The Heritage Preservation Commission is composed of seven members appointed to three-year terms by the mayor with the City Council's approval. This is not the first city committee to direct preservation efforts: the forerunner of today's HPC was appointed in the Fall of 1973. The present commission's authority is defined in section 2.27(C), La Crosse Municipal Code:

(2.27) HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION

PURPOSE AND INTENT

It is hereby declared a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of improvements of special character or special historical interest or value is a public necessity and is required in the interest of health, prosperity, safety and welfare of the people. The purpose of this section is to:

1. Effect and accomplish the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of such improvements which represent or reflect elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political, engineering and architectural history.
2. Safeguard the City's historic and cultural heritage, as embodied and reflected in such historic structures, sites and objects.
3. Stabilize and improve property values.
4. Foster civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past.
5. Protect and enhance the City's attractions to residents, tourists and visitors, and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry.
6. Strengthen the economy of the City.
7. Promote the use of historic structures, sites and objects for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people of the City.

Meeting Times
The Heritage Preservation Commission usually meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:00PM in the South Conference Room, City Hall, La Crosse, WI.

Contact Information
For more information, contact the Planning Department at (608) 789-7512.