The City of La Crosse, Wisconsin was chartered on March 14, 1856 with full approval by the State of Wisconsin Senate.

The Common Council is the legislative policy-making body of the City. Council members approve contracts, adopt regulatory ordinances and resolutions, approve the annual budget, determine the tax rate, provide direction to the Mayor, City Department Heads and other Council appointees, and provide a forum for active community participation in setting and achieving City policies, goals and objectives.

The Common Council meets the second Thursday of every month at 6:00PM in the Common Council Chambers located on the first floor of City Hall, 400 La Crosse St.

Council Planning meetings are held on the Tuesday immediately preceding the regular Common Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers located on the first floor of City Hall, 400 La Crosse St., and shall be for the purpose of education and information only.  These meetings will are held quarterly in the months of March, June, September and December.