Latest news with #EauClaireCityCouncil
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eau Claire city council unanimously supports film and television incentive
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – The Eau Claire City Council voted unanimously in support of a Film and Television Production Incentive Program and the reestablishment of a Wisconsin Film Office. The incentive program was introduced as part of Governor Tony Evers' budget proposal and the Wisconsin Legislature also introduced a bipartisan bill. Councilman Charlie Johnson is just one member ready to get more films shot in the Badger State. He says the proposal is getting bipartisan support because of its potential to grow the local creative economy, 'Bringing in Wisconsin-based production crews, Wisconsin-based cinematographers, and Wisconsin-based local hands to help build the sets, for example, or using local caterers. It is that local money that I believe the writers of the bill, that's being kind of discussed in the legislature right now, that's their primary focus. If a group of cities is coming together to show that we support this, at the statewide level, they see that this has the support it needs to go through.' If Bill 231 passes the WI Senate, it will move on to the WI Assembly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
EC City council votes in support of film, TV production incentives; what is it?
EAU CLAIRE — On Tuesday, the Eau Claire City Council voted unanimously in support of a Film and Television Production Incentive Program and the reestablishment of a Wisconsin Film Office. But what does that all entail, and what does that mean for Eau Claire? 'Wisconsin is one of 13 states without an incentive program and one of three states without a designated film office,' said Eau Claire City Councilmember Charlie Johnson while introducing the agenda item on Tuesday. 'The structure and format of the film and TV industry is changing; a lot of it is leaving California, Hollywood, New York, the bigger markets and looking at other areas around the country. A lot of states are positioning themselves well to reap the benefits of that — two being Illinois and another one Minnesota.' As part of Gov. Tony Evers' budget proposal, $10 million is listed as providing incentives to bring more film productions, TV shows, and creative endeavors to Wisconsin. While that as a part of the budget may not necessarily be included in the final draft, Wisconsin legislation also has a bipartisan bill, Assembly Bill 231, to also create tax credits for film production companies and create a State Film Office. 'This is competitive with all the states around us,' said Nathan Deming, a Tomah-born filmmaker who shot and filmed his movie 'February' in parts of Eau Claire and Altoona. 'Illinois and Minnesota have very similar incentive programs. One thing that sets us apart is that the minimum spend, meaning that the smallest amount you have to spend to access these credits, is $100,000.' Tim Schwagel, another local filmmaker from the Eau Claire area and member of a statewide coalition supporting these incentives named Action! Wisconsin, said the current lack of film incentives and a designated film office can be one barrier preventing projects from getting greenlit. 'That is really where it ends; the discussion stops,' he said. 'Which by extension, doesn't bring the money to the area and bring all the jobs to the area for people who would like to stay here for productions and stuff who are very skilled individuals… in more blue collar ways, with lighting technicians and electricians.' One other benefit is that the incentive forces money to be put back into Wisconsin, which could go back to in-state production companies, hotels, catering, actors and a variety of other occupations or services that come along with film and television production. 'This is not a cash program, this is not a grant and this is not really money coming out of taxpayer pockets — this is money getting injected into the local economy wherever the film happens and is only eligible for Wisconsin vendors, Wisconsin crew and Wisconsin products… That really keeps the money inside the state,' Deming said. 'It's a really timely and powerful opportunity for us to elevate the state's creative economy,' said Kenzi Havlicek, executive director of Visit Eau Claire, 'and we feel as if Eau Claire is positioned really well because we offer a diverse visual landscape between urban, rural and scenic places. That makes it attractive for filmmakers to potentially choose our location.' Speaking on the benefit of tourism, Havlicek said that a current trend is for people to visit places that are in movies or on TV. 'People are visiting places that they see on the screen,' she said. 'So what we're excited about: not only could these bring in a lot of jobs for the actual filming of the movies and TV shows, but it also could draw inspiration from visitors to come see all the beautiful landscape and experience what Eau Claire has to offer.' The incentives are also a way to draw in talent from out of the state into parts of Wisconsin, including places like Eau Claire or even the Northwoods. Ben Dickinson, a director based in the U.S. who has worked on projects with celebrities, comedians, musicians and more, has talked about his interest in a project that would take place in Wisconsin, highlighting places like Milwaukee, Madison and Eau Claire, and feature the aesthetics of the state. 'I grew up outside Chicago, but my dad is from Milwaukee and my whole dad's side of the family goes back generations in Milwaukee, so I'm very connected to Wisconsin,' he said. 'It's a really special place.' Dickinson said having a tax incentive almost means a guaranteed return for investors on projects, which is often a cornerstone of independent filmmaking. The lack of a film incentive can drive projects, like his film which is set in the dairy state, to film in places like Minnesota and Illinois. 'There's less and less reason for filmmakers to live in New York or LA, because there's fewer and fewer shoots happening there and you can be more flexible,' Dickinson said. 'I think if it was easier, if there was incentive for people to be shooting in the Midwest — not just Chicago but in Wisconsin — you'd have filmmakers saying, 'I want to have a better quality of life and decide to live in Wisconsin.'' 'For me, it would be very cool to see more Wisconsin stories be told in Wisconsin,' Schwagel said, 'rather than just being told 'no' or having to buckle and film somewhere else.' For local organizations like Visit Eau Claire, other local organizations and even Wisconsin filmmakers, there is interest to see what kind of impact the passing of a bill bringing film and television incentives and a State Film Office would bring to and highlight from the region. 'I think Eau Claire has a competitive advantage due to our location being right off the interstate and close proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul is a great competitive advantage,' Havlicek said. 'But then also just because of what we're known for, our arts and culture and music scene, which already draws creatives to our area.' 'We have a creative scene here also tied to the geography of the area,' Deming said. 'The difference between them and us is that film is a really expensive thing to get going; there are a million reasons why something does or doesn't happen. That is why incentives are important to make it happen.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Century Code Update nears adoption with ZPAC adding final changes to ordinance draft
EAU CLAIRE — The Zoning Policy Advisory Committee (ZPAC) held their final meeting Monday evening, as members added final revisions to a draft of the Land Development Ordinance (LDO). The ZPAC group consists of members from the Eau Claire City Council and a planning commission to help complete the city's Century Code Update. 'They don't typically work together, but we have had 11 meetings where we have had them together and they have directed us as staff,' Eau Claire's Planning Manager Ned Noel said. Noel said that the ordinance plans for cities are typically 'rules and laws that basically dictate where you can set your building and how you can use your land. You might not be able to put a factory next to a house… zoning tries to push factories away from homes and daycares, and stuff like that.' But with a lot of other things that zoning ordinance dictates, these public meetings also serve as an opportunity for community input on the proposed rules and laws. Public speakers highlighted a variety of topics at the meeting, such as the concern of bird safe glass rules not accurately reflecting the census recommendation. Other speakers talked about tree preservation, and some were concerned that the current ruling on tree mitigation would pose increased costs to land development. Scott Rogers, vice president of governmental affairs, said, 'Given our economic challenges, the stated goal to 'produce more housing supply, diversity of choices and affordability' is of critical importance. It's a lens through which all of the other goals and expectations of the code update should be viewed.' After public comment, ZPAC members worked on the final revisions of the ordinance proposal. The discussion also talked about including new types of courts to building options as a potential addition to the zoning. 'We're loosening it up in terms of allowing more housing choices,' Noel said. 'We are trying to innovate in terms of more housing product types so that people aren't stuck either in an apartment building or a single-family. We have got some other options there, and hopefully our builders will respond to trying some of that product type.' Another talking point for the ZPAC meeting was the new ruling on tree preservation. 'We are a very scenic city, so ZPAC wants to preserve more trees, which we don't have a rule on right now,' Noel said. Current ruling in the update is set at 30% for 12 inch diameter trees. This refers to trees such as white pines or oaks that may be considered higher value, and when they are cut down on a property, home builders may have to replant or pay a cost depending on how many trees are cut. 'If [the diameter] is 12 inches or greater, those inches cut down on your development site count. Whatever that total inch number is — let's say you have 100 inches of trees that you are cutting down of high value species, you've got to replace 30 percent of that inch total,' Noel said. The next step for ZPAC and the century code update is an open house on June 17 to talk about the zoning ordinance with community members. We are trying to get as many opportunities as possible for the public, said Noel, as the next step after that will be a public hearing at the planning commission on June 30. While this would be a vote for the planning commission, it would only be a vote on the draft, as the City Council would still have to make the final decision potentially on July 21 or 22. Ordinance could see implementation as soon as Oct. 2025. For the average homeowner, zoning may impact someone if they want to make additions or remodel on their property. Beyond that, Noel said it does have an impact on everyone living in the city. 'There is a lot more flexibility and choices, I would say, for the homeowner and the renter,' he said. 'Especially as generations are kind of changing… lifestyle changes have evolved, so we are trying to be more open to providing those opportunities.'
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge running for WI 3rd Congressional District seat
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge is officially running for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. Berge filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run as a Democrat for the seat in 2026. She joins fellow Democrat Rebecca Cooke and incumbent Republican Derrick Van Orden as the three names who have entered the race. Berge says she's been thinking about running since January and is inviting people of all backgrounds to support her campaign. 'I've always been very clear about my values of being welcoming and I welcome everyone, and it really doesn't matter who you voted for in the past, or where you're from, and how much you have in your bank account. In my opinion, things aren't going well at the national level, there's a lot of chaos and uncertainty, and so if people want to join the movement to stand up for the people of the third, they're welcome to.' In response to both Berge and Cooke running for the 3rd Congressional District, a spokesperson for current representative Derrick Van Orden said, in part, 'Democrats like Emily Berge and Rebecca Crook fail to grasp that their far-left agenda has real-world consequences that have hurt farmers, veterans, and families all across the Third Congressional District. Congressman Derrick Van Orden has spent the last two years working tirelessly to bring resources and real change to the lives of Wisconsin families.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
EC Council President Berge announces candidacy for Congress
EAU CLAIRE — Eau Claire Council President Emily Berge has announced she is running for Congress. 'People are just feeling left behind and frustrated, and they feel their current representative isn't listening to them,' Berge told the Leader-Telegram on Monday. 'I think it's time for a change. People want something different. I feel I can be the calm in the chaos, and the steadiness we don't have.' Berge, 45, will run as a Democrat for the Third Congressional District seat, currently held by U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien. Van Orden has not formally announced his reelection plans but he is expected to do so. Van Orden was elected in 2022 and re-elected last fall. Berge, a licensed professional counselor, was elected to the Eau Claire City Council in April 2018, defeating incumbent Tim Tewalt by a margin of 1,230 to 743. She became the Council's vice-president in 2023, then won the Council President position that year. Berge is the second Democratic candidate to file for the seat. Rebecca Cooke, who lost to Van Orden last fall, announced in February she will make her third run for the seat. Van Orden won with 51.4% of the vote to Cooke's 48.6%. Cooke also ran in 2022 but finished runner-up in the Democratic primary. Nationally, Democrats are looking at this seat as one they hope to flip in their attempt to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. In her tenure on the Eau Claire City Council, Berge said she's proud of how they have been welcoming to all, and seen the city grow at the same time population statewide has declined. 'People want to live in Eau Claire and be in Eau Claire,' she said. 'We've put a priority on quality of life. We've done a great job of being welcoming.' The Council also tackled how to move forward after the closure of HSHS Sacred Heart and other medical facilities. She also notes the way the city quickly worked to address PFAS in the water supply, saying they were open and transparent about the problem, and they have started working on a PFAS removal facility. 'I really believe in bringing people together and unifying people,' she said. 'I know people might disagree, but we have each other's back. I want to build this movement.' Berge has lived in Eau Claire for 24 years. She and her husband have two children. Berge has a master's degree in mental health counseling from UW-Stout and owns a private practice in Eau Claire. She previously ran for state Assembly in 2020 in a losing effort against Rep. Jesse James, R-Altoona, in the 68th Assembly District. James is now a state Senator. 'That was a completely different race; it was during the pandemic,' she recalled. But what she did like was going out and meeting the public. The Third Congressional District features all or parts of 19 counties, and Berge said she's eager to get out to the areas outside Eau Claire and start to meet the public. The press release announcing her candidacy said she has been endorsed by State Sen. Jeff Smith, D-Town of Brunswick, attorney and former Assemblyman Dana Wachs, and Eau Claire County Board Chairwoman Nancy Coffey. Tim Nordin, Eau Claire Area School Board president, also announced his endorsement. 'Emily Berge shows up, especially when it's hard,' Nordin wrote in a press release. 'When some tried to push hateful, divisive rhetoric that suggested not everyone belonged in Eau Claire, Emily Berge stood firm. She stands for a Wisconsin where each child has what they need to learn, grow and thrive. I trust her to represent our district in Congress with the same courage and strength she's shown here at home.' A website dubbed is slated to go live today.
