A Message from the Mayor
Dear Racine Residents,
This month, Racine has shown what’s possible when we invest in our neighborhoods and highlight the voices that move our city forward.
From the first Mayor’s Clean Sweep, where City staff and young people rolled up their sleeves to revitalize Holmes and Boyd Avenues, to the launch of the Why We RYDE campaign featuring real transit riders, these efforts reflect a growing sense of pride, purpose, and connection across our community. It’s a reminder that the best solutions often come from working side by side, with each other and for each other.
We’re also looking outward – welcoming students from Japan, formalizing new international partnerships, and engaging in national conversations about how cities like ours can lead the way in climate resilience.
These stories all reflect a city that is proud, connected, and ready for what’s next.
Sincerely,
Mayor Cory Mason
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In this issue:
- Sump Pump Program
- Mayor Mason's Clean Sweep
- Why We RYDE Campaign
- Fast Forward Grants
- New Sister City for Racine
- Plus, a look at recent community events!
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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.
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Mayor Mason’s Clean Sweep Brings Improvement to Racine Neighborhood
The City of Racine launched its first-ever Mayor Mason’s Clean Sweep on July 17 and 18 with two full workdays of targeted cleanup and infrastructure improvement on the 1600 and 1700 blocks of Holmes and Boyd Avenues. This pilot initiative brought together City staff across departments to deliver fast, visible results at the neighborhood level.
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Crews from Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and Forestry tackled pothole patching, sidewalk replacements, tree trimming, landscaping, and large-scale debris removal. Alleyways and curb lines were cleared, overgrowth cut back, and streets left noticeably cleaner and safer.
What made the effort especially powerful was the collaboration: staff from City Hall, Health, and Fire departments stepped in to assist, working side by side with frontline crews. On the second day, students from the City’s Youth Employment Program (YEP) and Parks Department playground staff joined in, helping to complete tasks and energizing the effort with their presence and pride.
Another Mayor Mason’s Clean Sweep is scheduled for this fall, with the next neighborhood to be announced. Photos and video highlights from the Holmes and Boyd effort will be shared soon on the City’s social media channels and website.
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Summertime Food Safety
Foodborne illnesses like Salmonella, Listeria, and E-coli are 10 times more common in the summer when people frequently attend gatherings that involve food.
Unfortunately, inadequate food preparation and storage can easily lead to illnesses.
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Following proper food safety practices can protect you and your friends from becoming ill.
- Pack raw meat, poultry, and seafood in a separate cooler from food that is already cooked or ready-to-eat.
- Handwashing is important even if running water is not available. Bring a water bottle, soap, and paper towel for a handwashing station.
- People who have diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach cramps should not prepare food for others.
- Don’t let food sit out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is over 90 degrees).
- Keep coolers out of the direct sunlight at the picnic site and keep them closed as much as possible.
If you have questions concerning food safety, call the City of Racine Public Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at 262-636-9431.
| | | Why We RYDE Campaign Highlights Racine’s Public Transit Riders | | |
RYDE Racine has launched an inspiring new campaign – #WhyWeRYDE – to elevate the stories of real Racine residents who rely on public transit every day. Through vivid photo and video testimonials, the campaign showcases how RYDE connects people to work, errands, appointments, and their broader community.
The campaign features work by local photographer Heidi Wagner and Varitay Studios, capturing striking visuals and meaningful narratives that underscore the real-world benefits of public transit in Racine – affordability, accessibility, and community connection.
“Through #WhyWeRYDE, we aim to increase awareness of how RYDE Racine positively impacts the lives of our residents,” said Transit & Mobility Director Trevor Jung.
| | Follow the campaign on social media to meet more RYDE riders and see how public transportation moves Racine forward. | |
Racine Awarded Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant
The City of Racine has received a Wisconsin Fast Forward grant to expand its Fire Cadet and CDL Trainee programs. The funding will support training and certification efforts that help bring new individuals into the workforce and increase wage growth for participants.
Departments benefiting from the grant include the Fire Department, Public Works, Transit, Parks, and Water and Wastewater Utilities.
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New Racine Sister City - Branford, Ontario
In July, the Racine Common Council approved a new Sister City partnership with Brantford, Ontario. The two cities share strong ties through SC Johnson, a rich legacy of manufacturing, and a commitment to education, sustainability, and inclusive community development. As part of the Sister Cities International network, Racine and Brantford will work together to promote cultural exchange, educational partnerships, and economic collaboration across borders.
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Students Visit from Oiso, Japan, Racine’s Sister City
Last Wednesday, Mayor Mason welcomed three students visiting Racine from our Sister City of Oiso, Japan! During their visit to City Hall, each student received a certificate declaring them an Honorary Resident of Racine, a symbol of the friendship between our two communities.
You’re invited to meet the students and experience a taste of Japanese culture at a special event on Tuesday, July 29, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. at the Racine Public Library. Hear firsthand about the sights, sounds, and traditions of Oiso. All are welcome!
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Racine’s Lifeguard Program Featured in Milwaukee Air & Water Show
The City of Racine’s Lifeguard Program was a feature in the 2025 Waterstone Bank Air and Water Show on July 19 and 20 along the Milwaukee lakefront, as one of several featured exhibitions during the event.
The City of Racine North Beach Lifeguard staff, members of the Milwaukee County Lifeguard Corps, and members of the WaterSafeMKE program showcase a simulated open-water rescue using the cutting-edge EMILY Rescue Drone—short for Emergency Integrated Lifesaving LanYard.
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Racine Fire Takes On Kenosha in Annual First Responders Softball Game
On July 20, the Racine Fire Department faced off against the Kenosha Fire Department in the annual First Responders Softball Game at Simmons Field in Kenosha and brought home the win with a final score of 12–5.
Thank you to KFD for their great sportsmanship and for making it a fun day of friendly competition between neighboring departments!
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City Officials Attend Aspen Ideas Climate Conference
Last week, Mayor Cory Mason and Transit Director Trevor Jung participated in the Aspen Ideas Climate – Chicago conference, joining leaders from across the country to explore urban climate solutions and clean mobility strategies.
Director Jung returned from the event with “a renewed sense of urgency and possibility,” noting that climate action begins in cities – through fleet electrification, street redesign, and investment in green technology.
Racine’s presence underscores Wisconsin’s growing leadership in climate-forward innovation and sustainable transit.
Above: Mayor Mason and Transit Director Jung are photographed with Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson.
| | 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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