Wausau WI - State of the City 2024

The City of Wausau's 2024 State of the City address highlighted key initiatives focused on economic development, infrastructure improvements, and public safety enhancements. Significant projects include the Foundry on Third mixed-use development, Westside Commons residential expansion, and demolition of the old water treatment plant to enable future riverfront development. The city emphasized fiscal responsibility by adopting zero-based budgeting principles, resulting in a budget increase under 2.5%. Infrastructure investments include upgrades to the water treatment plant, lead service line replacements, and the introduction of environmentally friendly buses funded partly by grants. Public safety efforts feature the launch of a Community Care Paramedic program and the installation of public access AEDs to improve cardiac arrest survival rates. These initiatives demonstrate Wausau's commitment to sustainable growth, efficient resource management, and enhanced community health and safety.