La Crosse Mayor Washington-Spivey on pushing city admin, 1-on-1 chats with residents and capping bubbler talk

La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey in studio to talk through his new proposal for a city administrator, more ways he wants to connect with the community, and wrapping up bubbler talk — at least for now.

The mayor joined ahead of his public roundtable Thursday at the La Crosse Center from 5-7 p.m. on three issues (register here). He also unveiled a new initiative, “Our City, Your 15,” launching in October, which will give residents one-on-one time with the mayor.

The biggest topic was his city administrator proposal — an alternate plan to what the council’s working group is considering and has pushed off until February 2026. Washington-Spivey’s plan wouldn’t require a charter ordinance or a referendum. The role would report directly to the mayor, though that structure could change. He said he’d like the position in place before the 2026 budget is complete, rather than waiting until February — which could delay hiring until 2027.

We opened the show joking about hyphenated last names, then recapped the two proposals the council saw last week on the city’s old green bubblers — replacing them with 18 ADA-compliant fountains so the water can keep flowing.

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