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Guiding Principles

Listen First, Act Second

It's important to me that you understand my guiding principles. This is how I make decisions and what has driven me these past years. 

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  • I believe in listening first and acting second. It is important to understand the community’s wants and needs on every relevant issue, ask questions, and gather as many facts as possible before making a decision.

  • I have always believed in clean and transparent campaigns. Further, the community needs to know enough about opposing candidates to evaluate their qualifications, viewpoints, vision, and style in order to decide who is best for Manitowoc. The Mayor works for the citizens of Manitowoc; the citizens need to fully understand the workings and philosophies of the person they elect as Mayor, whoever that may be.

  • I am not a micro-manager. We hire excellent people in all city
    departments. As such, I trust each respective department head to provide me with the best information and perspectives on any topic being discussed. I trust the city’s staff to do the same. I believe the Mayor's role is to provide overall direction to city departments while representing the citizens' best interests, with department heads and staff being charged with seeing their departments succeed.

  • I believe we work for the citizens. I push city employees to understand and appreciate that they work for you and that it is an honor and privilege to give back to the community as a City of Manitowoc employee.

  • The level of growth and improvement we have seen over the past few years has taken a great deal of vision and tenacity. Patience and careful planning by the city's administration, planners, economic development teams, and the many large and small businesses that continue to see Manitowoc – the place and the people – as a great investment of time and talent. The result is a stronger, more attractive, diverse, and resilient community for residents, businesses, visitors, and the future.

  • I love this city. I was born and raised here. I go to work every day with the understanding that I am a temporary occupant of that office, and you entrust me to make the best decisions for today and what our community will be like in the future. Thank you.

Items of Importance

Below are a few items I believe to be essential for our community's growth and vitality. However, the most important issue to you may be one that is closer to home. It may be a dying tree on your terrace, a pothole in front of your house, or a difficult pedestrian crossing. These kinds of problems matter to the quality of your life and how you view the effectiveness of our city government. Because I represent you, these kinds of problems are important to me, as well. So, while I am asking for your vote on April 1st to continue to work on the larger issues below, don't hesitate to contact me regarding the issue most important to you. It is true that the City can seldom do everything, but it is also true that the City can often do more; deciding what that “more” is starts with sharing your concerns.

As we recap 2024, many of our large legacy businesses expanded and grew, and many new small businesses emerged. We saw investments in every part of our City. We are expanding our industrial park and investing in our 36 parks. We are prioritizing housing of all types and cleaning up and developing Manitowoc’s two most blighted sites.

We are growing but still maintaining our charm.

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Business Growth

From day one, I have prioritized bringing meaningful, good-paying jobs and businesses to the community. We have seen tremendous growth from businesses that have been here for 100 years, businesses that just started up, and businesses that saw Manitowoc as an opportunity and moved here. I was first elected right after Mirro's departure. Anheuser-Busch announced its departure from the community two weeks after I was first elected. Manitowoc Company officially left in the mid-2010s. All legacy businesses that helped build our community for a century. I think we all had a collective sigh when those businesses left, but since then we have seen a resurgence and renaissance! We are more diverse and stronger than we have ever been. We have accomplished this by bringing economic development in-house with the creation of the Community Development Department and a great partnership with Progress Lakeshore. We changed our philosophy of being a government that tells businesses what they can and cannot do to being proactive and going directly to businesses to see what we can do or what we are doing that is hampering their growth. We have been very creative using TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) to incentivize businesses to move or expand here, ensuring the local taxpayer doesn't foot the bill. We have cut the red tape of local government to ensure our businesses are successful and proud to call Manitowoc home. *****Proven Growth***** The City of Manitowoc's equalized value is over $3.3 billion (1.4 billion in 2001 and 2 billion in 2009 through 2019) There was an 8% increase in equalized value from 2023 to 2024, which equates to $258 million in new value in that one year. We had a 2.14% net new construction growth in that year, one of the higher increases in Northeast Wisconsin. This increase isn’t because of inflation, but because we saw the most building permits pulled in 2024 than any other year recently and we saw tremendous growth in our industrial park, downtown, and all areas of the city. Manitowoc is now officially part of the less than 2% of communities that can do all plan reviews and all inspections in-house. Commercial building code enforcement authority allows us to be more business-friendly, getting projects up and running quicker! Come to Manitowoc, we will cut the red tape for your business to be as successful as possible! *****As of 2024, the Industrial Park is Almost FULL!***** Here are a few businesses the city worked with that have moved to the Industrial Park or expanded. Ammo Inc. (a brand-new business to the city that had its first full year of production in 2024) added 200 jobs (150 new) in a 160,000sq.ft. facility and acquired 35+ acres in the I-Park. The city partnered with AMMO and used TIF to incentivize them to move from Arizona to Manitowoc Redline Plastics 160,000 sq. ft in Industrial Park (from Dowco). Added another 104,000 sq. ft addition 2021. Has a land option from the City for more additions. The city used TIF and our free-land for growth policy to make sure they built in Manitowoc Dramm Corporation Commercial Products built in the Industrial Park (was just outside the city limits on Hwy Q), east of Jageman on I-43. 85,000sq.ft. manufacturing plant plus 15,000 sq. ft corporate headquarters. Added a solar garden. Updating the stormwater pond in front of them along the interstate. The City used TIF to ensure they expanded in the city limits Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing LLC (ran out of room at old i-park on Expo Drive). 42,500sq.ft. in 2023 PLUS, new building (59,000 sq. ft) over doubling in size opening in 2025. The City used TIF to help with this growth to ensure they grew in the city Bank First Operations Center (next to Subway) Color Craft Graphic Arts just completed another 45,000sq.ft. addition (130,000 total now) Kaysun Corporation addition of 54,900sq.ft and 75 new jobs. The City has historically helped with Kaysun’s many expansions and used TIF for this last expansion R2H purchased more land from the city in 2025 for future growth Briess added in the Industrial Park *****New Industrial Park***** The city purchased 90 acres on Hecker and Viebahn from Manitowoc County in 2019. $1.5 million (TIF) is being invested in 2025 to complete the infrastructure (water, sewer, utilities) needed to be shovel-ready for any new business interested in building! *****Other Business Growth Over the Past Few Years***** Fed Ex's new distribution facility on Viebahn and S. 42nd (behind Festival Foods). $45 million project. 218,000 sq. ft on 39 acres. Addition of S. 39th as a public road but not connected to Viebahn. TIF was used to help with the public infrastructure. Lakeside Foods moved into the old Investors/Manitowoc Company HQ – and also invested multi-millions in growth at their S. 30th Street facilities. TIF was used to ensure they grew in the city. Baycare Lakeside Campus. 49,000 sq. ft. facility Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. added to their downtown facility and continues to invest in Manitowoc, adding a location to the industrial park. We officially declared Manitowoc the “Specialty Malt Capital of the World” in 2024 Eck Industries, Inc adding on and updating their front façade Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry completed its largest expansion in history on S. 16th Street Robinson Metals (former Manitowoc Company building) addition Alliance Laundry (former Manitowoc Company building) internal expansions Kone Cranes built three large cranes – 1 going to Pearl Harbor! Another is being built now. The City has been very supportive working with the company to get Harbor Assistance Grants from the State of Wisconsin for their continued growth in the city Froedtert Holy Family Memorial celebrated 125 years in the City and continues to grow with Froedtert. Kerry/Red Arrow bought and expanded the old Foster Needle on Expo Drive

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Small Business Growth

Small Businesses are the heart and soul of a community. The opportunity afforded to someone wanting to open a new business has never been easier than it has in the past few years in the City of Manitowoc. We have created loan funds and made it easier for small businesses to start and succeed. This is in part thanks to our partnership with Progress Lakeshore and our philosophy that anyone who wants to open a business in Manitowoc is welcomed and supported. *****A few small businesses that have opened up over the past few years***** Retro Eighth Coffee & Açaí at 801 N. 8th Street FIRE Fitness Camp Manitowoc at 818 Franklin Street Dunham Sports, Harbor Freight, Ross Dress for Less (Shopko Mall) J-Mart Convenience/Gas at 2324 N. Rapids Road (old Vogel Auto Body / Menasha/Rapids) and The Spices Indian Restaurant Intention Boutique in old Workingman's friend at 2710 Custer Street Eden Boutique and Tea at 901 Quay Street Carpet’s Plus moved into 3315 Calumet Avenue under new ownership On The Surface at 836 S. 8th Street Broken Spoke Bikes Manitowoc at 834 S. 8th Street Pink Petal Boutique at 912 S. 8th Street Summit Clinical Services moved into 816 Washington Street CORE Treatment Services, Inc. moved to 5005 Vista Road Lighthouse Recovery Community Center - Manitowoc opened their new women and children recovery residence at 721 Park Street Lighthouse Recovery Community Center's new drop-in center at 818 State Street 4given Coffee Shoppe - 4CS at 1034 S. 18th Street CRusched Smash & Art Studio opened at 115 N. 10th Street The Granary 210 N. 8th Street The Fringe Hair Studio at 4411 Calumet Avenue Grow It Forward - Harmony Café & Juicery at 921 S. 8th Street Papa Johns and Pizza Hut on Calumet Avenue The Pickleball Connection at 1455 Rapids Road Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline. moved to the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA Gritty Lane Antique Mall and Custom Health at 3310 Calumet Avenue The Crossing of Manitowoc County and CASA of East Central Wisconsin moved into the former Manitowoc BayCare clinic at 501 N. 10th Street Precision Floors and Decor opened in the old Badger Office on Rapids Road Bakery Beauties Soap & Candle Co. at 2402 Franklin Street Dos Caminos #2 – Nicaraguan restaurant at 2525 Menasha Avenue (across from the airport) Pedal Pub for Manitour Pedalers Hop Locker at 822 Franklin Street The Cage LLC - Manitowoc at 2214 Franklin Street The Nook at 211 N. 9th Street Phenomenal Love at 112 N. 8th Street Hot Pot BBQ in the old Buffalo Wild Wings Renovo Health at 1720 Memorial Drive Black Heart Books at 709 Buffalo Street Kc's Kitchen & Cocktails at 1202 S. 10th Street (formerly 10th Street Pub) Little Sips Play Cafe at 3311 Calumet Avenue The Executive Concierge at 807B N. 8th Street Forever Your Insurance at 935 S. 8th Street *****Propel Manitowoc***** As of 2024, a new city Revolving Loan Fund for small businesses to start up! Learn more at: https://www.manitowoc.org/2380/Propel-Manitowoc-Loan-Fund The City has issued three loans to date, and any small business is encouraged to contact us to apply. CRusched - $45,000 – some of the amount was the USDA loan funds we received in a grant. Summit Clinical Services - $50,000 – some of the amount was the USDA loan funds we received in a grant. The Nook - $15,000 – all City funding.

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Housing

Housing is a critical issue nationwide. We recently completed a city-wide housing study, which showed we need housing of all types. It is our goal to work with developers to provide all housing options. We have eliminated some city requirements in subdivisions to bring down the cost of a home. We are also focusing on bringing more affordable housing to the community and updating our ordinances to be more accommodating to the types of housing people are seeking today. 2024 saw the most single-family homes being built in over 20 years and 2025 is on track to beat that number Mid-City Mall Property *A minimum of 40-single family homes *A minimum of 168 apartments River Point District *River North Apartments (87 units) *River Landing Development (6 condos) *105-unit apartment complex breaking ground in 2025 Mirro Site *We are working closely with a developer to provide affordable housing on the site. The Common Council has approved a development agreement and the developer will be applying for tax credits in spring. Around 55-units The Preserve at Lincoln Park. *Mike Howe Builders development on Reed Avenue (33 single-family market rate homes) Old Santa’s Best/Tinsel Manufacturing *Up to 80 Senior Living apartments S. 16th/Hamilton Memorial Drive *4-unit, 4-story condo. 2500 sq. ft each next to the chamber (room for 2nd building) Old Elks Club (Bayshore Development) *64 apartments complet *More apartments/duplexes/condos likely beginning in 2025 River View Drive *4 single-family lots (old apartments) Popp Subdivision *18 new single-family lots available Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance coming to Council in 2025 Working on an ordinance to allow tiny homes, or at least changing our mindset on the “typical” lot to allow for lower costs to build Former Woodlawn Clinic *Possibly 50-80 multi-family units

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Mirro Property

The Mirro Site will be cleaned up this winter and we are working closely with a developer to provide affordable housing on the site. The Common Council has approved a development agreement and the developer will be applying for tax credits in spring. Awarded $1,961,500 for final cleanup for development! Federal Grant from bipartisan infrastructure bill The project bids are out right now. The Council will approve the winning bid at its January meeting, and work will begin soon thereafter. This is one of the last steps in developing the Maritime Flats apartment complex, which has roughly 59 units as workforce housing. The developers will apply for the needed tax credits and hope to receive an award in April/May 2025. Demolition/crushing of the remaining concrete building slab to create an engineered barrier Excavation and offsite disposal of PCB- and VOC-impacted soils into TSCA landfill Demolition and abandonment of the utility tunnel network to prevent vapor migration Place/compact crushed concrete and construct an engineered barrier in what will be the parking lot for the development Excavation and offsite disposal of contaminated soil into a solid waste landfill Import clean fill to construct engineered barriers (2,800 yd3 of clay and topsoil for greenspace and granular fill for building/sidewalks/playground

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Mid-City Mall and Edgewater Plaza

The City officially owns the entire property and we have a signed development agreement for upwards of $70,000,000 in growth on the site. 36.05 acres purchased for $5.3 million Worked with Manitowoc Public Utilities on initial purchase. MPU will be fully repaid in 2025, and the newly created TIF district will cover the cost of purchase, meaning the taxpayer won’t foot the bill; the newly created tax base in that area will Roughly $1.5 million for demolition of Yonkers Mall, removal of the foundations, ripping up parking areas, and seeding the entire area Tycore Built will begin building on the site in Spring 2025; the area will be called “Mariner Lux.” *A minimum of 40-single family homes *A minimum of 168 apartments *3 commercial sites The total project cost is estimated at around $70,000,000 A minimum assessed value increment guarantee of $47,840,000 by January 1, 2031 Demolition will be completed by Spring 2025 Construction of homes/apartments will begin in Spring 2025

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Downtown

Downtown has dramatically changed in the past few years. From beautiful new streetscaping to many new small businesses and events, downtown is once again a place where people want to visit and live. Continued Streetscape Improvements: This project will focus on adding street trees, landscaping, and pedestrian lighting on Maritime Drive and York Street, Chicago, and Buffalo. Façade Grants *9 projects for $335k that had $6.2M in private investment River Point District *$3.5 million (TIF) in 2025 to complete all the infrastructure on the site *River North Apartments (87 units) 100% occupied *River Amenities: kayak launch, boat docking, bike path, and Street and utility Extensions: Buffalo Street and River Point Drive, completed in 2024; shade structure coming in 2025. *River Landing Developers for six residential condo buildings with four dwelling units each along the Manitowoc River *Working with another developer outside the City to construct a 105-unit apartment complex. Groundbreaking should be in 2025 *To date, the City has applied for and received $2.3 million in federal and state grants for the cleanup that was needed on the site, taking that burden off the TIF and local property taxes Union Square *Waves Yoga Studio, Ignite Dispensary, The Venue, Manitowoc Coffee, Black Heart Books, eight new condos The old Village Square has been sold to an out-of-city developer who will begin internal demolition in 2025 Converted to 2-way streets in August 2022 Many new small businesses emerged downtown in the past few years

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Tourism

Visit Manitowoc! View the 2025 Manitowoc/Two Rivers Visitor Guide https://www.visitmanitowoc.com/visitor-guide/ New website www.visitmanitowoc.com Follow everywhere on social media @visitmanitowoc New hotel 84-unit Hampton Inn (Hilton) planned for 2025 on I-43 (next to Lakeside Foods HQ) *New Restaurant (unknown at this time but required to be built by 2026) *Marriot Brand Hotel by 2030 Baymont (downtown) changed its name back to The Inn on Maritime Bay, Ascend Hotel Collections and completely renovated every room in the hotel Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival massive success in 2024, planning for 2025! Marina Dock A awarded $439,000 in grants for replacement. The total project is roughly $1.5 million, and demolition will begin in winter, and the new dock will be in place for the 2025 season Manitowoc will host the 2025 National Women’s Disc Golf Championship at Silver Creek Park Working with surrounding communities to prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay $100,000 commitment from the city's Room Tax Commission to assist in the funding needed for the dry docking of the USS Cobia The best partnership we have had in years with the City of Two Rivers and “Explore Two Rivers” The Manitowoc Area Visitor and Convention Bureau (MAVCB) sued the City of Manitowoc in 2021 after the city legally terminated the contract with the MAVCB and the City of Two Rivers (Two Rivers did the same). Since then, we have worked through many legal battles which ended with the City of Manitowoc owing the MAVCB nothing in back-pay, nothing in legal fees the MAVCB incurred, and able to continue current contracts while retaining 30% of all room taxes collected. The ruling states the city must contract with the MAVCB if we desire, but the court had no authority to dictate what the contract would encompass. The city is in continual discussions with some remaining members of the MAVCB on what a contract would look like. The city is committed to Visit Manitowoc just as Two Rivers is committed to Explore Two Rivers and our excellent working relationship with them.

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Parks

The city has 36 beautiful parks and I have always prioritized parks in my annual budgets. We continue to upgrade many of our neighborhood parks while investing in new parks that citizens want, like the dog park or pickleball courts. *****Park Projects completed in 2024***** Riverview Park, Halverson Park, Pulaski Park, Union Park, Riverview Dr. Park, Westfield Park Camp Vits upgrades (90-acre park at 97 S. Park View Road) Trails, bridges, parking lot, restroom New pickleball courts at Rheume Park on Fleetwood Drive and updated restrooms, softball field fencing, playground equipment, and parking lot renovations in 2025 Lincoln Park roadway from zoo entrance to Cabin 2 updated Lincoln Park Tennis Courts upgraded Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo Coastal Wetland Aviary, including boardwalks and bridges along the Little Manitowoc River for bird viewing, establishing a perched wetland with native plantings, outdoor classroom space, pollinator gardens, new covered large bird exhibit (likely a sandhill crane or great blue heron), educational/interpretive signage along the walkway (emphasis on wetland and bird/pollinator habitat), and the installation of bird nesting structures. Maritime Drive Bluff Restoration Project We are beginning the process of updating the Community-Built Playground. It is nearing the end of its life, and we need to start plans for the next large project there Roughly $400,000 in upgrades/maintenance to Mariners Trail (2023-current) Bayshore Trail Project (old Elks Club Property): We received a $369,400 grant from the State of Wisconsin Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program, to which the West Foundation added another $100,000. The remainder came from the TIF District, which supports the remaining development on the site. The project will include PUBLIC paved trails (which will have lighting), a kayak launch, and a bridge connecting the trail to Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo! The goal has always been to get people from the Mariners Trail to Lincoln Park. Soon, they will be able to! The project will be completed in the Spring of 2025, with the bridge installed over the winter and the asphalt trail in the spring Complete the skatepark upgrade at Miracles Park. The City committed $100,000, with a $100,000 match from the West Foundation and the remainder being fundraised. It is planned for 2026 *****2025 Major Project: Red Arrow Park Beach***** Investing in making the beach accessible to all, with a hardscape/boardwalk for ADA-accessible paths and an outlook platform for events. Parking lot safety improvements are planned for 2026, as well as possibly replacing the old boat launch slab at the end of Green Street *****Other Parks***** Lights in Lincoln Park brought in $50,000 in the 2023 season which help with major improvements at the Zoo over the next few years thanks to this contribution from the Zoo Society and many volunteers and donations

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Roads

Roads continue to be a priority to fix. While the cost of road repairs has continually increased, we have invested millions over the past few years, and I have recommended a $35 million 5-year road plan that the Common Council has approved to fix some of our main roads. We implemented a $20 wheel-tax and eliminated assessments. Some property owners were getting $5,000+ assessments whenever a road was redone in front of their house. That no longer exists. The wheel-tax generates about $500,000 annually for road maintenance. The city was getting roughly $400,000 annually from the assessments that no longer exist, so that revenue was eliminated and replaced by the wheel-tax revenue. *****$4.76 million in 2024***** Franklin Street from S. 21st to S. 26th Rapids Road from Waldo to Homestead ($1 million from City, remainder from county) MacArthur Drive Viebahn Street from S. 10th to RR Tracks ($100,000 from City, remainder from county) *****$5.05 million in 2025***** Fleetwood Drive from Waldo to Stokes Reed Avenue from N. 8th to Hamann Michigan Avenue from Indian Bluff to Rapids Road S. 9th Street from Dewey to Wilson S. 26th Street diamond grinding from Hamilton to Grand Memorial Drive to Two Rivers (state project) *****$35 million road plan from 2026-2030***** I introduced a comprehensive road plan to the Common Council (does not include the additional dollars for state road projects and does not include minor road work and maintenance) *****2026***** S. 30th Street | Dewey to Viebahn Kellner Street | Fleetwood to Wildwood Michigan Avenue | N. 13th to N. 18th N. 18 Street | Michigan to New York Viebahn Street |S. 10th to Lakeside Elm Street | Belmont to Arlington *****2027***** Franklin Street | S. 6th to S. 10th S. 9th Street | Quay to Marshall S. 14th Street | Dewey to Grand E. Reed Avenue | Memorial to Bayshore Lancer Circle Johnston Drive | Bayshore to Magnolia Marshall Street | S. Lake to S. 7th N. 10th Street | Cherry to Orchard *****2028***** Franklin Street | S. 10th to S. 21st Seneca, Indian Bluff, Manistee, Winnetka N. 12th Street | Waldo to Windiate S. 33rd Street | Mero to Pompon *****2029***** E. Albert Drive N. 8th Street | Park to Waldo Calumet Avenue S. 41st Street | Calumet to Harbor Town Ln. Grand Avenue | Calumet to 297 ft. South Marshall Street |S. 8th to S. 10th Grand Avenue| S. 21st to S. 26th Revere Drive | N. 18th to Spring *****2030***** Washington Street | S. 25th to S. 8th Lincoln Blvd. | Waldo to Lincoln Park Reed Avenue | Bayshore to N. 2nd Arlington Avenue | Elm to Cul-de-sac W. Frontage Road | 475 E of I Tec to East Clipper Drive | S. 41st to Custer Park Row Blvd | Waldo to Fairmont Wollmer Street | S. 22nd to S. 23rd

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Public Safety

Public Safety has continued to improve under Mayor Nickels’ Leadership. 2024 was a record-breaking year for many crime statistics, with a reduction in violent crimes and drugs in our community. This begins with the exceptional police officers we have in the city. We hire the best and we can all rest assured that the best are on the roads keeping us safe 24/7/365. Our community is getting safer and safer every year and we are becoming known as a community that cracks down on crime and drugs. Our overdose deaths were cut in half in 2024, and our recoveries were cut by about 2/3. This means we are using less Narcan to revive individuals who have overdosed on narcotics (recoveries). There are fewer people abusing narcotics as a result of our crackdown on drug houses in Manitowoc. Part 1 crimes (most serious) are at an all-time low. Thefts and burglaries are a key stat to show that our fight against drugs is very successful. *****EMS Overdose Calls for Service***** 2021: OD Death – 16, OD Recovery – 61 2022: OD Death – 15, OD Recovery – 40 2023: OD Death – 16, OD Recovery - 36 2024: OD Death – 8, OD Recovery – 11 *****Part 1 Crime Statistics***** Criminal Homicide 2021: 0 2022: 1 2023: 0 2024: 0 Forcible Rape 2021: 7 2022: 9 2023: 6 2024: 6 Robbery 2021: 3 2022: 4 2023: 8 2024: 5 Assault 2021: 279 2022: 231 2023: 219 2024: 187 Burglary 2021: 66 2022: 63 2023: 36 2024: 27 Larceny Theft 2021: 490 2022: 439 2023: 402 2024: 302 MV Theft 2021: 32 2022: 20 2023: 15 2024: 22 TOTALS 2021: 877 2022: 767 2023: 686 2024: 549 Traffic Stops 496 (337 in 2023) Citations 90 (92 in 2023) OWI 11 (10 in 2023) MISDEMEANOR 127 (72 in 2023) MFW 355 (237 in 2023) FELONY 265 (290 in 2023) MTSO 119 (129 in 2023) – people taken to jail GRANT HOURS 1537 (1719.5 hours in 2023) THC 43.3 lbs (62.97 pounds in 2023) METHAMPHETAMINE 5 lbs (12.6 pounds in 2023) OPIATE 19.6 lbs (5.28 ounces in 2023) COCAINE 8.1 lbs (1.76 pounds in 2023) RX 77,869 Dosage Units (314 Dosage Units in 2023)

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Other Items

So many great things have happened over the past few years in the City of Manitowoc. Here are a few notable ones that Mayor Nickels has personally been involved with. Designated as the WW2 American Heritage City for Wisconsin (National Park Service – 1 per state) Manitowoc Public Utilities (MPU) is moving to renewable energy utilizing industrial paper waste. 1500KW Community Solar Garden up and running for homeowners or renters at no upfront cost. Continues to be the lowest rates in the state for water and electricity and provides around $4.5 million in payment in lieu of taxes directly to the City of Manitowoc to keep our property taxes lower than neighboring communities. By converting to industrial paper waste, MPU maintains the assets we invested in (which are completely paid off). Added the Village of Denmark to communities we provide water to The Rahr-West Art Museum investments over $1 million for the elevator project, roof replacement, front yard improvements, and mansion painting. Partnerships between the City, Rahr-West Foundation, and West Foundation National Marine Sanctuary moving forward! The Wisconsin Maritime Museum building on Franklin and 13th (1221 Franklin Street) will be the Wisconsin Maritime Heritage Center. The City’s public arts commission and façade grant helped fund this Utilized ARPA money with a match from the county to install a water main in affected areas from the Newton Gravel Pit Lakeshore Humane Society agreement on city parkland for a new building and public restroom. Also agreed to a new 3-year contract with the City of Two Rivers, City of Manitowoc, and Humane Society that will provide them with $138,000 between the two cities over that time Applied for grants to help with storm sewer improvements around Rubick Field, Grand Avenue, and S. 29th Street Approved conditional use permit for another winter at the Warming Shelter as they look for a permanent solution Held listening sessions in all 10 alderman districts and had “Meet the Mayor at the Market” twice this summer for citizens to chat with me at the Farmers Market, as well as the annual State of the City Address Fire Department: Invested in 2 new engines (arriving in 2025), two new ambulances (one in 2025 and one in 2026), and a new tower ladder engine (coming in 2027) The Police Department will be getting new and upgraded radios in 2025, and we are looking into Flock Cameras to make the City even safer Fully funded the Manitowoc Public Library and invested hundreds of thousands into the building for a roof replacement and HVAC control upgrades. The Library celebrated 25 years in downtown in 2023 Police and Fire union employees will receive a 4% raise in 2025; both departments are seeing more applicants for open positions Implementing a new online model in 2025 for permitting, code enforcement, and licensing, allowing users to go online for all their resources instead of being required to come to City Hall Became the 2nd City in the State of Wisconsin to proclaim Hmong American Day (May 14) for our Hmong citizens of Manitowoc (the largest minority group in the City) Celebrated the 30th Anniversary of our Sister-City Relationship with Kamogawa, Japan in 2024 The Manitowoc Marine Band celebrated their 125th Season in 2023 We are undergoing a complete rewrite of our zoning codes to bring them up to date and more in line with what we see for development to become even more business-friendly. We will wrap this process up in 2025 for council approval Updated and refreshed city website occurred in 2024 www.manitowoc.org

Open Government 

Transparency  and Accountability

A top priority when I was first elected was to ensure your government was open and accessible to you. 

I have consistently asked for your thoughts on major issues before presenting them to the Common Council for consideration. 

I instituted an open government forum where all standing committees and council meetings are recorded, and you can also see all the documents that elected officials see. Check it out for yourself: www.manitowoc.org
All City Council meetings are also live-streamed on the city's Facebook page

I have also always been available by phone, e-mail, social media, or my office for any citizen to contact me. 

I have instituted a weekly business visit, where the Community Development Director, General Manager of Manitowoc Public Utilities, Progress Lakeshore Executive Director, Tourism Director, the Common Council President, and I visit a local business, large or small, at least once a week. Please get in touch with me if you want us to visit your business! This helps us better understand our business community and puts a face with a name when businesses need to contact us. 

I have involved Common Council members in decisions, especially the city budget. I have always reached out to them before working on the annual budget to ensure the issues that are important to them or their district are heard. I went to each district with each council member to hold a listening session for the district citizens to address any questions, comments, or concerns to their council members and the mayor. I have also held annual budget listening sessions for citizens to address anything within the proposed budget. 

I have instituted a regular city department visit, where I go to the employees work place and learn about their job and listen to any ideas or concerns they have. Several ideas have already been implemented city-wide because of this. 

Most importantly, I am always willing to answer your questions or hear your thoughts, whether it is a scheduled meeting or simply running into you at the grocery store. I always take to heart your thoughts, ideas, or concerns, no matter when I hear them. 

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