City Council Legislative Session - 7/28/2026 @4PM

The City of Eau Claire City Council’s July 28, 2026 legislative session unanimously approved two redevelopment districts proposed by the Redevelopment Authority: the Riverbend Redevelopment District and the Core Reinvestment Redevelopment District. Both approvals were amended to incorporate equitable-development principles, including preventing displacement, engaging affected communities, and supporting local businesses. In a subsequent work session, staff sought feedback on a possible subdistrict in the southern Barstow area and potential redevelopment of properties including the YMCA, Leader-Telegram building, and other sites. Council members generally supported further investigation, but no property acquisition was authorized. Staff said the YMCA’s roughly $3 million figure was an informal estimate, not an offer; the Leader-Telegram property was reportedly listed for about $1–1.5 million. Staff also noted that environmental assessment and possible remediation would factor into any future decisions, with a site being evaluated through an EPA brownfield assessment grant.

The Council also unanimously adopted a resolution supporting increased state funding for local public health departments, without specifying an allocation. A work session reviewed proposed 2027 community-services fee increases and contract renewals, including recreation, sports fields, and facilities. Staff discussed recovery targets, possible fee increases, and renegotiating a soccer-field agreement; a potential refund of approximately $50,000 in innovation grant funding was discussed if the parties end the current arrangement. No fee schedule or revised contract was approved at this meeting. Other adopted ordinances addressed traffic controls and parking restrictions; no related procurement award was identified.