A Message from the Mayor
Dear Racine Residents,
The City’s 2026 budget process is in full swing, and I want to thank residents who continue to stay engaged. This budget builds on the progress we’ve made, keeping services strong, investing in neighborhoods, and making Racine a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
I also want to recognize the partnerships that strengthen our community. As the federal SNAP pause affects families across Racine, local organizations have stepped up to ensure no one goes without food or support. That kind of collaboration and care is what defines Racine at its best.
And as we close out October, I hope you’ll take part in the moments that bring us together – from our neighborhood Halloween traditions to celebrating community leaders like Chuck and Juanita Tyler, whose dedication continues to inspire.
Sincerely,
Mayor Cory Mason
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In this issue:
- 2026 Budget Process
- Adopt-a-Tree Event
- Spooktacular Homes Contest
- Trick or Treat
- Radon Testing for your Home
- Plus, a look at recent community events!
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City of Racine 2026 Budget Process Continues
The City of Racine’s annual budget process is well underway following Mayor Cory Mason’s presentation of the proposed 2026 budget earlier this month. Residents who missed the address can view the full recording here.
After the Mayor’s presentation, City departments shared their proposed budgets and answered questions from the Common Council during detailed review sessions held on October 22 and 23. Recordings of those meetings are available here: October 22 Presentations and October 23 Questions.
Next, the public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget will take place on Thursday, October 30, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. This meeting gives residents an opportunity to share feedback directly with the Common Council before final deliberations.
The Council will then reconvene on Wednesday, November 5, to discuss and vote on proposed budget amendments, followed by final adoption of the 2026 budget on Thursday, November 6.
All meetings begin at 6:00 p.m., are open to the public, and will be livestreamed on the City’s YouTube channel for those who prefer to watch remotely.
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Help Green Our City — Adopt a Tree!
The City of Racine, in partnership with UW–Extension, is hosting an Adopt-a-Tree event on Saturday, November 8, at 10:00 a.m.
Through a Wisconsin DNR-funded grant, some Racine residents can adopt a tree at no cost and plant it in their own backyard.
As part of our grant requirements and to ensure the successful planting and growth of each tree, we request your consent to conduct two follow-up visits to the location where your tree is planted.
Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait to reserve yours! Find out if your neighborhood qualifies, and sign up now!
Let’s grow Racine’s urban forest together — one backyard at a time.
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Spooktacular Homes Decorating Contest
There’s still a little time to show off your Halloween spirit! City of Racine residents are invited to enter the 2025 Spooktacular Homes Decorating Contest — a just-for-fun way to celebrate creativity, neighborhood pride, and the city’s most festive displays.
Entries are due by Tuesday, October 28, at 11:45 p.m. Winners will be chosen by public vote and announced on Halloween Day.
Click here for full contest details and entry information.
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Trick or Treat in the City of Racine
It's almost time for a spooktacular evening in the City of Racine!
Trick-or-Treating will be held on Friday, October 31, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Residents who want to join the fun should keep their porch lights on to welcome little ghouls and goblins.
Families are encouraged to stay safe by sticking to sidewalks, avoiding homes they don’t know, and keeping an eye on traffic. Drivers, beware — watch for excited kids crossing streets as you cruise through neighborhoods!
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Radon Testing Kits Available
Did you know 1 in 10 Wisconsin homes have high radon levels? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the ground. If your house or apartment is near an area with radon, it can enter your home through tiny cracks in the foundation. Testing is the only way to know the level of radon in your home.
Testing is inexpensive and easy. City of Racine residents can purchase test kits from the Customer Service Department in Racine City Hall during regular business hours.
Short-term test kits are $5, and long-term test kits are $10.
Visit lowradon.org to learn more or call the City of Racine Public Health Department’s Environmental Health Division with questions at 262-636-9431.
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Two Milestones for Racine’s Lincoln King Neighborhood
October 22 marked a day of progress and pride in the Lincoln-King Neighborhood. City and community leaders – and a group of students from Julian Thomas Elementary School – joined Governor Tony Evers, Representative Angelina Cruz, County Supervisor Q.A. Shakoor, and Christopher Bogan, representing Senator Tammy Baldwin, for the groundbreaking of the Lincoln King Townhomes – a new affordable housing development – and the beam signing ceremony for the future Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and Health Clinic.
The beam signing, a long-standing construction tradition, allowed participants to leave their signatures on the final steel beam before it’s placed atop the new facility – symbolizing the community’s shared investment in Racine’s future. Despite the brisk fall weather, both celebrations were well attended and marked important steps toward revitalization and opportunity in the heart of the city.
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Honoring Chuck and Juanita Tyler for a Lifetime of Leadership
Mayor Cory Mason joined family, friends, and community members at the Roma Lodge on October 25 to celebrate Chuck and Juanita Tyler’s remarkable contributions to Racine. A City proclamation recognized the couple’s more than six decades of service, leadership, and advocacy.
Chuck Tyler, the first Black director of the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, helped lead efforts that resulted in the creation of two community centers, including the Tyler-Domer Community Center. Juanita Tyler, a pioneering nurse and educator, founded the Racine-Kenosha Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association and spent nearly 30 years teaching and mentoring students at Gateway Technical College.
Together, the Tylers have strengthened Racine through their dedication to equity, education, and community building.
| | Thank you for staying connected with us. We look forward to keeping you updated with the latest from City Hall and beyond. | | | | |
