Appleton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Appleton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Health Department environmental grant
The Appleton Health Department received a $10,000 grant for using environmental public health tracking data in 2026-2027.
Residential recycling cart exchange
The city is tidying up its recycling cart exchange rules to match the garbage cart policy — bigger trash cans cost more, smaller recycling bins cost more, to nudge people toward recycling.
Mowing Reduction Strategy
The long-pending resolution supporting vegetation analysis and reduced mowing finally passed, formalizing a data-driven approach to city mowing.
Sustainability panel visibility and Resolution 2-R-26
Chair Van Zeeland and others noted the public can't easily see what the Sustainability Advisory Panel is working on — the city website shows outdated info. She wants better communication and possibly stronger resolution language before it goes to council.
2026 Bird City recognition
Appleton received Bird City recognition again for 2026, the result of a significant application effort by city staff and volunteers.
Stormwater illicit discharge screening
A $35,000 contract with Westwood Professional Services continues annual field screening to catch illegal discharges into the stormwater system.