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11 hours ago

Planning commission recommends Creamery at Cedar GDP to council, flags parking and floodplain concerns The commission voted to forward a general development plan for the Creamery at Cedar — a proposed three-story, mixed-use taproom, event center and short-term rentals — to city council with staff conditions; commissioners and residents raised parking and flooding concerns and staff said parking agreements must be recorded in the SIP.

River Falls is one step closer to a vibrant new mixed-use development along the river, but concerns over parking and flooding loom large as the city council prepares to weigh in.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #ParkingSolutions #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #FloodplainManagement

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1 month ago

River Falls council approves broad zoning package aimed at housing flexibility; driveway-width item tabled On Feb. 24 the River Falls City Council approved multiple Title 17 zoning amendments addressing accessory dwelling units, multifamily standards, parking and shade-structure rules after second readings; the driveway-width ordinance was tabled to allow further planning commission review.

River Falls City Council just approved sweeping zoning changes aimed at boosting housing diversity and affordability, but not everyone is on board—what's at stake?

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityDiversity

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1 month ago

River Falls staff propose zoning overhaul to allow ADUs, shrink some lot sizes and ease multifamily rules City planners brought a package of zoning-code amendments to implement the 2023 comprehensive plan, proposing ADU standards, reduced R1 minimum lot sizes, new density rules for duplexes/triplexes, a menu-based amenity system for multifamily projects, parking revisions and wider driveway allowances.

River Falls is taking a bold step towards more accessible housing by proposing major zoning changes that could transform the way we build and live in our communities.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #RiverFallsHousing

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2 months ago

Commission forwards package of vehicle-and-traffic ordinances to council after safety briefing River Falls planning commissioners voted to forward three proposed Title 10 ordinance chapters — sidewalk bicycle restrictions, electric bicycle/scooter rules, and limits on off‑highway/utility vehicles — to city council after a safety presentation by Sergeant Denton Anderson and follow‑up drafting requests to staff and the city attorney.

River Falls is taking a stand for pedestrian safety by proposing new regulations on bicycles, electric scooters, and off-highway vehicles—are you ready for the changes?

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #TransportationRegulation #CitizenPortal #RiverFallsSafety #PublicSafety

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2 months ago

River Falls UAB endorses city's application for USDOT BUILD grant to reconstruct downtown and replace aging utilities The Utility Advisory Board voted to support the City of River Falls's USDOT BUILD grant application for a downtown reconstruction project that would replace century-old water and sewer mains, underground selected electric lines and seek up to $25 million in federal BUILD funds; staff said the preliminary project cost is about $31.8 million with ~ $9.9 million for utility work.

The Utility Advisory Board has taken a significant step towards revitalizing downtown River Falls by endorsing a $31.8 million project that aims to replace century-old water and sewer systems—potentially unlocking $25 million in federal funding.

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2 months ago

Planning commission forwards package of zoning changes to expand "missing middle" housing River Falls staff presented a six-piece package of Title 17 zoning amendments designed to implement the comprehensive plan by permitting more missing-middle housing, clarifying ADU rules, and adjusting setbacks, parking and other residential standards; the commission voted to recommend the package to City Council.

River Falls is taking a bold step toward increasing housing options with a new package of zoning amendments aimed at creating more "missing middle" housing and reducing red tape for developers.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CommunityDevelopment #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing

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4 months ago

River Falls staff propose zoning overhaul to allow ADUs, reduce lot sizes and expand 'missing middle' housing City staff presented draft residential ordinance amendments that would allow accessory dwelling units on single-family lots, reduce minimum lot sizes in R1 and R2, permit triplexes in R1 on larger lots, change how setbacks are measured, and revise multifamily amenity and parking requirements; the packet will return for a recommendation in January.

Exciting changes are on the horizon for River Falls as city staff propose a zoning overhaul that could make it easier to build accessory dwelling units and expand housing options!

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CommunityDevelopment #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing

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4 months ago

River Falls council approves $66.6 million 2026 budget and $8.48 million tax levy On Nov. 11, 2025 the River Falls City Council adopted the 2026 city budget totaling $66,635,649 and a tax levy of $8,479,098. Finance Director Josh Hollinger said the package funds cash financing for a new fire station, keeps the city under state levy limits and results in a roughly $50 decrease in the average city-operations portion of the tax for

River Falls City Council has just approved a $66.6 million budget for 2026, which includes exciting plans for a new fire station and a tax levy that surprisingly cuts costs for homeowners!

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #RiverFallsCityCouncil

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4 months ago

River Falls outlines $20M Kinney River plan, new fire station and library refresh City staff previewed major capital projects including a Kinney River corridor Phase 1 (about $20 million), a new fire station (estimated $10 million) and a library renovation (initial funding >$4 million, likely ~$7.5 million total); officials also flagged a $1.4 million USDA grant and communications upgrade needs.

River Falls is gearing up for a transformative $20 million project that includes a new fire station and a refreshed library—find out how these changes will impact your community!

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

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5 months ago

WPPI Energy lays out generation replacement, transmission and contract planning Joe Daggett, CFO of WPPI Energy, told the River Falls Municipal Utility Advisory Board that the joint-action utility is planning to replace roughly 400 megawatts of generating capacity by about 2033, is preparing for rising transmission costs, and will seek member contract discussions to support long-term financing.

WPPI Energy is embarking on a massive multiyear project to replace 400 megawatts of generating capacity by 2033, all while navigating rising transmission costs and evolving energy needs.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #SustainableGrowth #RiverFallsUtilities

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7 months ago

City Council Considers Separate Initiative for Dark Sky Ordinances and Master Planning Council discusses potential dark sky approach for subdivision ordinances and downtown master planning.

River Falls City Council is exploring a bold move to integrate dark sky principles into urban planning—could this be a game changer for our community's environmental impact?

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalPlanning #RiverFallsCommunity

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7 months ago

City Council prioritizes infrastructure improvements and fills gaps in River Falls Council discusses infill of industrial parks and strategic infrastructure needs for River Falls.

River Falls City Council is setting the stage for a brighter future by prioritizing critical infrastructure improvements before pursuing new developments.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement #UrbanPlanning #CommunityDevelopment

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7 months ago

City Council Advances Downtown Master Plan with Federal Funding Goals Council focuses on downtown master plan and pursuing $30 million federal funding opportunities.

River Falls City Council is gearing up to transform downtown with a bold $30 million plan, fueled by strategic federal funding initiatives!

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #PublicSafetyServices #RiverFallsEconomicDevelopment

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7 months ago

River Falls City Staff Advances Innovation Center Expansion and Impact Fee Review Plans City staff coordinates funding for the innovation center and explores impact fee adjustments.

River Falls is taking bold steps to expand the Innovation Center and refine impact fees, paving the way for a vibrant downtown future!

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #FiscalAccountability #RiverFallsEconomicDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #CommunityInnovation

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7 months ago

Council Member Proposes Dark Sky Legislation to Enhance Downtown Plan and Improve Environment Council member suggests integrating dark sky legislation into downtown plan to reduce light pollution.

River Falls is considering dark sky legislation that could reduce light pollution and improve residents' mental health—could this be a game-changer for urban living?

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #RiverFallsEnvironment #SustainableUrbanDevelopment

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9 months ago

Wisconsin housing market struggles with demand outpacing supply amid rising construction costs Wisconsin's housing demand grows faster than supply, exacerbated by national construction cost increases.

Wisconsin's housing market is in crisis, as demand skyrockets while supply lags behind, and rising construction costs threaten to complicate the situation even further.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #DemographicShifts #HousingDemand #CitizenPortal #RiverFallsHousing

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9 months ago

City discusses home price and rent increases ahead of July 24 roadshow City officials highlight significant growth in home prices and rents since 2013.

Rising housing costs in River Falls have skyrocketed, prompting urgent discussions among city planners and residents about the future of affordable living in the community.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #RiverFallsHousing #CommunityEngagement #UrbanDevelopment

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9 months ago

River Falls reports construction costs rise with permits nearing pre-pandemic levels River Falls sees construction costs rise but permits per person approach pre-pandemic numbers.

River Falls is defying national trends with a surge in housing development, reporting a rise in building permits while keeping construction costs in check.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #RiverFallsHousing #ConstructionTrends #BuildingDevelopment

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9 months ago

St. Croix County housing study reveals urgent need for new units and workforce housing St. Croix County faces significant housing shortages and rising prices, impacting affordability.

St. Croix County is grappling with a severe housing crisis, with a staggering shortfall of over 500 units and skyrocketing prices, as local leaders race to find solutions.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #RiverFallsHousing #WorkforceDevelopment #AffordableHousing

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9 months ago

River Falls Alliance for the Homeless calls for resource inclusion from city officials Daniel Linscott urges Mayor Tolan to add homeless resources to police referrals

As River Falls faces a growing homelessness crisis, a passionate plea from Daniel Linscott reveals the urgent need for city leaders to step up and ensure no resident is left behind.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #CivicAccountability

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9 months ago

River Falls reports solid utility revenue growth and welcomes new journeyman lineman River Falls utility revenues soar as Cody Krueger graduates as journeyman lineman.

River Falls is set for new electric rates this July, with a projected average increase of 5% on residents' bills, but the utility's financial outlook remains strong!

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #RiverFallsUtilities #UtilityFinancials

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10 months ago

City Council approves $708,100 radio purchase for police and fire safety enhancements Council authorizes funds to update communication equipment for police and fire departments.

River Falls City Council has just approved a crucial $708,100 investment to upgrade emergency radio systems, ensuring first responders are equipped to keep the community safe.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal #PublicSafetyInvestment

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10 months ago

River Falls officials emphasize community engagement for federal funding success Mayor Tolan and city administrator Simpson stress collaboration in securing competitive federal grants.

River Falls is taking a bold step towards securing vital federal funding by fostering strong partnerships with Washington, D.C. officials—could this be the key to unlocking community growth?

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal

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10 months ago

City Council explores fair allocation of room tax revenue for community events Council discusses fair distribution and funding mechanisms for community event expenses

River Falls City Council is rethinking how room tax revenues are allocated to ensure fair funding for community events, balancing financial accountability with vibrant local engagement.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #FinancialAccountability #RiverFallsCommunity

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10 months ago

Council terminates Tax Increment District 5 celebrating $31.6M community impact Council ends Tax Increment District 5 after generating $19M for community development

The River Falls Common Council has officially closed the book on Tax Increment District 5, celebrating a staggering 6,670% boost in development value and over $19 million generated for community growth!

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #RiverFallsEconomicDevelopment

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10 months ago

Lake Louise drainage destroys turtle habitat ahead of World Turtle Day Lake Louise drainage traps turtles in frozen mud, sparking calls for better environmental practices.

As River Falls grapples with the haunting consequences of past environmental decisions, community leaders rally for a brighter, more sustainable future ahead of World Turtle Day.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #RiverFallsEnvironment #CommunityInvolvement

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10 months ago

River Falls swears in new fire chief Justin Wilson amid housing and community issues Justin Wilson officially takes office as River Falls fire chief while addressing local housing needs.

The River Falls Common Council meeting revealed pressing issues like housing shortages and public safety concerns, while also celebrating the swearing-in of new fire chief Justin Wilson.

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HistoricalPreservation

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11 months ago

Local Advocate discusses Junction Falls Dam and migratory bird habitat concerns Local advocate urges reconsideration of Junction Falls Dam destruction and impacts on biodiversity.

A local advocate is raising alarm bells about the Junction Falls Dam's impact on biodiversity and migratory birds—will the River Falls Council listen?

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #RenewableEnergy #RiverFallsEnvironment #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal #BiodiversityConservation

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11 months ago

City Council approves key appointments to utility and police commissions Council approves Mark Klecker and John Longzer's reappointments to advisory roles

River Falls' Common Council just made pivotal appointments to key advisory boards while diving into crucial negotiations for public property!

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #LocalGovernance #PublicProperty #StrategicPlanning #CitizenPortal #RiverFallsCityCouncil

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11 months ago

City Council approves senior living facility and infrastructure improvements Council passes resolutions for senior housing and public right of way discontinuance.

River Falls is taking a giant leap towards enhancing senior living with the approval of a new memory care facility, while also paving the way for sustainable community growth!

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#RiverFallsPierceCounty #WI #CommunityPlanning #EnvironmentalInitiatives #RiverFallsSeniors