Menasha · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Menasha public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Tornado-damaged structure demolition and raze orders
132 red-tagged structures remain, but the city historically razes only one building a year. New funding covers about 18 demolitions plus a part-time inspector to process raze orders — which some owners actually want, since a raze order can help negotiate better insurance settlements.
July 27 EF3 Tornado Disaster Declaration and Recovery
Building, zoning and demolition permit fees are waived for tornado repairs, with the waiver running through January 30, 2027.
Urban forestry grants for tornado recovery
The city will apply for two state DNR grants — up to $50,000 for catastrophic storm tree damage and up to $25,000 for a tornado recovery plan for the urban forest.
Tornado recovery spending increase
Residents are worried about how damaged neighborhoods will be rebuilt after the tornado — whether redevelopment will protect neighborhood identity or push people out. Staff floated zoning overlays and temporary R-1 protections, with a draft Disaster Recovery Plan due in January.