2025 City Council Candidate Aron Newberry
District 9
WIZM La Crosse Talk interview:
Contact Info:
email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/newberry54601
Newberry’s answers to WIZM questionnaire:
About Me
I’m a public health professional with over a decade of experience tackling big community challenges. After 9/11, I felt called to serve and joined the Army National Guard, spending 3 ½ years on active duty and deploying to Iraq in 2008 as a Staff Sergeant and Convoy Commander. I was honored to receive the Bronze Star for my service.
In 2021, I led La Crosse County’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts, securing Wisconsin’s first competitive mass vaccination site at UWL, where we administered 20,000 shots. I also organized a volunteer task force that provided 5,000 vaccinations to our city’s most vulnerable residents. After serving as Public Health Director in Trempealeau County, I now work as the Workforce Development Manager at Great Rivers United Way, helping expand opportunities for community health workers and improving healthcare access statewide.
Beyond my career, I’m a husband, father of two, and an engaged neighbor. With our closest family seven hours away, we’ve spent the last 11 years building our own community and support system right here in La Crosse. This city is our home, and we couldn’t have found a better place to raise our kids, build friendships, and give back.
I’m committed to ensuring La Crosse remains a great place to live, work, and play. Whether I’m volunteering at local events, supporting schools, or advocating for policies that strengthen our neighborhoods, I believe in creating a city where everyone feels connected and supported to succeed.
Running for City Council
When I bought my first home in District 9 and enrolled my kids at Hamilton/SOTA I, I wanted to know who represented us and if they aligned with my values. What I found was disappointing, an unopposed newcomer now running his fourth campaign in four years. I started looking for a better candidate to support, but after some reflection, I realized I was the right person for the job.
I’ve spent years working in District 9 through my role at the La Crosse County Health Department, partnering with building inspections, police, fire, and social services. I’ve seen the struggles families face, from unsafe housing to economic insecurity, and I’ve worked to hold bad landlords accountable while advocating for better solutions.
I’m running for City Council because I believe in service, leadership, and community. La Crosse has so much potential, but we need strong leadership to turn that potential into action. My experience leading large-scale public health and workforce initiatives has prepared me to tackle complex issues, bring people together, and find practical solutions that work.
I believe in transparent government, strong community engagement, and policies that put people before politics. As a City Council member, you’ll see me focusing on strengthening neighborhoods, improving city services, and creating opportunities that benefit all La Crosse residents.
Community Engagement
Decisions are made by those who show up, but not everyone can. Too often, work schedules, transportation, childcare, or accessibility barriers prevent people from participating in city government. You’ll see me working to make city meetings easier to attend by improving scheduling and keeping streaming options available, so more people, working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, can stay involved.
Beyond meetings, I’ll keep District 9 residents informed with a regular newsletter about city developments, upcoming meetings, and ways to get involved. You’ll see me actively engaging with neighborhood associations, schools, and community groups to make sure voices from all corners of the district are heard.
Making government more accessible isn’t just about convenience, it’s about equity. I’ll push for language accessibility, better outreach, and inclusive decision-making so everyone, especially those who are often left out, has a say in the future of La Crosse.
City Administrator
I support creating a City Administrator because running a city isn’t a side job, it takes professional management. In Trempealeau County, I saw how an “every department for themselves” approach led to budget inefficiencies, duplication of efforts, and uneven resource distribution. Right now, department heads report to a mayor and committee chairs who change every four years, leading to inconsistency and making long-term planning harder.
A City Administrator would bring stability, efficiency, and accountability by making sure City Council policies are implemented. This role lets elected officials focus on big-picture governance while a full-time professional manages city operations, budgets, and strategic planning.
Working closely with both the City Council and the mayor, a City Administrator ensures leadership stays stable, keeping decisions focused on long-term success rather than short-term politics. This practical, results-driven approach improves efficiency and enhances quality of life for all La Crosse residents.
HOMELESSNESS
Let’s be honest, homelessness in La Crosse isn’t new, and most people experiencing it grew up right here in the Coulee Region. Many folks in District 9 are just one crisis away from the same situation. Some say this isn’t the city’s problem, but denying it has only made things worse.
The City Council needs to step up by supporting policies and funding solutions that tackle the root causes of homelessness and create long-term stability. That’s why I support Pathways Home because the first step is simple: get people into stable housing. You can’t focus on work, mental health, or recovery if you don’t even have a place to sleep.
This plan prioritizes permanent supportive housing, case management, and wraparound services that help people get back on their feet not just temporary fixes or punishment. Homelessness is a community problem, and I’m here to work on real solutions, not debate whether we should act.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
La Crosse needs more housing options that work for everyone, not just those who can afford a traditional single-family home. While single-family homes will always be part of our neighborhoods, we need to make sure there are choices for young professionals, college students, single parents, retirees looking to downsize, and people with disabilities.
Adding duplexes, fourplexes, ADUs, and mixed-use developments lets neighborhoods grow naturally without big, disruptive projects. These options help first-time buyers, renters, and small-scale landlords while also expanding the tax base, easing the burden on current homeowners. Whether it’s grandparents wanting to live near family or new investors looking for opportunities, a more flexible approach to housing helps everyone find a place to call home.
Programs like Family Promise, Beer by Bike Brigade’s Dignity Homes, and Habitat for Humanity are proving that community-driven solutions work. Reducing unnecessary regulations makes small-scale development more feasible, creating walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods that serve everyone. District 9 deserves housing policies that prioritize accessibility, affordability, and long-term financial sustainability, ensuring La Crosse remains a place where all residents can live, work, and thrive.
Economic Development
La Crosse’s local businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we must support both new business development and existing businesses while preserving the unique character of our neighborhoods. The city has successfully reduced unnecessary regulations to help businesses adapt and grow, such as allowing expanded outdoor seating during COVID-19. Continuing to streamline regulations and encourage locally owned enterprises will strengthen our economy while maintaining La Crosse’s historic charm.
POPULATION DECLINE
La Crosse’s population decline is a real concern, but we can turn things around by making this a place where people want to stay and build their lives. Younger professionals, families, and retirees all look for the same things: affordable housing, good jobs, and a high quality of life.
To attract and keep residents, we need housing options for all stages of life, from first-time homebuyers and growing families to retirees wanting to downsize. Allowing for duplexes, fourplexes, ADUs, and mixed-use development keeps housing affordable and helps ease the tax burden on homeowners.
But it’s not just about housing. We need to support local businesses and create good-paying jobs so graduates from UW-La Crosse, Viterbo, and Western Tech can build their futures here. Strong public schools, accessible childcare, and vibrant community spaces all make La Crosse a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families.
INFRASTRUCTURE
La Crosse is an older city, which means we’re always going to have roads, utilities, and other infrastructure that need fixing. The city has been smart about tackling major road repairs and upgrading underground utilities at the same time to avoid tearing up the same streets twice. But that also means some neighborhood roads have to wait, which can be frustrating.
The reality is, we can’t fix everything all at once so we have to be strategic. Investing in public transit, walkability, and mixed-use development can help take pressure off the roads, stretching our dollars further. The goal is to make sure our roads, utilities, and transit systems stay reliable without wasting money on quick fixes that don’t last.
TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
La Crosse needs safe, reliable, and accessible transportation for everyone. Whether you’re getting to work, school, or running errands, public transit should be a real option—which means frequent, predictable bus routes that work for students, seniors, and working families.
For those who walk or bike, we need better crosswalks, sidewalk repairs, and safe bike lanes to make getting around easier and safer. Investing in smart, cost-effective improvements, like traffic calming and mixed-use development, helps keep roads in better shape while making neighborhoods more walkable and connected. A strong transportation system isn’t just about roads, it supports local businesses, reduces congestion, and improves quality of life for everyone.
PUBLIC SAFETY
With six years on the Local Emergency Planning Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of preparedness and coordination. La Crosse has a first-class fire department and a police force engaged in evidence-based policing practices that I support, including community policing and co-responder models.
Effective safety means detective work to root out human and drug trafficking, while also building trust between law enforcement and the community. It also means holding officers accountable when they step out of line. We need to keep investing in crisis response teams, mental health resources, and emergency preparedness so that when problems arise, we’re ready to handle them the right way.
Climate Action & Sustainability
Sustainability means making smart investments that lower costs, improve quality of life, and protect natural resources. Expanding public transit, strengthening La Crosse’s urban tree canopy, and investing in energy-efficient infrastructure will lower utility costs while reducing our environmental impact. Practical, community-driven solutions will keep La Crosse affordable, accessible, and environmentally responsible.
EDUCATION & YOUTH SERVICES
Schools are the heartbeat of any community, and the city should collaborate with the school district to expand the community-driven school model across La Crosse. Schools should serve as hubs for engagement, support, and opportunity to help students thrive.
Specifically for Hamilton Elementary, partnerships between public schools, the Parks Department, and CBOs can enhance after-school programs, sports, and club activities that keep kids engaged. These partnerships provide safe spaces, enrichment, and mentorship that strengthen student success.
In District 9, many families face housing instability, food insecurity, and childcare shortages, all of which impact education. Strengthening early childhood education, expanding career academies, and investing in mentorship programs will ensure every student has access to meaningful opportunities. By working together, we can create a stronger, more supportive La Crosse where all young people can succeed.
Technology & Innovation
I would look to local industry leaders and educators to determine where the city can best support tech development, workforce training, and digital infrastructure improvements. Collaborating with businesses like Kwik Trip, Trane, and healthcare partners will help La Crosse remain competitive and ensure that tech solutions truly serve residents and businesses.
