Rick rant on downtown future

Mac enters

Public market

Passing budget

Voting to close north library

Explaining city rezoning

Mac Kiel in studio discussing the closing of the north branch library, the two downtown La Crosse plans, public outreach and rezoning. 

Before bringing Kiel in, though, began the show with a quick rant about the future of downtown La Crosse and what that might look like, as the city council last week postponed plans for 3rd and 4th streets. That future includes that Wisconsin DOT plan, plus a consultant plan near the Oktoberfest grounds that could include a public market, but also perhaps making Pearl Street for pedestrians only and how we want people to get from the River Point District to the south side. 

After that, Kiel joined and we picked things up right there, continuing that conversation, as she explains a bit about the consultant plan. 

After that, we hit on the 2026 budget passing Monday and public outreach that some council members did online after that — plus public outreach in general, from city council to our state legislators.

The second half of the show, Kiel — who is on the La Crosse Library Board — explains her process for voting to close the north branch.

Lastly, she talks about the city’s complete revamp of zoning and what that could mean for everything for developers and home owners.

Mac Kiel in studio discussing the closing of the north branch library, the two downtown La Crosse plans, public outreach and rezoning.&nbsp;
Before bringing Kiel in, though, began the show with a quick rant about the future of downtown La Crosse and what that might look like, as the city council last week postponed plans for 3rd and 4th streets. That future includes that Wisconsin DOT plan, plus a consultant plan near the Oktoberfest grounds that could include a public market, but also perhaps making Pearl Street for pedestrians only and how we want people to get from the River Point District to the south side.&nbsp;
After that, Kiel joined and we picked things up right there, continuing that conversation, as she explains a bit about the consultant plan.&nbsp;
After that, we hit on the 2026 budget passing Monday and public outreach that some council members did online after that &mdash; plus public outreach in general, from city council to our state legislators.
The second half of the show, Kiel &mdash; who is on the La Crosse Library Board &mdash; explains her process for voting to close the north branch.
Lastly, she talks about the city&rsquo;s complete revamp of zoning and what that could mean for everything for developers and home owners.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.