A Message from the Mayor

Dear Racine Residents,

Racine is at its best when we work together to make our neighborhoods stronger, safer, and healthier. In this issue, you’ll see examples of that spirit in action—from the opening of a new health clinic to community celebrations like National Night Out and the Main Gallery Showcase.

We’re also making important investments for the future. Our RYDE electric bus fleet is growing, bringing cleaner air and more sustainable transit to our city. The Sump Pump Program is helping homeowners protect their properties and keep our waterways clean. And projects like Herrick Village are creating the kind of affordable housing that strengthens families and neighborhoods for generations.

Whether it’s a beer garden at Island Park, a street renamed to honor a local leader, or neighbors coming together to celebrate and support one another, Racine continues to show that progress comes when we look out for one another. Thank you for being part of that progress.

Sincerely,

Mayor Cory Mason

In this issue:

RYDE Electric Fleet Expansion
Sump Pump Program
Island Park Beer Garden
Street Renamed for Bishop Kirby
Household Hazardous Waste Event
Wisconsin Well Woman Program
Plus, a look at recent community events!

City of Racine’s RYDE Electric Fleet to Expand

The City of Racine has secured funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Program to purchase three new 35-foot battery-electric buses for RYDE Racine. The grant—part of a nationwide effort funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—supports cleaner, more energy-efficient public transit and includes workforce training for zero-emission vehicle technology.

Racine was the only Wisconsin community to receive an award in this funding cycle, which distributed $1.1 billion to 100 projects nationwide. With this investment, RYDE’s electric fleet will grow to 12 buses, replacing three older diesel models and bringing the City’s fixed-route fleet to nearly 35% electric—cementing Racine’s position as a state leader in transit electrification.

These buses advance Racine’s climate goals, while providing cleaner air and modern service for riders.

Carroll Street Renamed in Honor of Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby

On Saturday, August 2, the Racine community gathered outside St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate the official renaming of Carroll Street to Bishop Kirby Lane. The ceremony, held during a community block party marking Bishop Kirby’s birthday, honored his more than five decades of ministry—44 years of which he has served as Senior Pastor of St. Paul.

Mayor Cory Mason, along with Alders Malik Frazier and Marlo Harmon and County Supervisor Valena Coleman, joined church members, neighbors, and friends for the unveiling of the new street sign. The change was approved earlier this year by the Racine Common Council after receiving unanimous support from all property owners on the street.

Bishop Kirby has led St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church to become one of Wisconsin’s most active and influential African American congregations, creating programs and facilities that serve residents across generations. The new Bishop Kirby Lane stands as a lasting tribute to his vision, leadership, and service to Racine.

Protect Your Basement – and Get Up to $5,000 to Do It

If your home was built before 1955, you may qualify for the City of Racine’s Sump Pump Program – a grant initiative that helps homeowners protect their basements and reduce the risk of costly sewer backups.

Many older homes in Racine have foundation drains that are still connected to the sanitary sewer system. During heavy rain, these connections can overwhelm our pipes, leading to basement flooding and environmental damage. The City’s Sump Pump Program offers up to $5,000 to cover the cost of disconnecting these drains and installing a sump pump and discharge system.

This is a limited-time, first-come, first-served opportunity. To be eligible, you must:

Own a single- or two-family home in Racine
Be current on property taxes
Have no major code violations
Own a home built before 1955

Applying is simple and takes just a few minutes. Learn more and apply today!

Let’s keep Racine’s basements dry—and Lake Michigan clean.

Island Park Beer Garden Returns with Music in the Park

The City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) team is bringing back another weekend of craft brews by Perspective Brewing Company, rotating local food vendors, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Saturday, August 23, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Music in the Park takes center stage featuring Mambo Surfers, known for their energetic mix of world rhythm, jazz, and rock. Enjoy a cold drink from the beer garden (open until 8:00 p.m.) and grab dinner from Piña Mexican Eats, onsite Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend lineup includes:

Friday: The Fourcast (with food from Spaceman Burgers)
Saturday: Mambo Surfers (Music in the Park)
Sunday: Maddie Jay

Beer Garden Hours

Fridays: 4 PM – 8 PM
Saturdays: 12 PM – 8 PM
Sundays: 12 PM – 6 PM

Admission is free, and dogs are welcome—so bring your friends, family, and friendly pups to enjoy great music, delicious food, and a sense of community spirit.

August Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The next Household Hazardous Waste collection of the year is Saturday, August 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Racine Residential Drop-Off Facility and Waste Transfer Station, 6300 S. 21^st Street.

Held rain or shine every third Saturday from April through October, these collection events run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials safely and conveniently.

For more details, visit the Household Hazardous Waste page.

Wisconsin Well Woman Program

Breast and cervical cancer are the most treatable when discovered early. This is why regular health screenings are so important.

The Wisconsin Well Woman Program of Racine and Suburban Milwaukee County provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to women who are 40-64 years old, have little or no health insurance and meet the income guidelines. This means women who qualify may receive a mammogram and Pap Smear at no cost.

Visit our website or call City of Racine Public Health Department at 262-636-9292 to learn more.

Out and About

Main Gallery Marks 30 Years

The City of Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Departmen t's Main Gallery Program celebrated its 30th anniversary on July 31 with an evening of art, community, and creativity at The Branch at 1501. Guests enjoyed collaborative furniture art and original creative writing by 23 young artists who participated in this summer’s residency.

The live auction offered attendees the chance to take home one-of-a-kind pieces while directly supporting the program’s mission to nurture young talent.

For three decades, the Main Gallery has provided Racine youth with professional mentorship, hands-on art experience, and a platform to share their voices.

Pillar Health Grand Opening

The City of Racine joined community leaders and healthcare partners on August 11 to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for Pillar Health’s new clinic inside Julian Thomas Elementary School—Racine’s first Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

The clinic offers accessible, affordable, and comprehensive care for children and adults, regardless of income or insurance status, with a sliding fee scale based on family size and income. Located in a neighborhood that has long lacked consistent access to healthcare, the site is designed to meet community needs by bringing trusted primary care services close to home. Behavioral health counseling services will be added later this summer. Appointments are available now by calling (262) 771-0035.

Herrick Village Groundbreaking

Community leaders, donors, and future homeowners gathered on August 1 to break ground on Herrick Village — the first major project since the merger of Habitat for Humanity of Racine and Kenosha Counties. The development will transform a site that has been vacant for 75 years into affordable homes, offering stability, belonging, and hope to local families.

Speakers praised the broad community support for making this vision possible and celebrated the start of a project aimed at addressing the region’s urgent housing needs.

National Night Out Celebration

Racine came together for another successful National Night Out on August 5, with celebrations at COP Houses and neighborhood locations across the city. Residents enjoyed food, music, games, and a chance to connect with neighbors and local law enforcement—all in the spirit of building stronger, safer communities.

Thank you to everyone who joined in, and to Racine Neighborhood Watch, community partners, and volunteers for making this annual tradition possible.

Thank you for staying connected with us. We look forward to keeping you updated with the latest from City Hall and beyond.

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