Finance committee recommends Kenosha Lakeshore BID’s $176,410 2026 operating plan to committee of the whole

Janette Kelly, president of the Kenosha Lakeshore Business Improvement District, asked the Finance Committee to recommend the BID’s proposed $176,410 2026 operating plan to the committee of the whole. "For the 2026 operating plan and budget, we are requesting $176,410, same as we have asked in the previous years based on the levy," Kelly said, laying out line-item priorities including $60,000 for marketing, $40,000 for streets and beautification and $50,000 for events and programming.

Kelly described a façade/business viability improvement program that awarded grants to about 28 businesses last year and said BID leaders want to expand the program in 2026 to further support downtown beautification and alley activation. Sharon Russell, the BID secretary, and other BID members were present to answer questions.

Alderman comments were supportive. One committee member commended Kelly and the BID for an "outstanding" year of events and downtown promotion and urged approval. A motion to recommend the BID’s 2026 operating plan to the committee of the whole passed on a roll-call vote; Chairperson Wilson, Vice Chair DeBaer and committee members Rosenberg, Dyson and Harper all voted aye.

The committee’s recommendation sends the BID’s levy-funded request forward for consideration by the full council process. The committee did not change the requested levy amount; further adjustments would occur only if the committee of the whole or full council amends the plan.