March 26, 2026
See below questions asked by the Chamber, and the following "responses" from the listed candidate.
Candidate: Matt Biren
Running for: Incumbent for District 4, Altoona City Council
Workforce and Business Growth: As Altoona grows, how would you support local employers in finding the workers they need? Do you have ideas for attracting new talent to Altoona (or retaining local graduates), and how can the City partner with the Chamber or others on workforce development initiatives?
Response: "Altoona’s continued growth is rooted in the quality‑of‑life amenities that make our community an appealing place for both employers and employees. We’ve evolved far beyond the perception of being simply a bedroom community in the Chippewa Valley. Today, Altoona offers vibrant events, parks and trails, a strong sense of belonging, and a community culture that encourages people to put down roots. To support local employers, the City can continue expanding partnerships that connect businesses with the talent they need. This includes hosting job fairs and hiring events, collaborating with the University to bring students and recent graduates to River Prairie activities, and highlighting Altoona as both an employer‑friendly and family‑friendly community. These efforts help showcase the opportunities available here and demonstrate why workers can build a long‑term future in Altoona. As we look ahead, strengthening our collaboration with the Chamber and other regional partners will be essential. Together, we can develop workforce initiatives that attract new talent, retain local graduates, and ensure that Altoona remains a place where people want to live, work, and grow."
Housing Development: What is your plan to ensure Altoona has adequate and affordable housing for all income levels as the city expands? Do you support Altoona’s current efforts to encourage mixed-use and higher-density developments, and what additional policies (such as incentives for affordable units, fast-tracking development approvals, or partnerships with developers) would you advocate to address housing needs?
Response: "Ensuring Altoona has adequate and affordable housing for all income levels requires a coordinated strategy that combines targeted investment, thoughtful land‑use planning, and strong public‑private partnerships. The closure of the River Prairie TID provides more than $6 million that we can reinvest through a sustainable revolving fund to improve existing housing, support aging residents, and expand options for households of all ages and incomes. I support the City’s efforts to encourage mixed‑use and higher‑density development where it aligns with neighborhood character and reduces long‑term infrastructure costs. Strategic infill development is especially important, as it allows us to utilize existing roads, utilities, and public services while minimizing the impacts and expenses associated with large site developments. Through recent comprehensive plan and zoning code updates, we’ve introduced greater flexibility and a broader range of housing types in both new and established neighborhoods. Building on this foundation, the City, the Chamber, and local developers can work together to explore incentives for affordable units, streamline approvals for projects that meet community goals, and pursue partnerships that leverage public and private resources. By continuing to collaborate and adapt, we can ensure Altoona’s housing strategy remains responsive, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the needs of current and future residents."
City Budget and Fiscal Outlook: Altoona has managed to invest in new facilities (like a fire station and future library expansion) while slightly reducing the property tax rate[13][14]. Looking ahead, how will you maintain fiscal health amid growth? Please discuss your approach to budgeting – for example, prioritizing expenditures, using one-time TID revenues or grants, and ensuring city services (utilities, roads, public safety) can be funded sustainably as demand increases.
Response: "Budgets are a direct representation of what the city values, and Altoona’s recent investments demonstrate what disciplined budgeting can achieve. As the city grows, maintaining fiscal health means prioritizing essential services, planning for long‑term costs, and using one‑time revenues responsibly. From my first day on the Council, I’ve made infrastructure a core priority. For eight years, I’ve supported dedicating more than $1 million annually to road improvements. By consistently leveraging state and federal grants, we’ve reduced the tax impact of these projects while still making significant progress. That commitment has allowed us to secure funds for safety studies, rebuilding Spooner Avenue, Fairfax, Bartlett, complete block‑level repairs across the city, and address some of the oldest streets in my district. That same discipline guides how we use one‑time revenues like TID closures or competitive grants. These funds should support one‑time capital needs, not ongoing operations, to keep our budget structurally sound. Smart land‑use decisions also play a role. Strategic infill development helps us maximize existing infrastructure and avoid the higher long‑term costs of large site expansions, keeping utilities, roads, and public safety services sustainable as demand increases. By combining prudent budgeting, targeted infrastructure investment, and strong partnerships with regional and state agencies, we can ensure Altoona remains financially resilient while continuing to deliver high‑quality services for residents today and in the future."
Economic and Business Environment: What steps would you take to sustain Altoona’s business-friendly environment and support economic development? This might include improving infrastructure (transportation, broadband, etc.), revitalizing commercial areas, attracting new employers, or regional collaborations. How would you balance the needs of established businesses with encouraging new startups and developments in Altoona?
Response: "Altoona’s reputation as a business‑friendly community is one of our strongest economic development tools, and sustaining that environment requires continued investment in the fundamentals that help businesses succeed. Expanding transportation options, improving broadband access, and reinvesting in aging commercial areas are all part of that work. Our recent recognition for broadband buildout and our efforts to expand bus service show how these improvements can support employers and employees alike. Revitalizing key corridors and commercial districts is also essential. We’re actively working to strengthen older parts of town and make better use of existing commercial spaces. The Yard, our downtown container park, was designed specifically to spark investment, activate the area, and provide low‑cost opportunities for startups to test and grow their businesses. Similar improvements on the west side, in the business park, and along the Highway 12 and 53 corridors help established businesses thrive while creating space for new development. Balancing the needs of long‑standing businesses with the energy of new startups means maintaining predictable, efficient processes while encouraging innovation. By continuing to collaborate with regional partners, the Chamber, and local employers, we can support business retention, attract new investment, and ensure that economic growth strengthens the fabric of the entire community."
Community Health and Safety: With Altoona’s population growth, what are your priorities for public health and safety services? For instance, how will you ensure the new Fire Rescue/EMS facility improves emergency response for residents? Would you pursue any public health initiatives at the city level (in coordination with Eau Claire County’s health department) or support programs for community well-being, such as park expansions or recreational opportunities that promote a healthy lifestyle?
Response: "As Altoona grows, my priority is to ensure our public health and safety services keep pace with community needs. The new Fire Rescue/EMS facility is a major step forward. Its location was chosen based on a comprehensive study of response times and service demands, ensuring crews can mobilize quickly and provide faster, more reliable emergency coverage for residents. Beyond emergency services, community well‑being is supported through a wide range of programs offered by Parks and Recreation, the Library, and local partners. From fitness and yoga classes in our parks to safe, well‑maintained trails and community gardens, these amenities promote active, healthy lifestyles and strengthen social connections. We’ve also supported innovative efforts like bringing Donut, the Police Department’s therapy dog, on board to enhance community engagement. I’ve consistently backed initiatives that address basic needs as well. The Council and city staff worked with the Compassion Coalition Food Pantry to expand its operations, providing essential support to residents facing food insecurity. Our continued investment in bike and multi‑use trails encourages healthy activity and offers safe transportation options for children and families traveling to schools, parks, and community spaces. Looking ahead, I see value in expanding partnerships with the Eau Claire County Health Department to offer more public health programming such as cooking classes or wellness education at accessible locations like the Library, the Fishhouse, or River Prairie. We’ll also continue improving water quality on Lake Altoona and the Eau Claire River, maintaining drug disposal boxes, and pursuing public‑private partnerships that enhance the overall health and safety of our community."
Collaboration and Regional Issues: Altoona is part of the greater Chippewa Valley economy. How do you envision collaborating with neighboring governments and schools on issues that cross city lines? Possible areas include joint planning with Eau Claire on transportation or housing, partnering with the Altoona School District on youth initiatives, or working with county/state officials on regional transportation, tourism, or economic development projects that benefit Altoona’s residents and businesses.
Response: "Altoona’s success is closely connected to the strength of the greater Chippewa Valley, and continued collaboration with our neighbors is essential. Each community brings unique assets, and we all benefit when we work together. We partner with the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission on transportation, traffic, and safety planning, which brings state resources and expertise into Altoona. Our work with Visit Eau Claire supports regional tourism and economic development, helping local businesses benefit from coordinated promotion across the Valley. Regular conversations with nearby governments and community stakeholders keep us aligned on shared priorities such as housing, emergency response, and infrastructure needs. These relationships ensure that decisions made in one community support the broader region. Our partnership with the Altoona School District is especially important. Strong schools are fundamental to a strong community, and we work closely with district leadership to understand how growth affects students, facilities, and family needs. This collaboration helps us plan responsibly and support youth initiatives that strengthen the entire community. Looking ahead, I’m committed to deepening these relationships and seeking new opportunities to work with county and state partners on transportation, housing, tourism, and economic development. Altoona plays an important role in the Chippewa Valley, and by continuing to collaborate, we can ensure that regional growth benefits residents and businesses across the entire area."
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