2025 City Council Candidate Olivia Stine
District 5
LA CROSSE CITY COUNCIL
Olivia Stine
email: [email protected]
About You:
My name is Olivia Stine, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. From the moment I toured the university, I immediately felt a strong connection to La Crosse as a place where I could build both a community and a home. I was drawn to the warmth of the people, the vibrant environment, and the many opportunities the city has to offer. La Crosse quickly became a place I am proud to call my own, and I am excited to contribute to its continued growth and success.
Why did you decide to run for City Council, and what experiences or skills do you bring that will help you represent your district and the city effectively?
I decided to run for City Council because District 5 has been underrepresented for too long, and I believe the students living on this campus deserve a voice in the city’s decision-making process. It will be my top priority to ensure that these students are heard and represented. My prior work experience as a receptionist has equipped me with strong communication and conflict-resolution skills. As a current student, I am uniquely positioned to represent District 5 because I am directly connected to the issues affecting my peers. I understand the challenges students face and, as a fellow member of the campus community, I can engage with and advocate for solutions that reflect their needs and concerns.
How would you ensure residents in your district are actively involved in city planning and decision-making processes?
One of my top priorities is ensuring that students are aware they now have a dedicated representative on the City Council, as well as ensuring that the local residents in my district have their voices heard. It has become evident that many students on campus are either unaware of their ability to engage in local government or do not currently participate in the process. I am committed to communicating to students that their voices are valued and that, as their representative, I will advocate on their behalf within the City Council. To foster this connection, I plan to utilize both social media and in-person engagement to actively reach out to students, encourage their involvement in the city, and ensure that they feel empowered to bring their concerns and ideas forward. Through these efforts, I aim to strengthen the relationship between students and local government, making their participation an integral part of the city’s decision-making process and engaging the citizens of the residential blocks in my district in local government as well.
The City Council delayed a vote on hiring a City Administrator until after the election. Do you support the creation of this position? How do you see this role working in collaboration with the City Council and the mayor’s office?
In my view, hiring a city administrator could offer significant benefits by assisting with the management of day-to-day government operations and ensuring greater consistency in city governance. A city administrator could also enhance the effectiveness of the City Council and allow the mayor to focus more on high-level priorities, ultimately leading to a more streamlined and responsive local government. Hiring a city administrator would greatly enhance the effectiveness of the City Council and Mayor.
What role do you see the City Council playing in addressing homelessness in La Crosse? Do you support the Pathways Home initiative? What aspects of the plan do you find most effective, or what alternative solutions would you propose?
City Council has a critical role to play in addressing homelessness in our community, and we have already taken steps in the right direction through initiatives like the Pathways Home program. I fully support this initiative, as it represents a positive first step in helping individuals who are currently unsheltered. One key component of this plan that I believe is essential is the city providing case management for individuals who gain access to housing or remain unsheltered. Effective case management is not just a reactive measure; it serves as a preventive strategy, ensuring that individuals do not find themselves in a similar situation in the future. By establishing a long-term support system rather than providing a one-time solution, the Pathways Home initiative will provide a sustainable framework for addressing the unsheltered. This approach offers a promising outlook for the future and demonstrates the city’s commitment to helping our community.
What steps would you take to increase the availability of affordable housing, particularly for working-class residents and vulnerable populations?
Going into this position, I will collaborate closely with my fellow City Council members and engage with the City Planner to assess the current status of affordable housing in La Crosse and understand the City Council’s ongoing plans in this area. As a student, I recognize the critical importance of affordable housing for individuals pursuing their education, and I am committed to making it a top priority. I will work proactively with the City Council and the city planning team to ensure that we allocate the necessary resources and develop effective strategies to increase the availability of affordable housing throughout the city.
How would you balance supporting new business development and sustaining existing businesses while preserving the unique character of La Crosse’s downtown and neighborhoods? Are there specific projects or ideas you would advocate for in your district or the city?
Small businesses are the cornerstone of a vibrant local economy and supporting them is a priority for me. These small businesses preserve the unique character and charm of our downtown district. These businesses contribute to the city’s distinct identity, attracting both residents and visitors. At the same time, fostering new businesses is crucial for creating additional opportunities for employment and economic growth, providing a pathway for people to move to La Crosse and contribute to its continued economy. By collaborating with my fellow City Council members, I am confident we can strike a balance between supporting our established small businesses and encouraging new businesses. This collaborative approach will ensure that La Crosse can develop new businesses while maintaining the unique qualities that make our city a special place to live and work.
Recent reports show a decline in La Crosse’s population. What strategies would you support to attract and retain residents, particularly younger people and families?
I believe I have a unique opportunity to represent District 5, particularly given the vibrant student population in our community. Having witnessed firsthand the incredible opportunities that La Crosse offers for young people, it is my responsibility to ensure that students and young professionals are aware of the employment, business, and educational opportunities available to them. A key aspect of addressing the issue of population decline is addressing the issue of affordable housing—when students and young professionals can secure affordable housing in the city, they are more likely to establish long-term roots here. Additionally, I will work to highlight the many outdoor recreation opportunities, such as Grandad’s Bluff, as well as the city’s thriving arts scene and unique small businesses. My goal is to ensure that the young people at the university recognize La Crosse not only as a great place to study but also as a wonderful place to live and grow.
What is your approach to improving and maintaining the city’s infrastructure, including roads, public transportation and utilities? How would you ensure equitable access across the city?
Roads and public transportation are essential components of student and residential life in my district. Much of the population of my district relies on safe, accessible roads to walk to campus or downtown, as well as public transportation to access necessities such as groceries and medical appointments. I am committed to collaborating with the city’s planning department and fellow members of the City Council to ensure that our infrastructure meets the needs of students and residents, providing safe and efficient transportation options. By engaging directly with residents in District 5, I will advocate for improvements in areas where they feel unsafe, ensuring that any enhancements are targeted and effective in promoting both safety and convenience for residents navigating La Crosse.
How would you advocate for improvements to transportation options in your district and the city? What ideas do you have for public transportation, bike lanes or pedestrian-friendly pathways?
The initial step in advocating for improvements will be to engage directly with the residents of my district to identify areas where they feel unsafe or where enhancements are needed, such as in the installation of stoplights, pedestrian-friendly pathways, or improvements to public transportation. By gaining a thorough understanding of the concerns and ideas of students and residents alike, I will bring these issues to the City Council, advocating for solutions. I will work with the city’s budget and collaborate with the City Planning Office and The La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility to assess viable options for addressing these concerns and implementing the necessary improvements.
What strategies would you support to ensure that La Crosse remains a safe community for residents and visitors? What plans do you have to address issues such as police-community relations, crime prevention and emergency response preparedness?
In my role, I will prioritize a strong collaboration between the La Crosse Police Department and the campus police to ensure communication between City Council and law enforcement. It is essential that we maintain open communication to address emerging concerns and work towards solutions that serve the best interests of our community. I will advocate for the continued emphasis on cultural competence and bias reduction training within the La Crosse Police Department, ensuring that these important initiatives remain in law enforcement practices. Additionally, I will work to strengthen community engagement, helping residents view the police not only as enforcers of the law but as valuable resources and partners in enhancing public safety and community well-being.
What climate action policies or sustainability initiatives would you champion in your district and citywide? How would you address renewable energy, waste reduction, and the protection of green spaces?
The Climate Action Plan Steering Committee has been working to enhance sustainability in La Crosse and address the pressing climate challenges we face. I am committed to maintaining open communication with both this committee and the residents of my district to understand and address their concerns regarding climate action and sustainability. By engaging with my community, I will ensure that residents are informed about the sustainable resources and opportunities available through the City of La Crosse website and other city initiatives. I will collaborate closely with the Climate Action Plan Steering Committee to support efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and protecting our climate for future generations. Additionally, I will work with the city to promote and expand recycling and composting programs, helping to reduce waste and create a more sustainable, environmentally conscious community.
How can the City Council collaborate with the school district and community organizations to ensure educational opportunities and services for young people? Are there district-specific needs you would focus on?
As a student at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, I recognize the critical importance of education and the role of local government in shaping our communities. It is essential to engage students in local government processes, helping them understand that their voices and opinions matter within the city they call home. I believe it is crucial to teach children about local government, ensuring they know that their concerns will be heard and addressed. Additionally, I would advocate for collaboration with the school district to integrate an understanding of local government into the curriculum, ensuring that students of all ages are informed about how local governance works and the ways they can actively participate in shaping their community.
What role do you see for the City Council in fostering tech innovation and improving digital infrastructure? How could your district benefit from smart city initiatives or local tech industry development?
My district could benefit significantly from the implementation of a smart city initiative or the development of a local tech industry. Such initiatives would improve access to essential city resources, such as the city website, and facilitate easier access to information about local government activities. Additionally, local tech development could create valuable employment opportunities, contributing to the growth of the city’s population. Leveraging tech innovations, especially through social media, would also provide students in my district with a more effective way to stay informed about city matters, including City Council meeting reminders and important city announcements.
