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.
Foraging in city parks
A new ordinance lets residents pick fruits, nuts and seeds in parks for personal use — building on the Seymour Park food forest and JBS Park orchard. Not for resale, and no ladders or tools that damage trees.
City Clerk Resignation Amid Ballot Investigation
Green Bay’s top election official has resigned while the city investigates duplicate ballots, raising questions about who will run the next election and how votes will be counted. If you vote in Green Bay, this is a local election-integrity story worth watching.
City Clerk Resignation
Green Bay's city clerk has resigned while there's an investigation into absentee ballots. That means the person running local elections is out midstream, so expect extra scrutiny, staffing shuffles, and questions about how smoothly the next election goes. If you vote absentee or care about local election integrity, this is worth watching.
Hotel Northland loan waiver and sale
The city wiped out $2.6 million in remaining Northland loan obligations and ended the 2014 development agreement as part of the hotel's sale, taking back $1 million through the parking agreement assignment. The closed session and 11-1 vote drew public comment.
Lawsuit Against City
Two brothers who were wrongly convicted and later cleared are suing Green Bay and former law enforcement officers. Taxpayers could end up covering the city’s legal defense and any settlement or judgment, so this is a case to watch.
City Clerk Investigation
Green Bay’s city clerk is on leave while the state Elections Commission investigates. That means the person who helps run elections and keep city records is temporarily out — so it’s worth watching for delays or changes in how you vote and request public records.
City Clerk Administrative Leave
Green Bay’s city clerk is on paid leave while a state elections investigation plays out, so the person running local elections is temporarily off the job. Residents should watch for staffing shifts and any changes to election prep—especially if the probe drags on.
Nuisance Property Lawsuit
Green Bay dropped its nuisance lawsuit over the so-called 'Uncle Fester' house after the property finally sold, so the city no longer needs a court order to force a cleanup. The legal fight is effectively moot now that ownership has changed hands.
Social Media Policy
Green Bay has turned off comments on its official social media pages, so you can’t sound off under city posts anymore. If you want to weigh in on city issues, you’ll need to show up to meetings or email the city instead.