Green Bay · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Green Bay public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Vacant commercial property registration and fees
A new ordinance would make owners of long-vacant commercial buildings register them and pay escalating fees up to $4,000 a year, aiming to reactivate empty storefronts. The Realtors Association says it's a property-rights overreach; sponsors say vacancy shifts costs onto taxpayers and neighbors.
Garbage and recycling container replacement
The city is buying 624 new 96-gallon carts to replace depleted inventory. Residents' container fees effectively pay for the purchase, and new developments get carts too.
Health of the city's tax increment districts
The city is launching three new tax districts — Velp/Locust, Brook Park and 200 N Monroe — to subsidize nearly 450 new housing units and commercial space. Tax increment from future property taxes will repay developer incentives over the districts' lifetimes.