, add spacing rules and create a complaint-driven review process. Supporters said the change would give neighborhoods more oversight; some council members asked for more time to consult stakeholders.

Racine's City Council is set to vote on new ordinances that could reshape adult family home regulations, addressing community concerns while balancing federal disability protections.

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Residents and Advocates Ask Racine to Add Municipal ID; Council Debates Implementation Details Community organizers and residents urged the Common Council to adopt a municipal identification program during the budget hearing. Advocates said municipal IDs help immigrants and other residents access services; aldermen pressed for rules about verification, data security and scope.

Racine residents are rallying for a municipal ID program that could be a game-changer for access to vital services—will the Common Council listen?

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#RacineRacineCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #DataPrivacy #RacineMunicipalID #AccessToServices #CommunityInclusion

Residents Urge Continued Funding for Racines Violence Intervention Work; Council Preserves Department Funding Dozens of residents urged the Common Council to fund the Department of Community Safetys community violence intervention work during a public hearing on Oct. 30. After lengthy discussion of budget items and ordinances, the council amended local rules so city funds may cover any grant shortfall for the department and approved that change.

Racine residents rallied to protect vital funding for community-based violence intervention programs, showcasing a remarkable 52% decrease in gunfire and a growing network of support for at-risk individuals.

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Racine Fire Department shifts EMS costs into separate budget for 2026; council asks for detail Fire Chief said EMS supplies, wages and training were moved into a separate EMS budget for 2026, explaining a large increase in EMS line items and corresponding decrease in fire suppression lines; council asked how fee schedule changes and lift-fee revisions affect billing and calls.

Racine's Fire Chief reveals a major budget shift, separating EMS costs from fire suppression, sparking questions about the impact on ambulance services and billing!

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Racine proposes 'white-glove' approach to increase private sump-pump installs as part of inflow and infiltration plan DPW officials said the city will add a customer-service position to help residents complete sump-pump rebates and installations after low take-up from self-service approach; the city hopes a more hands-on 'cradle-to-grave' process will accelerate inflow-and-infiltration reduction goals required by the wastewater commission.

Racine is launching a "white-glove" program to boost sump-pump installations after a disappointing response to its previous approach, aiming to streamline the process for homeowners.

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#RacineRacineCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #WastewaterManagement #InfrastructureImprovement

Racine police outline steady call volume, questions remain on overtime and enforcement funding Police Chief told council the department averages about 148 calls per day (roughly 55,000 per year) and has seen an 8% increase over two years; aldermen pressed for detail on overtime, salary lines, CSO funding and new technology costs.

Racine's police department is facing an increasing call volume and budget scrutiny, sparking crucial discussions about overtime and enforcement funding.

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Racine’s new Community Safety department seeks levy support while awaiting federal and state grants Director Tate described the new Department of Community Safety’s core work and said the administration included three positions on the levy because federal grant timing is uncertain; councilors pressed on contingency funding, professional development, and how the department coordinates with county and hospital-based programs.

Racine's new Community Safety director reveals the urgent need for levy support as the department navigates the uncertainty of federal grants while striving to prevent violence in the community.

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Racine begins 2026 budget review; council debates suspending rules before department presentations Committee of the Whole opened a multi-day review of the 2026 city budget on Oct. 22, 2026, with department heads presenting five-minute overviews. Councilmembers debated a motion to suspend the pre-set question-and-answer schedule; a roll-call produced six ayes and six noes, and the meeting proceeded with department presentations and a scheduled Q

Racine's city council is diving into its 2026 budget review, sparking a heated debate over procedural rules that could shape the future of public safety and infrastructure.

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Council approves 2026–27 transit contract with Caledonia and Mount Pleasant and authorizes grant applications The Common Council authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign the 2026–27 contract for Racine transit service in the villages of Caledonia and Mount Pleasant, approving projected revenues of $650,000 in 2026 and $703,750 in 2027, and granted permission to apply for 2026 public transit assistance grants from the Wisconsin Department of Transport.

Racine's Common Council has just approved a groundbreaking transit contract that promises $1.35 million in revenue while expanding services to neighboring villages!

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#RacineRacineCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #GrantFunding #RacineTransit #CommunityMobility #PublicTransit

Racine finance director presents proposed 2026 budget, warns of structural deficit and heavy retiree-health obligation Finance Director Kathleen Fisher presented a proposed 2026 city budget totaling just under $276 million, highlighting a $236 million OPEB liability, $73 million in net new construction, use of $4.5 million in reserves to balance the general fund and plans for a possible $30–$35 million public safety bond.

Racine's proposed 2026 budget of nearly $276 million comes with a historic $73 million in new construction but reveals a looming structural deficit and hefty retiree health liabilities.

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Racine Department of Violence Prevention Initiates Public Health Approach to Community Safety Racine's new violence prevention strategies focus on collaboration and community-informed interventions.

Racine is pioneering a groundbreaking public health initiative that treats violence like a disease, aiming to unite the community in tackling its root causes.

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Community Events Announced Including Gun Violence Awareness and Juneteenth Celebrations City leaders share updates on upcoming community events and acknowledge local residents.

The Racine Common Council is rallying the community with heartfelt tributes, vital events for awareness, and exciting celebrations throughout June!

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#RacineRacineCounty #WI #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #GunViolenceAwareness #RacineCommunity

Racine honors history as Mound Cemetery fountain falls into disrepair Community voices concern over the non-operable fountain at Mound Cemetery's memorial site.

A heartfelt plea echoed through Racine's city hall as a community member urged the council to remember the silent stories of Mound Cemetery, where a neglected fountain stands as a poignant symbol of our shared history.

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Racine City Council elects new leaders Maurice Wharton and Marlo Harmon City Council votes Maurice Wharton as president and Marlo Harmon as vice president.

Racine's Common Council has elected Maurice Wharton as president and Marlo Harmon as vice president, setting the stage for a new era of inclusive governance.

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Speaker lineup adjusted as Chris delays arrival at Chatham Street meeting Meeting agenda shift occurs as speaker Chris arrives late, next speaker is Michael Schrader.

The Racine Common Council showcased their adaptability by reshuffling the speaker lineup after a late arrival, ensuring that every voice is heard in the ongoing community discussion.

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Council debates process to fill aldermanic vacancy after Alder Jones' passing Council discusses whether current or incoming members should fill aldermanic vacancy

The Racine Council is at a crossroads as they debate who should fill the vacant aldermanic seat left by Alder Jones—will they choose experience or give the new council a fresh start?

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Racine City Council approves downtown community police house to enhance public safety City leaders aim to improve safety and aid the homeless with new downtown police house.

Racine's Common Council is launching a groundbreaking Community Officer Program house downtown to tackle safety concerns and support the homeless—will this new initiative reshape community policing?

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