THE ROOM(S) WHERE IT HAPPENS. Eau Claire City Hall.

Ever think about serving your community? Do you have what it takes to join the Eau Claire City Council? There’s vacancy on that 11-member representative body – namely the seat for District 1 on the city’s north side – and the City of Eau Claire is seeking applicants to fill a term that extends through April 16, 2024.

The perks? Compensation of $3,000 (a year, not a month!) and a literal seat at the big, horseshoe-shaped table at City Hall. The seat is vacant because Councilwoman Emily Berge, who has represented District 1 since 2018, was elected City Council president earlier this month to replace Terry Weld, who chose not to seek re-election. The District 1 seat will be on the ballot next April anyway, so the City Council chose to appoint someone to fill Berge’s unexpired term.

Interested applicants should send a letter of application to the City Clerk’s office by 5pm Thursday, May 4, and be ready for an interview with the City Council on May 10 or 11 and to make a brief presentation on May 22. The City Council will then choose its newest member on May 23.

Here are the full details on who is eligible to apply, where they have to live, and what the timeline will be:

The Eau Claire City Council is accepting letters of interest from residents of Eau Claire Aldermanic District 1 to fill the vacant District 1 Council seat. Maps of the City’s Aldermanic Districts can be found here: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/37487/637939980097530000.

Note: District 1 is in red above, but follow the link to get a close-up view if you're not sure exactly what the boundaries are.

The appointment will run through April 16, 2024. Annual compensation for the position is $3,000 ($250 per month) plus mileage and phone reimbursement. Council legislative sessions are held on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays of the month at 4:00 p.m. Public hearings are held the preceding Monday at 7:00 p.m. The successful candidate would also be expected to attend meetings of any board, committee or commission they may be appointed to. Interested residents must submit a letter of interest (resume optional) to the City Clerk containing the following information: 

• Applicant’s name and address
• Telephone number and / or other method of contact (ex. email address)
• Brief statement (approximately one page) indicating:
• Interest in serving as the Aldermanic District 1 City Council Member
• That the applicant meets the minimum requirements for being appointed to the position (applicable age, residency in District 1, voting qualification and citizenship requirements)
• What contribution or perspective they can bring to the City Council
• What other city or civic committee(s) they have served on, or other experience related to the position, if any
• Vision to support or enhance the city’s vision, mission, and strategic plan (https://www.eauclairewi.gov/our-city/vision-mission-values)

Letters must be received in the City Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 4. Eligible applicants will be invited to an interview with Council on May 10 or 11, and asked to make a brief presentation at the City Council meeting on Monday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m.  The Council will consider the appointment at their Legislative Session on Tuesday, May 23, at 4:00 p.m.
Letters can be submitted to the Eau Claire City Clerk in-person, via U.S. Postal Service or via e-mail.

  Address:      Eau Claire City Clerk                                          Email Address:

                       203 S. Farwell St.                                                Nicholas.Koerner@EauClaireWI.gov

                       Eau Claire, WI. 54701                                         Phone: 715-839-4912                                        

Additional information (including the Strategic Plan, Budget, etc.) may be found on the City of Eau Claire’s website at www.EauClaireWI.gov. Call or email the City Clerk with questions.