A Message from the Mayor
Dear Racine Residents,
As we turn the page from summer to fall, Racine is full of momentum. Next week marks the start of a new school year, and I want to wish students, teachers, and families a successful year ahead. We’re also celebrating Racine native Willow Newell, who made history as the first African American woman crowned Miss Wisconsin and will soon represent our state at the Miss America competition.
These moments remind us of the importance of investing in our community’s future, whether that’s supporting our young people, celebrating local achievements, or looking ahead to projects like regional passenger rail that could strengthen connections and expand opportunities. Inside this newsletter, you’ll also find important updates on holiday service changes, local infrastructure, and community programs.
Thank you for staying engaged and for helping to keep Racine moving forward.
Sincerely,
Mayor Cory Mason
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In this issue:
- MARK Passenger Rail
- Labor Day Holiday
- State Street Bridge Inspection
- City Hall Elevator Update
- Child Passenger Safety
- End of Lifeuard Season
- Plus, a look at recent community events!
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Cities Take First Step Toward Exploring Regional Passenger Rail
Imagine boarding a train in Racine and traveling easily to Milwaukee or Chicago for work or leisure—a vision driving the new proposal to establish the Milwaukee-Area-Racine-Kenosha (MARK) Passenger Rail Commission.
Leaders from Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha are joining forces to explore how passenger rail can boost mobility, connect residents to good-paying jobs, ease congestion, and strengthen the region’s economic future.
This first step doesn’t commit local tax dollars or construction, it simply creates a framework for planning, public input, and applying for federal funding. If approved, the MARK Rail Commission will work with residents and stakeholders to explore the possibilities for modern, sustainable rail service along our lakefront communities and into Chicago’s broader rail network.
Learn more and follow the progress at www.markrail.org.
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Labor Day Closure and Waste Collection Changes
In observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 1, several City of Racine facilities will be closed, and waste collection schedules will shift.
Closed September 1, 2025:
- City government offices
- Racine Public Library and Bookmobile
Solid Waste and Recycling Collection: There will be no collection on Monday, September 1. All collection days will rotate forward according to the 2025 calendar. Carts must be placed at the curb or alley line by 7:00 a.m. on your updated collection day.
For questions, call 262-636-9171 or download the “Racine Recycles” app for personalized reminders and schedules.
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State Street Bridge Closure
The City of Racine is advising residents and travelers that the State Street Lift Bridge will be closed on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to accommodate scheduled structural testing.
During this time, the bridge will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic and masted watercraft. Traffic will be detoured via Hamilton Street during this closure.
Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel through the downtown area.
The City appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding as this necessary inspection is completed.
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City Hall Elevator Back in Service
Great news! The City Hall elevator is fully operational again.
Meetings that were temporarily held at the Racine Public Library over the summer during repairs will return to City Hall the week of September 2.
Thank you for your patience while the elevator was being repaired.
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Child Passenger Safety
Most children 8 years of age or younger need to be in a car seat or booster seat. Car seats can be difficult to install properly, and three out of four car seats are used incorrectly.
The City of Racine Public Health Department has fully trained car seat technicians to guide you through installation and to check to ensure your child rides safely in the car. Call 262-636-9431 to make an appointment.
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Lifeguard Season Has Ended at North and Zoo Beaches
The 2025 guarded swimming season at Racine’s North Beach and Zoo Beach concluded on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Lifeguards are no longer on duty for the remainder of the year.
Phil Kiley, City Lifeguard Supervisor, reminds beachgoers to always act safely and responsibly when visiting the lakefront. Swimmers are urged to remain mindful of water conditions and hazards and to never swim beyond their abilities.
The 2026 guarded swim season is expected to begin on May 30, 2026. For more information, visit the Parks & Recreation web page.
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Mayor Mason Welcomes Labor Unions to Racine
Racine Mayor Cory Mason welcomed labor unions from across Wisconsin to the 2025 Wisconsin AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Conference, hosted at the union-built Hotel Verdant in downtown Racine.
In his remarks, Mayor Mason highlighted the city’s partnership with organized labor and key initiatives that create jobs and strengthen the community, including the Racine Works employment program, TID Neighborhood Grants, the proposed MARK passenger rail project, lead abatement and sump pump replacement programs, and the Lincoln-King Health Clinic and neighborhood project.
He also thanked the Wisconsin AFL-CIO for bringing the conference to Racine, underscoring the city’s commitment to working families and economic development.
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Racine Celebrates Miss Wisconsin Willow Newell
Racine came together last weekend to celebrate Racine native Willow Newell, the first African American woman crowned Miss Wisconsin, at a community send-off event. City representatives, including Alder Grace Allen and Alder Malik Frazier, joined friends, family, and supporters in wishing her well as she prepares to represent Wisconsin at the Miss America competition in Orlando, September 2–7, 2025.
A Carthage College graduate with a degree in musical theater, Newell has championed her Community Service Initiative, The ART of Belonging, which promotes inclusion and healing through the arts.
Mayor Cory Mason has proclaimed September 7, 2025, as Willow Newell Day in Racine, honoring her historic achievement and the pride she brings to the community.
| | (Pictured: District 1 Alder Malik Frazier and Miss Wisconsin Willow Newell.) | | 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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