In case you haven't noticed all the yard signs, commercials, public events, online commentary, and more, it’s that time again: Wisconsin’s spring election is Tuesday, April 1. Unlike fall elections, spring elections are nonpartisan. But that doesn’t meant they’re without importance.

In fact, you could argue that these elections are in many ways more important than the higher-profile ones: Local government is where the rubber meets the road in terms of representative democracy. It’s members of city councils, school boards, county boards, and other local offices who determined how roads get plowed, fires get extinguished, and children get educated. (Statewide this spring, the public will cast their votes for the Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Supreme Court, and the District III State Appeals Court.)

In the City of Eau Claire, voters will choose among candidates for At-Large seats on the City Council. Two City Council incumbents – longtime council member Kate Felton and Roderick Jones – chose not to seek re-election. Three other City Council incumbents – Larry Mboga, Joshua Miller, and Charlie Johnson – will be on the ballot alongside four additional candidates: Philip Swanhorst, Nate Otto, Ethan Reed, and Mary Catherine Partlow.

The biographies and question responses on the following pages will help you get to know the candidates both as people and as politicians. As in past years, we asked candidates to rank their priorities by allocating 100 points across a variety of important issues. A more detailed explanation of this process can be found below (“What Do All Those Numbers Mean?”). 

Where do I vote?

The state’s official myvote.wi.gov website will tell you what’s on your ballot, and where your polling place is: Just select the “Where Do I Vote?” icon, input your street address, and you’ll be directed to your polling place. The same website can also help you find out if you’re already registered to vote (this will save you some headaches on Election Day, although you’ll still need to bring a photo ID to the polls) and who your current elected officials are.

What do those numbers mean?

As of way quantifying the candidates’ priorities, we gave all of them a list of categories and 100 points. They were asked to assign more points to the categories they would emphasize and fewer points to those that would take a lower priority if they were elected. Candidates didn’t have to assign points to each category, and they were given an “other” category if they felt the options we provided didn’t cover all their priorities. We also asked the candidates to explain why they arranged the priorities the way they did. You’ll see that as the last question in the Q&A.

 

Eau Claire City Council District Candidates 2025

---

Larry Mboga (Incumbent)

Infrastructure	10%
Public Safety	10%
Public Transportation	10%
Maintaining/Reducing Taxes	10%
Recreational & Cultural Opportunities	10%
Public Health	10%
Economic Development	10%
Environmental Sustainability	10%
Affordable & Available Housing	20%

age  52.
years in Eau Claire  23+.
family Father of three.
occupation Businessman.
education  Augsburg College.
political experience Appointed to City Council in 2022.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen in Eau Claire in the past five years, and how do we expand on it?

The construction and completion of the Sonnentag building in Eau Claire has been one of the most exciting developments in the area over the past five years. We should expand on it by attracting big events to the Sonnentag building, which can significantly enhance its visibility and economic impact on Eau Claire. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Community Engagement: Involve the community by hosting festivals, fairs, and cultural events. This can create buzz and encourage word-of-mouth promotion.
• Focus on Sustainability: Promote the building as a sustainable venue, which could attract eco-conscious events and organizations.

By implementing these strategies, the Sonnentag building can become a premier destination for significant events, benefiting both the venue and the Eau Claire community.

What unique qualities or skills do you possess that set you apart from the other candidates?

I bring a unique perspective to public service as an independent thinker with a wealth of cultural experiences. My diverse background has shaped my understanding of various viewpoints and enriched my problem-solving abilities.

What role does (or should) City Council have in setting the tone between the city and the public, including its partnerships with area organizations, businesses, and communities?

The City Council plays a crucial role in setting the tone between the city and the public, influencing relationships with area organizations, businesses and communities.

What can (or should) the city do to ensure affordable, accessible housing for all residents?

To ensure affordable, accessible housing for all residents, a city can implement a multifaceted approach that includes the following strategies:

• Zoning Reforms: Revise zoning laws to allow for higher-density housing, mixed-use developments, and the conversion of underutilized commercial spaces into residential units.
• Inclusionary Housing Policies: Require developers to include a percentage of affordable units in new housing projects or contribute to an affordable housing fund.
• Subsidies and Incentives: Provide financial incentives such as tax credits, grants, or low-interest loans to developers who build affordable housing or preserve existing affordable units.
• Public Housing Development:
• Community Land Trusts: Support the establishment of community land trusts to keep land permanently affordable and provide long-term housing solutions for low- and moderate-income families.
• Homelessness Prevention Programs: Develop programs that provide emergency financial assistance, legal aid, and supportive services to prevent homelessness and assist those at risk.
• Transportation and Infrastructure Planning: Ensure that affordable housing is located near public transportation, schools, and job centers to enhance accessibility and livability.
• Community Engagement: Involve residents in the planning process to address their needs and preferences.

Please write a statement explaining why you organized your priorities as you did.

I organized my priorities as I did because the City needs all of them to operate effectively. By allocating 20% of the points to affordable housing, I am recognizing the potential issues that can arise from a lack of accessible housing options, such as increased homelessness, socioeconomic disparities, and strain on public services.

---

Mary Catherine Partlow

Infrastructure	N/A
Public Safety	N/A
Public Transportation	N/A
Maintaining/Reducing Taxes	N/A
Recreational & Cultural Opportunities	N/A
Health Care Access	N/A
Economic Development	N/A
Environmental Sustainability	N/A
Affordable & Available Housing	N/A
Other (Civic Engagement)	N/A

age  59.
years in Eau Claire  40+.
family  Married (William Partlow), son (Zachary Proctor), and grandchildren (Clover and Oriah).
occupation  Executive Director of a non-profit/disabled.
education  B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, minor in VocRehab.
political experience  CVTC Student Council, Parent President of Head Start.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen in Eau Claire in the past five years, and how do we expand on it?

To me the downtown and the new affordable housing. Working with community members.

What unique qualities or skills do you possess that set you apart from the other candidates?

The first thing I bring is integrity. I am a solution oriented person, have (an) open mind and enjoy having all voices heard. Finding common ground. Believe that if you are giving money you should know where it is going and what for.

What role does (or should) City Council have in setting the tone between the city and the public, including its partnerships with area organizations, businesses, and communities?

Key word for this is collaborations.

What can (or should) the city do to ensure affordable, accessible housing for all residents?

Funding and understanding the population that is serve(d).

Please write a statement explaining why you organized your priorities as you did.

I believe all these topics need priority. They all work together to build a better community.

---

Charlie Johnson (Incumbent)

Infrastructure	20%
Public Safety	10%
Public Transportation	10%
Maintaining/Reducing Taxes	0%
Recreational & Cultural Opportunities	10%
Health Care Access	5%
Economic Development	15%
Environmental Sustainability	10%
Affordable & Available Housing	20%

age  26.
years in Eau Claire  9.
family  N/A.
occupation  Project Coordinator/Student.
education  Bachelor's Degree, UW-Eau Claire (second degree in progress).
political experience Appointed to City Council in 2022.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen in Eau Claire in the past five years, and how do we expand on it?

One of the most exciting things to happen in Eau Claire over the past five years has been the city’s dynamic growth and the increasing interest from developers and businesses looking to invest in our community. Major projects like the Sonnentag Event Center reflect a broader momentum, signaling confidence in Eau Claire’s future. The Sonnentag Center will bring year-round events, support the local economy, and foster stronger connections between the university and private partners. Additionally, the growing collaboration between UW-Eau Claire and Mayo Clinic highlights Eau Claire as a center for innovation, education, and healthcare. To build on this progress, we must continue creating a welcoming environment for thoughtful development, support public-private partnerships, and invest in the infrastructure and resources that make Eau Claire an attractive place to live, work, and grow.

What unique qualities or skills do you possess that set you apart from the other candidates?

Having served on the Eau Claire City Council for the past three years, I bring valuable experience and a strong network of relationships with community and business leaders. My time on the Council has taught me how to navigate complex issues, build consensus, and stay focused on practical solutions that serve the public good. I’ve developed a reputation as a pragmatic leader who listens carefully and collaborates effectively.

My background in leadership and problem-solving has been shaped by a range of experiences, from serving as student body president in college to managing the demands of work, school, and public service today. These experiences have taught me how to lead with empathy and strategy. I understand how to balance competing priorities, communicate clearly, and remain grounded in the community's needs. I’m running for re-election because I care deeply about Eau Claire and believe my skills and experience make me an effective and thoughtful council member.

What role does (or should) City Council have in setting the tone between the city and the public, including its partnerships with area organizations, businesses, and communities?

The City Council plays a critical role in setting the tone for how the city engages with the public and builds relationships with area organizations, businesses, and communities. We as elected representatives help shape a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration. By fostering open communication, listening to diverse perspectives, and leading with integrity, the Council can build trust and ensure that decisions reflect the values and needs of the community. Additionally, the Council should actively support partnerships that advance shared goals whether that’s economic development, social equity, or environmental sustainability and serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors to promote long-term success for Eau Claire.

What can (or should) the city do to ensure affordable, accessible housing for all residents?

To ensure affordable and accessible housing for all residents, the City of Eau Claire must utilize a multi-pronged approach focused on flexibility, collaboration, and innovation. Diversifying housing options such as allowing accessory dwelling units, duplexes, and smaller-scale developments can increase supply and affordability. Revising zoning laws, which we are currently wrapping up, to permit higher-density and mixed-use housing will further support this goal. Streamlining permitting processes can reduce delays and costs for builders, encouraging more investment in housing projects. Additionally, public-private partnerships are essential, as they combine resources and expertise to deliver creative, community-driven solutions.

By reducing barriers, encouraging incremental development, and fostering strong partnerships, Eau Claire can build a more inclusive housing landscape that supports residents across all income levels. This approach aligns with the “Strong Towns” philosophy, focusing on practical, financially sustainable growth that benefits both current and future generations.

Please write a statement explaining why you organized your priorities as you did.

This breakdown reflects a thoughtful and balanced approach to addressing the city's most pressing needs while acknowledging the reality of limited resources. Every category listed is important to a thriving and healthy community, but when operating within a constrained budget, we must prioritize areas that have the most immediate and long-term impact on quality of life and economic stability.

Investments in infrastructure and housing top this list because they serve as the foundation for a strong community. Reliable infrastructure supports safety, accessibility, and economic development, while affordable and available housing is essential for ensuring that residents of all income levels can live and work in Eau Claire. Economic development, environmental sustainability, and public transportation follow closely, as these are critical to building a resilient, forward-thinking city. While public safety, recreational opportunities, and public health are also vital, they can be supported more effectively when core systems like housing, infrastructure, and the economy are strong.

---

Nate Otto

Infrastructure	10%
Public Safety	10%
Public Transportation	5%
Maintaining/Reducing Taxes	5%
Recreational & Cultural Opportunities	5%
Public Health	10%
Economic Development	20%
Environmental Sustainability	15%
Affordable & Available Housing	15%

age  46.
years in Eau Claire  18.
family  Two teenage sons.
occupation  Public school teacher.
education  Master's Degree in Public Policy, UMN Humphrey Institute. Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, UWEC.
political experience  Two years on the Eau Claire County Board.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen in Eau Claire in the past five years, and how do we expand on it?

The post-COVID surge in remote work caused people from big cities to move here. This is a risk and an opportunity. The risks include higher housing costs and urban sprawl. However, if we follow Smart Growth principles like walkability and mixed income development, this growth will allow Eau Claire to fund services that improve our quality of life.

What unique qualities or skills do you possess that set you apart from the other candidates?

I grew up in Eau Claire, in the Northside Hill neighborhood. I have a master's degree in public policy, and my master’s thesis was a critique of the  Eau Claire 2015 Strategic Plan. While serving two years in public office on the Eau Claire County Board, I advocated for immigrant rights, economic development, and environmental protection.

What role does (or should) City Council have in setting the tone between the city and the public, including its partnerships with area organizations, businesses, and communities?

A strong city isn’t built by government alone; it thrives when public and private sectors collaborate with shared purpose and mutual respect. As a former County Board Supervisor and longtime advocate for community-driven solutions, I believe the Council must actively bridge gaps between government and the people it serves. This means cultivating trust through consistent outreach, supporting initiatives that enhance quality of life, and ensuring that partnerships—whether with nonprofits, small businesses, or regional institutions—align with the values and long-term interests of Eau Claire.

What can (or should) the city do to ensure affordable, accessible housing for all residents?

I believe the city must also take a leadership role in addressing systemic barriers to housing access. This means ensuring tenants’ rights are protected, expanding public-private partnerships for sustainable housing solutions, and promoting transit-oriented development to connect residents with jobs and services. A thriving Eau Claire depends on housing policies that serve people at all income levels, allowing families, young professionals, and seniors to live and contribute to our community without being priced out.

Please write a statement explaining why you organized your priorities as you did.

Economic Development is the highest priority because it makes other priorities more possible; it creates more revenue for the city to invest in public transportation, infrastructure, safety and health. Here is the downside: Economic Development makes Housing Affordability and Environmental Sustainability more difficult. For this reason, Housing Affordability and Environmental Sustainability also need support. It is also important to keep an eye on all topics, as any one could become a priority with little notice.

---

Joshua Miller (Incumbent)

Infrastructure	20%
Public Safety	20%
Public Transportation	10%
Maintaining/Reducing Taxes	0%
Recreational & Cultural Opportunities	5%
Public Health	10%
Economic Development	0%
Environmental Sustainability	15%
Affordable & Available Housing	20%

age  45.
years in Eau Claire  19.
family Married with a high-school kid.
occupation  Quality control analyst.
education  Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, minor in mathematics, University of Missouri-St. Louis 2002.
political experience  Eau Claire City Council (2022-2025), Eau Claire Waterways and Parks Commission (member 2015-2018, chair 2018-2021), University Senate UM-St. Louis (1999-2001).

What’s the most exciting thing to happen in Eau Claire in the past five years, and how do we expand on it?

My personal favorites include the renovated library followed by the new Children’s Museum and the new co-op that all anchor North Barstow along with new small businesses. The apartments that have been added downtown fill the core area with residents. At the university there’s the brand new Sonnentag Center and the Science and Health Sciences Building that’s coming along.

It’s also exciting that Eau Claire has been one of the fastest-growing regions in the state and that trend is forecasted to continue into the coming decades. I think it’s because we are a place where people can raise a family, open a business or find a good job, enjoy the arts and entertainment of a mid-sized city but also be close to nature. While this growth is exciting, it comes with challenges. I’m confident that the City Council and all of the innovative community organizations, residents, and businesses across the community will be able to meet those challenges and keep the virtuous cycle going.

What unique qualities or skills do you possess that set you apart from the other candidates?

A unique angle I bring to City Council is my scientific background. My work as a technician and quality control analyst has given me skills to examine topics in close detail while also considering the importance of the matters as a whole and how all the pieces fit together. These skills transfer to my legislative position on City Council. Furthermore, I need to have fair and solid reasoning for every decision I make on behalf of the residents and people who work in Eau Claire. In both my professional and civic roles, I must be fully accountable for the end results of my statements, actions, and votes.

What role does (or should) City Council have in setting the tone between the city and the public, including its partnerships with area organizations, businesses, and communities?

In the hierarchy of the city, the citizens of Eau Claire are at the top level, but their only direct connection to the city is via the representatives they elect to serve them on the city council. Therefore, the council has a duty to be the bridge between the city and those residents, businesses, and community partners.

There are many ways that the City Council can take the lead role in setting the tone: prioritizing clear communication, establishing shared goals, defining roles and responsibilities, fostering a culture of trust, and actively listening to understand different perspectives. Every person or group has its own goals and points of view. Finding common ground though any differences is one way to set the tone.

Another way is for the City Council to set clear policy guidelines to ensure all stakeholders in the city are positively working towards the goal of meeting the shared needs of the city. The City Council is starting the processes of updating our strategic plan. This will ensure the work of the city is directed to meeting the needs in the next few coming years.

What can (or should) the city do to ensure affordable, accessible housing for all residents?

For the past two years, city staff, the Plan Commission, and the City Council have been working with a firm that specializes in zoning to bring the first major overhaul of our zoning codes since the 1990s. Eau Claire is a very different place today and these changes to zoning ordinances this year will allow more housing units to be built that meet the demands of our current population. Smaller one- and two-person households are more common than they were when most of our housing stock was built and geared towards larger families. Providing more lower-occupancy units on smaller lots will help make new housing developments more affordable by using less land and material and will help address the gap in the market needs. Beyond that, we need to try to provide more funding to our Affordable Housing Fund, continue our efforts in nonprofit land trust, and engage in low income housing tax credit programs to bring the most affordable housing.

Please write a statement explaining why you organized your priorities as you did.

Every one of these areas is important because there is no one thing that makes a community a great place to live. However, I prioritized issues that the city has a legal obligation to fulfill and a direct ability to address. With limited resources and budget, mandated services including public safety and a well-maintained infrastructure must be prioritized.

Of the non-mandated areas, I gave the highest points to affordable housing because this is the topic that is most often mentioned as an issue in our city. Being able to afford a place to live is a basic need. Public transportation can also reduce the cost of living for those who use the services. Public health and recreation round out a balanced community. Every community must ensure a sustainable environment with trees and safe drinking water.

I didn’t choose to cut taxes, because Eau Claire’s financial sustainability depends on that revenue. If I could, I would choose to make the taxes more fair, but the state has to vote to allow us to do that.

---

Ethan Reed

Infrastructure	15%
Public Safety	10%
Public Transportation	10%
Maintaining/Reducing Taxes	5%
Recreational & Cultural Opportunities	5%
Public Health	10%
Economic Development	10%
Environmental Sustainability	10%
Affordable & Available Housing	25%

age  26.
years in Eau Claire  9 in the Chippewa Valley.
family  N/A.
occupation Community organizer.
education  UW-Stout.
political experience  Union steward. Statewide organizer. Long history of getting stuff done outside city hall.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen in Eau Claire in the past five years, and how do we expand on it?

We've seen a growing push for a city that works for everyone, not just in downtown but across neighborhoods. People want more housing they can afford, streets they can safely walk or bike, and access to public spaces that actually feel public. We've made progress in some areas, but it has been too slow and too uneven. The most exciting part is the energy I'm seeing from people who are not waiting for permission anymore. They are showing up, speaking out, and organizing. We expand on that by following their lead. The city needs to stop dragging its feet, cut through the red tape, and act on the plans we have been sitting on for years. Talk is cheap. Let's start building.

What unique qualities or skills do you possess that set you apart from the other candidates?

I've spent my career organizing people, not just meetings or events, but real campaigns that shift power and change policy. I know how to build coalitions, get results, and hold decision makers accountable, because I've done it at every level, from national advocacy all the way to neighborhood fights. I've also worked in technology, in the labor movement, and directly with voters across Wisconsin. That means I bring both practical problem solving and a deep understanding of what is actually broken in government and how to fix it. I'm not running to be another rubber stamp. I'm running to make sure Eau Claire works for all of us, not just the well connected few.

What role can (or should) City Council have in setting the tone between the city and the public, including its partnerships with area organizations, businesses, and communities?

City Council sets the tone through its choices, who it listens to, who it funds, and who it shows up for. If we want trust, we need to earn it. That means clear communication, consistent follow through, and meaningful engagement that does not just check a box. We should be working in partnership with residents, not just pushing information out after decisions are made. And we need to make sure our partnerships reflect the full diversity of Eau Claire, not just the loudest voices or the biggest players. A functional, accountable council builds relationships that go beyond press releases and ribbon cuttings.

What can (or should) the city do to ensure affordable, accessible housing for all residents?

We need to treat housing like the urgent issue it is. That means legalizing more types of housing in more places, like duplexes, small apartment buildings, and mixed use developments near jobs, schools, and public transportation. It means using public funds to support housing that is actually affordable, not just labeled that way. It also means protecting renters, preserving older housing stock, and taking action against landlords who let buildings fall apart. The market is not going to fix this on its own. If we want Eau Claire to be a place everyone can live and thrive, we need to build like we mean it.

Please write a statement explaining why you organized your priorities as you did.

Housing comes first. It affects everything else, including health, safety, education, and access to opportunity. Without stable housing, people cannot take part in the rest of what the city offers. Infrastructure and transportation are essential to connect people with jobs, schools, and community. Public safety has to mean more than police and fire. It is about prevention, mental health, and knowing that if you call for help, someone will show up. I gave points to every category because a city cannot function without balance. We need to fund what actually makes life better, not just what is politically convenient.

---

Philip Swanhorst

Infrastructure	20%
Public Safety	0%
Public Transportation	20%
Maintaining/Reducing Taxes	0%
Recreational & Cultural Opportunities	0%
Public Health	20%
Economic Development	0%
Environmental Sustainability	20%
Affordable & Available Housing	20%

age  70.
years in Eau Claire  8.
family N/A.
occupation  Retired, last job was as a city bus driver for 15 years.
education Through two years of college.
political experience  An active member of the local Democratic Party for many years, and I continue to participate in a variety of roles. 10 years ago, I was a candidate for State Senate representing the 23rd District.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen in Eau Claire in the past five years, and how do we expand on it?

Involving more of the public in the city's decision making. There is a true desire to receive input from citizens within Eau Claire, related to decisions.

What unique qualities or skills do you possess that set you apart from the other candidates?

I feel I have a very wide variety of background experience that I can bring to a wide variety of issues that come before City Council.

What role does (or should) City Council have in setting the tone between the city and the public, including its partnerships with area organizations, businesses, and communities?

The city council should take a leadership role in involving the citizens and also work to collaborate with government entities such as the county board and school board.

What can (or should) the city do to ensure affordable, accessible housing for all residents?

The first thing that has to be established is, there is an unhoused problem within our community. Period. Some folks still believe there is not a problem, and until a problem is uniformly addressed, it's hard to find a viable solution.

Please write a statement explaining why you organized your priorities as you did.

These are the ares that, if improved upon, would make our community more livable and sustainable for everyone. That's why I chose to prioritize the topics I did. I would choose affordable and available housing and public health as my top two priorities.

• • •

Want to learn more about these and other candidates? The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s Good Government Council publishes answers to its own candidate questionnaires and offers additional information on local elections. Here are some relevant links:

Local Election Information from the Eau Claire Chamber
Eau Claire City Council Questionnaire
Eau Claire City Council Sit-Down Video Interview