The Latest
From Habitat
La Crosse City Council Candidate Survey
On April 1, 2025, La Crosse will go to the polls to elect a new Mayor and City Council members.
Habitat for Humanity sent a four-question survey to City Council and Mayoral candidates on local housing issues. Of the 13 candidates running for eight City Council seats, Habitat received eight responses. Neither mayoral candidate responded to the survey request.
Read on for their responses.
City Council candidates
District 5: Olivia Stine
District 7: Mac Kiel (Incumbent); Gary Padesky
District 8: Mackenzie Mindel (Incumbent)
District 9: Aron Newberry; Chris Woodard (Incumbent)
District 10: Jennifer Trost
District 11: Crystal Bedford; Martin Gaul
District 12: Doug Happel (Incumbent); Lisa D. Weston
District 13: Paul C. Brown; Rosanne L. Northwood
Housing survey responses
Q1: The City of La Crosse’s 2024 Housing Study suggests that the actual vacancy rate in La Crosse is 3.1%, significantly lower than the 6.4% reported in the 2022 American Community Survey. The study also suggests an average annual construction need of about 203-232 units through 2030 to continue to attract workers and students and grow the local economy. What will you do to ensure the continued availability of affordable units and/or increase the number of affordable rental units in La Crosse?
Olivia Stine (Dist 5): Going into this position, I will collaborate closely with my fellow City Council members and engage with the City Planner to assess the current status of affordable housing in La Crosse and understand the City Council's ongoing plans in this area. As a student, I recognize the critical importance of affordable housing for individuals pursuing their education, and I am committed to making it a top priority. I will work proactively with the City Council and the city planning team to ensure that we allocate the necessary resources and develop effective strategies to increase the availability of affordable housing throughout the city.
Mac Kiel (Dist 7): I will work with City staff and other organizations in La Crosse to learn about innovative, creative ways to change up what we are doing for long term solutions. I feel there are many ways we can do this through zoning changes and offering programs to help alleviate any construction cost that we are able to along with other barriers our community is facing when it comes to housing. I think we have some great things happening that need continued support and I would love to get more money into those programs but there are creative solutions happening around the country that it is time for us to explore even when it comes to what we are building with and how we are building housing. I think it is important to work to provide more of all housing so the market is in our favor as we are able to keep rent lowered because of the supply and demand. I think it is also very important that we advocate for renters rights and work to educate more about what those rights are so people are better protected to live in a safe and accessible rental.
Aron Newberry (Dist 9): To ensure continued availability of affordable housing in La Crosse, I support thoughtful development that works for our community. I believe in smart growth that makes efficient use of our existing infrastructure. By encouraging appropriate development along our main transportation corridors, we can create housing opportunities that reduce living costs for residents while supporting local businesses. I'll also pursue partnerships with major employers and institutions who understand that housing affordability affects their ability to attract and retain talent. The Housing Study shows we need action, with a vacancy rate of just 3.1% and significant construction needs, we must be proactive but balanced in our approach. I'll ensure we meet our housing needs while respecting neighborhood character and making La Crosse an even better place to live for everyone. I'm committed to bringing people together to find solutions that work for our whole community, not just our most privileged neighbors. With thoughtful leadership, we can address our housing challenges while preserving what makes La Crosse special.
Chris Woodard (Dist 9): It’s important to have a wide array of housing in the District and we’ve hit a lot of the goals for housing in the City with a lot of developments coming online soon. One type of housing we still need to work on is, middle housing. This generational housing, is the type I will continue to work on, revitalizing house by house to bring more families back into our neighborhood. I would further advocate for dense development where applicable and continue to encourage developers that our City is open for business. As new developments are built this brings the price of other units down into an affordable price range as they age out. It's important that we make sure that all housing units remain safe for human habitation.
Jennifer Trost (Dist 10): I have voted in favor of housing proposals during my first term and will continue to do. I supported ADUs and the end of parking mandates. I would support duplexes and triplexes by right.
Doug Happel (Dist 12): Continue to support worthwhile projects that increase affordable housing in Lacrosse.
Lisa D. Weston (Dist 12): No one on the La Crosse City Council is currently a renter which leads that population to be disenfranchised if members are not willing to consider their needs. There are numerous rental units in my district and I am to connect with them regularly to hear their concerns to represent them well. I've read the 2024 Housing Study and find the suggestions included to be reasonable and worth working toward. Adding beds is one part of the problem. Ensuring that renters are treated fairly and provided with resources when needed is just as valuable.
Rosanne L. Northwood (Dist 13): Support innovative projects that increase affordable rental units. Work to define affordable housing in our city and ensure we have common language and clear expectations. Create policies that support affordability. Learn more about ways to diversify housing options to meet the varied needs of residents and support them when they come before council. Participate in the current work to draft new zoning codes for La Crosse, encourage constituent participation in the process, and share information as the work develops.
Q2: According to the Housing Study, La Crosse residents express interest in all types of housing units, not just single-family homes. However, multi-unit housing cannot legally be built in most neighborhoods due to zoning restrictions. How will you ensure that updates to zoning will allow for a variety of housing types to be developed in La Crosse?
Olivia Stine (Dist 5): To ensure that updates to zoning laws allow for a variety of housing types to be developed in La Crosse, I will prioritize collaboration with city council members and colleagues within the city. By working together, we can review the existing zoning regulations to identify areas where change can be introduced. Engaging with the city council will allow us to advocate for changes that address housing needs effectively. Additionally, we will explore zoning solutions that offer greater flexibility and adaptability, creating opportunities for new housing options for all residents of La Crosse. Ultimately, through open communication and a collaborative approach focused on the needs of the community, we can develop a zoning framework that fosters growth and diversity in housing types throughout La Crosse.
Mac Kiel (Dist 7): I am very excited about the upcoming zoning update and the work that MSA is doing to gather public input. Once they gather that input they will work to show us what zoning needs to change according to the wants and needs in our City. I eagerly await that report and will support creative changes needing to be made in our zoning codes while being sure to know what the full impact of that change is. It is clear we cannot continue the way we are going and although change can be scary, it is absolutely needed right now to expand housing in a City like La Crosse where we are landlocked!
Aron Newberry (Dist 9): Housing diversity has been at the very center of my campaign. I've consistently advocated for housing that serves every stage of life, from young families seeking their first home, to workers needing affordable rentals, to older adults wanting to downsize while staying in their neighborhood. To ensure zoning updates allow for a variety of housing types, I will lead by building a compelling case that connects zoning reform directly to our community goals of affordability, sustainability, and economic vitality. The Housing Study clearly shows La Crosse residents want diverse housing options, but our current regulations don't allow them in most neighborhoods. I'll work alongside neighbors to demonstrate how thoughtfully allowing duplexes, small-scale multi-units, and ADUs can strengthen our neighborhoods while preserving their character. I recognize some homeowners have legitimate concerns about property values, neighborhood character, and infrastructure capacity. Rather than dismissing these concerns, I'll ensure they're addressed directly with appropriate safeguards in any zoning updates. I also believe in an incremental approach, potentially starting with pilot areas or phasing in changes, allowing us to learn and adjust based on real results. We must also acknowledge that some of our current zoning practices have limited housing options and affordability. While policies like the Washburn Neighborhood Designation served a purpose in their time, we need to evolve our approach to meet today's needs. This isn't just about changing a code, it's about aligning our land use policies with the reality of people's lives and ensuring La Crosse is a place where everyone can find a home that fits their needs and budget. With thoughtful leadership and community engagement, we can create more housing choices while enhancing what makes our neighborhoods special.
Chris Woodard (Dist 9): Listening to the experts such as our planning department and the consultants we hire for the zoning updates. This is crucial as some of our zoning types are out of date. I'm willing to work within out City to make sure we are innovative in these changes.
Jennifer Trost (Dist 10): I will help educate the public during the engagement process of the zoning update so they understand how our current zoning is a legal barrier to the "missing middle." I want to help the public embrace zoning changes and not be afraid of of them. I want to help people understand the benefits of density.
Doug Happel (Dist 12): I supported the recent zoning updates that do that.
Lisa D. Weston (Dist 12): I feel passionately about the need to adjust zoning in La Crosse as well as building codes. Housing must come in all forms to meet the needs of people in various life stages and circumstances.
Rosanne L. Northwood (Dist 13): Share information, encourage participation when community input is requested, share information regarding the process, and talk with constituents to learn concerns, questions, and needs. Collaborate to find answers, information, and share it with residents to promote understanding and support for the new zoning code.
Q3: In Wisconsin, homeownership among Black Americans is the third lowest in the nation. The Black-white homeownership gap in Wisconsin is 47 percentage points. Discriminatory housing and lending policies of the past, income inequality, and lack of generational wealth are contributing factors. What meaningful steps will you take to address the root problems of racial disparities in housing?
Olivia Stine (Dist 5): To address the root causes of racial disparities in housing in Wisconsin, I will advocate for policies that promote fairness and equal opportunity. This includes expanding access to affordable housing and supporting fair housing practices. I will work to create more affordable homeownership options, explore innovative solutions that support long-term affordability, and reduce the barriers that prevent people from owning homes while also promoting growth for the young population in La Crosse. Additionally, I will support efforts to reduce income inequality and promote economic opportunities for all. By listening to and including diverse voices in policymaking, we can ensure that the solutions we implement are effective and inclusive for everyone.
Mac Kiel (Dist 7): Being on the Human Rights Commission we have done work to make the reporting process more clear and the form to fill out easier to complete. I do feel we need to push to educate the community on their rights and to be sure people are reporting so we are able to handle that accordingly. A key piece of this is also continuing to educate the community and leaders on our history (such as Habitat did :)). It can be easy for some to remove themselves from practices that are still happening today that came direction from discrimination. It is important we call this out by explaining the history and taking the steps to reverse that policy.
Aron Newberry (Dist 9): To address the deep racial disparities in homeownership in Wisconsin, we must act intentionally to remove barriers and expand opportunities for Black residents to build wealth through housing. I support zoning reforms that allow small-lot homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in historically exclusionary neighborhoods, making homeownership more accessible and affordable. I also believe in investing in programs that meet people where they are. Initiatives like Coulee CAP’s Homeownership Empowerment Program and Marine Credit Union’s Finding Home initiative are powerful models that combine financial education, credit repair, and one-on-one support to help first-generation and BIPOC buyers navigate the path to ownership. By supporting culturally relevant homebuyer education rooted in the lived experiences of Black residents, we can begin to close the racial wealth gap, promote neighborhood stability, and build a more equitable La Crosse.
Chris Woodard (Dist 9): Ensure that all landlords are going by fair housing act standards, encouraging and educating people of the complaint process through the City of La Crosse. Also listening throughly to complaints filed through the Human Rights Commission.
Jennifer Trost (Dist 10): Systemic racism is a real problem. Changing zoning to allow for smaller homes on smaller lots is one way to increase availability and make housing less expensive.
Doug Happel (Dist 12): I am not aware of recent incidents concerning this but the city housing authority can monitor this.
Lisa D. Weston (Dist 12): Understanding our history is the beginning of looking for how to address racial disparities. I've learned a great deal about "Sundown Towns" and the impact it has had on our current city structures. Some of the current issue has to do with problematic landlords, out of state landlords, and resources for residents. When someone, regardless of race, does own a home, city officials should not create barriers for that homeowner to make updates and improvements in order to make that home work for them.
Rosanne L. Northwood (Dist 13): Support community leaders working to promote racial equity in our community and ensure all experiences are included when discussing housing solutions. Research work being done to close the homeownership gap and seek ways to replicate for our community.
Q4: As one of the only developers of affordable starter homes in the region, Habitat for Humanity faces the challenges of rising construction costs, limited available land, and complicated regulations daily. What actions can city leadership take to support developers of affordable homes that attract families to La Crosse?
Olivia Stine (Dist 5): City leadership can play a vital role in supporting affordable home developers like Habitat for Humanity by updating zoning laws and working closely with developers and local officials to ensure that new housing is being built efficiently and sustainably. This includes collaborating with the development community to identify and prioritize underutilized land for affordable housing projects. The city can also encourage the creation of mixed-use developments, which not only provide affordable housing options but also attract families to our wonderful city.
Mac Kiel (Dist 7): I think it is important to have programs where we can find ways to support you in the important work you do because it truly should be a partnership. We need to support those developing affordable housing with incentives that help eliminate the barriers you run into when trying to do the good work. Of course money would be an easy way to support but I think we also need to look deeper at the other barriers such as the regulation, policies, and zoning that we currently have. We need to take a deep dive and help with the root of these issues!
Aron Newberry (Dist 9): City leadership can take several actions to support affordable housing developers like Habitat for Humanity: First, they could streamline the permitting and approval processes specifically for affordable housing projects. Creating an expedited review track for these developments would reduce both time and costs. This might include dedicated staff for affordable housing applications or consolidated review meetings where multiple departments provide feedback simultaneously. Second, we will soon have the opportunity to modify zoning regulations to allow for higher density or smaller lot sizes for affordable housing developments. Finally, we could consider offering tax incentives or fee waivers specifically for affordable housing developments. This directly addresses the rising construction costs challenge.
Chris Woodard (Dist 9): We’ve taken great strides in replacing aging, obsolete or even unsafe homes with quality replacement homes, including both single family homes and multi family homes. We are missing middle homes and that really shows as people choose outer municipalities because they have them. Our City has a multitude of programs available to repair and renovate homes and continuing to promote these programs throughout the District is proven to make a difference. You too can make a difference and I encourage those who are looking to move close to our vibrant Downtown, parks, award winning medical institutions and beacons of higher education to come take a look. It’s truly a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and build a future.
Jennifer Trost (Dist 10): We can support zoning changes and updates to design standards to make better use of the land that we have, use funds to bring properties out of the floodplain, support modular homes, and adopt "pre-approved housing plans."
Doug Happel (Dist 12): I am on the Economic and Community Development Commission which has supported loans and grants to accomplish this.
Lisa D. Weston (Dist 12): I have spoken with many contractors who no longer wish to work within the city limits of La Crosse. They find the permitting process and cost as well as the inspection process annoying and not user-friendly. This limits construction work to only those contractors, electricians, plumbers, who already have "an in" with local inspectors available to do the work. This impacts costs. There is simply no reason that the city of La Crosse must have more strict building codes than those determined by the state. If our restrictions were reduced, we would increase the number of contractors able to work in La Crosse and therefore make bidding for projects more competitive.
Rosanne L. Northwood (Dist 13): Support the work being done to redraft the zoning code, encourage community participation, and share progress on the work. Support developers and their proposals. Support work to lower home prices and rent costs.
Partner Family
Stories
Darshida has been working to become a homeowner for years. She is a passionate nurse, a dedicated mother to four boys, and a longtime La Crosse resident. After years of hard work and unforeseen obstacles, Darshida and her family moved into their new home in spring 2023.