A Message from the Mayor
Dear Racine Residents,
In Racine, we’re constantly working to build a healthier, safer, and more connected city. This issue of the Inside Racine newsletter highlights just a few of the ways we’re making progress—from the new downtown COP House to the launch of our first Federally Qualified Health Center at Julian Thomas Elementary. These investments reflect our commitment to equity, access, and long-term community well-being.
We’re also proud to share the Root River Report Card, a new tool from our Public Health Department that tracks local water quality and empowers residents to protect this vital resource.
Plus, you’ll find important seasonal updates—from Memorial Day closures to hazardous waste collection and the Seed Library. As always, thank you for staying engaged and for being part of Racine’s continued growth.
Sincerely,
Mayor Cory Mason
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In this issue:
- Racine's New Community Health Center
- Memorial Day Closures & Waste Collection
- Root River Report Card
- Seed Library Now Open
- May Household Hazardous Waste Event
- Plus, a look at recent community events!
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Racine Public Library Closed May 16
The Racine Public Library building and Bookmobile will be closed on Friday, May 16 for our all-staff training day.
They will reopen with their normal hours on Saturday, May 17. Social services and phone support will not be available during the closure.
Click here for Library and Bookmobile hours.
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Pillar Health to Open Racine Health Center
Pillar Health will open Racine’s first Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) this summer inside Julian Thomas Elementary School, bringing primary medical care and behavioral health counseling to the Lincoln-King neighborhood, one of the city’s most underserved areas.
As the largest city in Wisconsin without a community health center, Racine has faced significant gaps in access to care. This new site addresses those disparities by offering affordable, high-quality services where they’re most needed. It’s part of a broader initiative supported by the City of Racine Public Health Department, United Way of Racine County, and Racine Unified School District to embed health services in schools and neighborhoods.
When the Lincoln King Community Center opens in 2026, Pillar Health will relocate services there. The new center expects to serve over 3,200 patients in its first year.
Learn more!
| | Root River Report Card Tracks Local Water Quality | | |
The City of Racine Public Health Department Laboratory has released the 2024 Root River Water Quality Report Card, a new online resource designed to inform the public about local water quality and promote environmental stewardship.
The Root River is an essential resource for the Racine community, supporting recreation, wildlife, and public health. The report card evaluates data from six monitoring sites along the river, assessing key indicators including E. coli, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and conductivity.
This tool highlights the challenges facing the Root River and offers clear, practical ways the public can contribute to improving water quality through individual and community action.
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Memorial Day Closures and Waste Collection Changes
In observance of the Memorial Day Holiday on Monday, May 26, several City of Racine services will be closed, and waste collection schedules will shift.
Closed May 26, 2025:
- City government offices
- Racine Public Library and Bookmobile
Solid Waste and Recycling Collection: There will be no collection on Monday, May 26. 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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Please note, the next issue of this Inside Racine newsletter will hit your mailbox on Tuesday, May 27.
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Free Seeds Now Available at the Racine Public Library
The Racine Public Library’s Seed Library is open for the 2025 growing season through June 20! Stop by the second floor’s Beyond Books collection to browse a rotating selection of free vegetable, herb, and fruit seeds—no checkout required.
Seeds are packaged with growing tips and donor info, and are housed in the tall, mossy green cabinet near the Beyond Books nook. Please take only what you need so the library can serve as many gardeners as possible.
Offered in partnership with UW Extension, the Seed Library supports healthy, budget-friendly food growing for all in our community. Learn more by visiting the Library's website.
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Household Hazardous Waste Event this Weekend
The next Household Hazardous Waste collection of the year is Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Racine Residential Drop-Off Facility and Waste Transfer Station, 6300 S. 21st 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.
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Racine’s Newest COP House
On April 30, City officials, community leaders, and residents gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Racine’s seventh Community Oriented Policing (COP) House, our first located downtown. The formerly vacant storefront now serves as a neighborhood hub for safety, outreach, and partnership.
Mayor Mason, Chief Ramirez, and community partners highlighted the continued success of Racine’s nationally recognized COP model.
This downtown location was made possible through public-private collaboration, with special thanks to SC Johnson, A Family Company and the Racine Community Foundation for their generous support.
Thank you to all who joined us for this important milestone.
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YMCA Demolition Underway
Earlier today, Mayor Cory Mason and City officials marked the start of demolition at the former YMCA building with a ceremonial “first swing” at 725 Lake Avenue.
Reflecting on the building’s significance to his own family and generations of Racine residents, Mayor Mason spoke of the YMCA’s long legacy in the community while emphasizing the importance of moving forward. He then took the controls of an excavator and drove its arm through the building’s exterior, officially launching the long-anticipated demolition.
The long-vacant structure, closed since 2019, had deteriorated significantly and was identified as a public safety concern by multiple agencies. Demolition will continue over the coming weeks, followed by site clean-up and grading. While no redevelopment plans are in place yet, removing the building clears the way for future opportunities on this key lakefront site.
| | 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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