A Message from the Mayor
Dear Racine Residents,
May is a month filled with national recognitions—Public Service Recognition Week, Municipal Clerks Week, National Nurses Week, Police Week, EMS Week, and Public Works Week—all honoring the people who keep our communities safe, healthy, and functioning. Here in Racine, we’ve seen that spirit of service in action.
From our DPW, Forestry, Police, and Fire crews responding swiftly to the May 15 storm, to our public health team launching the YouFirst maternal and infant health program, City staff have shown what it means to serve with purpose and care.
Public service is more than a job description—it’s a daily commitment to the people of Racine. I want to thank all our employees and community partners for the work they do, often behind the scenes, to move our city forward.
Sincerely,
Mayor Cory Mason
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In this issue:
- Temporary Meeting Location Change
- Island Park Beer Garden
- YouFirst: Maternal and Infant Health
- Storm Cleanup Thank You
- Join Our Team
- Plus, a look at recent community events!
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City Meeting Locations to Change Temporarily
Beginning June 2, the elevator at City Hall will be out of service for approximately two months due to scheduled repairs. To ensure ADA compliance, Common Council and Standing Committee meetings, including Finance and Personnel, Public Safety and Licensing, and Public Works and Services, will be held at the Racine Public Library, 75 7th Street. Locations for other City board, committee, and commission meetings will be included in their respective posted agendas.
We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we complete this important accessibility upgrade at City Hall.
| | | New This Summer - Beer Garden at Island Park! | | | | |
The City of Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) is excited to debut a new Beer Garden at Island Park, featuring craft beer by Perspective Brewing Company, local food vendors, live music, and a family- and dog-friendly atmosphere.
2025 Beer Garden Schedule:
- June 20–22
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July 18–20 (Family Fun Day: July 19)
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August 22–24 (Music in the Park: August 23)
- September 19–21
Hours:
- Fridays: 4 PM – 8 PM
- Saturdays: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Sundays: 12 PM – 6 PM
Whether you're coming for a casual drink, to let the kids play, or to catch some live music, Island Park’s Beer Garden is Racine’s newest summer tradition in the making.
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Introducing YouFirst: A New Approach to Maternal and Infant Health
Improving infant health takes more than prenatal care. It requires a holistic strategy that supports individual, family, and community wellness. That’s where YouFirst comes in.
This new City of Racine Public Health Department program is designed for people who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or looking to prevent one, recognizing that unplanned pregnancies can significantly impact birth outcomes. YouFirst expands the focus to include preconception and interconception care, supporting individuals before and between pregnancies to reduce maternal health risks and improve outcomes for babies.
YouFirst complements existing services throughout the county, like Prenatal Care Coordination (PNCC) and home visitation, by filling critical gaps in care.
| | After a successful soft launch at the City of Racine’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic, the program is now formally underway. | | |
Thank You to Our City Staff for Storm Response
We extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated teams in Public Works, Parks and Forestry, Police, and Fire for their swift and effective response to the severe storm that struck Racine on Thursday, May 15.
DPW and Parks/Forestry crews worked tirelessly to clear fallen trees and debris, restoring safety and access across the city. Police officers managed traffic disruptions caused by downed trees, while Fire Department personnel responded to utility emergencies to ensure public safety.
Your service in the face of challenging conditions is deeply appreciated.
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Join Our Team
The City of Racine is hiring! From public safety to building inspection and public works, there are a wide range of full-time and part-time opportunities available.
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Peace Officers Memorial Day
On May 13, law enforcement agencies, elected officials, and community members gathered at Hantschel Park for the annual Racine County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. Together, we honored the 18 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving our county.
Held during National Police Week, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and service that define law enforcement. We thank all who joined in remembrance—and reaffirm our commitment to never forget those who gave everything in the line of duty.
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Honoring Service at the Memorial Day Parade
West Racine was filled with flags, applause, and remembrance Monday morning as community members gathered for the annual Memorial Day Parade hosted by Racine Area Veterans Inc.
Mayor Mason joined the parade lineup, walking alongside veterans, local organizations, and public safety personnel in a powerful display of unity and gratitude for those who served.
| | 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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