GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Green Bay City Hall is on the move and could soon be coming to a location near you.
The pop-ups are happening throughout the summer at popular events.
“This is just a way to make that experience a little easier, more convenient, and a little less intimidating,” explains Matt Buchanan, Economic Development Specialist with the city of Green Bay.
City leaders say the goal is to meet people where they are and on their time.
“We hope to make City Hall more accessible by bringing it right to the people,” says Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich.
Additionally, they are hoping it makes the bureaucracy of government more personable.
“The Pop-Up City Halls offer a convenient and friendly opportunity for residents to engage face-to-face with us and discuss topics important to them,” says Genrich.
City leaders are hoping that this initiative will help the public become more up-to-date on local programs and projects.
“It gives them an opportunity to learn about our services and programs and to just have conversations with us,” says Buchanan.
The conversations are intended to be open-ended and no topic is off-limits.
“Some people are interested in the quality of streets [and] other people are interested in taxes,” says Buchanan. “Or just learning about what resources we have at City Hall that can benefit them.”
According to Buchanan, it often isn’t realistic for someone to visit City Hall with a concern during the work week.
“We understand that people are busy and it’s difficult to make a trip to City Hall,” he says. “Or even to schedule a time during your day to make a call.”
Also, leaders are trying to match their personnel with the specific event they are attending.
“Here at the upcoming Summer Solstice at Whitney Park, that’s pretty close to where the planned East River Trail extension is going to be located, we will have people from our park’s department joining,” he explains.
Pop-up City Hall will be at the following summer events:
- Summer Solstice Celebration, June 20, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Whitney Park
- Seymour Park Neighborhood Picnic, June 22, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Seymour Park
- Open Streets, July 13, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at CityDeck
- Market on Military, July 25, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Green Bay Plaza
- Farmers’ Market on Broadway, August 7, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Broadway between Walnut and Dousman St.
- Better Block, September 20-21 on Adams St. between Walnut St. and Cherry St.
