A Message from the Mayor
Dear Racine Residents,
This past weekend, my family and I had the pleasure of attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Racine. It was a fantastic celebration of our community’s spirit, filled with lively music, vibrant community groups, and plenty of green! Thank you to all who participated!
As we head into spring, a few quick reminders:
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Early in-person voting for the April 1 election starts tomorrow at City Hall, so make a plan to vote.
- If you’d like to help make our community safer, join the Sound the Alarm event on May 3 to install free smoke alarms with the Red Cross and Racine Fire Department.
Spring is a season of renewal, and in Racine, it’s also a season of action. I encourage you to get involved, stay informed, and take advantage of the many opportunities our city has to offer.
— Mayor Cory Mason
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In this issue:
- Fire Department Referendum
- Plus, a look at recent City happenings
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Early Voting Begins
The Spring Election takes place on April 1. In-Person Early Voting for City of Racine residents will take place at City Hall on the following dates/times:
- Tuesday – Friday, March 18 – 22 • 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 22 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Monday – Friday, March 24 – 28 • 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday, March 29 – 30 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Please remember a Photo ID is required to vote. For more information, including other locations to vote in-person absentee, please visit www.voteracine.org.
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On the Ballot: Fire Department Referendum
On April 1, 2025, Racine voters will decide on a Public Safety Referendum to authorize a $1.5 million annual property tax levy increase to retain nine Paramedic/EMT positions in the Racine Fire Department. These positions are currently funded by a temporary federal SAFER grant, which is set to expire in 2026.
If approved, the referendum would increase property taxes by approximately $31 per year per $100,000 of assessed home value, starting with the December 2025 tax bill, and the nine positions will remain filled. If it fails, the department will face staffing cuts, leading to longer response times and reduced emergency service capacity.
Residents are encouraged to learn more and ask questions at the final Community Listening Sessions taking place at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, at Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2221 Douglas Avenue.
For detailed information, including fact sheets and FAQs, visit the City of Racine Fire Referendum webpage.
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Volunteer to Save Lives – Sound the Alarm in Racine
Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death from home fires in half. That’s why we’re rallying volunteers to Sound the Alarm in Racine on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Join the American Red Cross and Racine Fire Department for a rewarding day of service. No experience is necessary—we’ll provide everything you need. You’ll connect with other volunteers, help install free smoke alarms and provide fire safety education to families in need. Since 2014, volunteers like you have made over 1 million homes safer nationwide.
Be part of the impact—sign up today to be a volunteer!
Do you need a smoke alarm in your home? Sign up to receive one during the Sound the Alarm event!
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Digital Literacy Fair
The City of Racine invites you to attend a Digital Literacy Fair on Saturday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Racine Public Library. Hosted by the Digital Divide Roundtable, this event highlights the importance of digital skills in today’s world.
Whether you're looking to enhance your tech skills for personal use, explore a career in technology, or simply stay connected, the fair offers valuable resources and support to help you succeed. Come meet with local organizations and discover the tools you need to use technology confidently.
Don't miss this opportunity to take your next steps toward digital empowerment. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Coffee with Cops
The first Coffee with Cops event at The Branch was a great success! Community members had the opportunity to connect with Racine Police Department officers over coffee and conversation in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
If you couldn’t make it this time, don’t worry – Coffee with Cops is a recurring event held every second Monday of the month.
Mark your calendar and join us next time for another chance to meet your local officers and build community connections: April 14 from 10 a.m. until noon at The Branch at 1501. We hope to see you there!
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St. Patrick's Day Parade
The 17th Annual Downtown Racine St. Patrick’s Day Parade, held on Saturday, March 15, was an unforgettable celebration of Irish culture, community spirit, and a much-needed taste of Spring. Revelers gathered along the route to witness a spectacular display of festive floats, lively dance troupes, and spirited community groups.
A huge thank you goes out to the Downtown Racine Corporation for their tireless efforts in organizing this incredible event and to everyone who came out to make this year’s parade a success. We look forward to seeing you all again next year for even more green, fun, and community spirit!
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| | 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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