MARINETTE – “While we reflect on 2025, Marinette continues to grow and strengthen daily, with many exciting new economic projects ahead in 2026,” said Mayor Steve Genisot of Marinette in an update on the state of the city.
Marinette has maintained a balanced budget throughout 2025 and has retained their A1 credit rating from Moody’s. The city also secured $10.15 million in funding for the construction of city hall, the police department and road improvements.
The city clerk’s office has continued to process license renewals and submit all mandatory state reports, and is preparing for four upcoming elections in 2026. These elections include the Spring Primary on Feb. 17, the Spring Election on April 7, the Partisan Primary on Aug. 11 and the General Election on Nov. 3.
The city is also continuing to work with Mead and Hunt on the development of a new pedestrian and bicycle path — funded through a TAP grant, with the project expected to continue through 2026.
“We have partnered with the DNR through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant to develop land from the former CN Railway,” Genisot said, adding that construction is slated to begin this spring.
Genisot also plans to continue working on outdoor recreation spaces, saying “We are actively working with developers to finalize plans for this summer, with a vision to enhance recreation and revitalize this area, creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy Marinette’s outdoor spaces.”
Genisot also reported on infrastructure and grants, saying “Grant applications allow the city to leverage local dollars alongside successful grant awards to fund much needed infrastructure improvements. This proactive approach helps attract workers and families to the area while strengthening our community for the future.”
Upgraded infrastructure includes water and sanitary sewer systems, street lighting, sidewalks, roadways and the Main Street Plaza area along with the conclusion of the Main Street reconstruction project.
“The city plans to continue revitalizing this area with additional enhancements in the spring,” Genisot explained.
The Mayor reported that the city continued to grow its infrastructure and housing in 2025, promoting development throughout the city and making significant progress in utilizing vacant lots for new housing solutions.
Developments include the continued growth at Pine Tree Mall, with expanded retail offerings; the conclusion of development for The Reserve, an apartment complex consisting of 108 units across eight buildings, now open and welcoming new residents; the redevelopment of the former Bay Area Hospital site, known as Shipyard Estates, which will include 174 apartment units and 22 new homes once complete and is expected to reach full scale construction in 2026 and the collaboration with the owners of KK Integrated Logistics Warehouse, which is now complete and fully operational.
2025 saw many completed street reconstructions and street chips sealed with more planned for 2026, along with trail and green space improvements and alley sanitary sewer projects.
The public works department is under new leadership and will welcome a new superintendent in September. They hosted their annual Menekaunee Harbor Clean-up, removing a substantial amount of garbage around the harbor, as well as installed and decorated the grand Christmas tree in the new Main Street Plaza.
“In 2025, the Marinette Police Department hosted the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Leadership Program, making the department eligible for the Agency Trilogy Award recognizing command staff who completed the full leadership series,” Genisot said.
The police department also secured over $85,000 in grants and donations to support equipment purchases, traffic enforcement and education programs.
The Marinette Fire Department remained number one in the state for MDA fundraising, ranking first in total dollars raised and number of contributions, first in dollars raised per member in the 5th District and third statewide overall. They were also able to secure over $85,000 in grants and donations and welcomed a new firefighter, bringing the department to full staffing.
The water department replaced and upgraded pump controls and variable speed drivers, and the Wastewater Utility installed two new center-flow fine screens. The Wastewater Treatment Plant was awarded four alleyway sanitary sewer replacement projects with support from PFAS grant funding.
The Marinette Recreation Department strengthened its partnership with the Marinette School District, continuing growth in the Marinette After-School Program and adding a new Before-School Program.
In other updates, Genisot added “The brand-new Robert Cisco Splash Pad was officially opened in June of 2025, contributing to nearly a 50% increase in pool attendance compared to the previous year,” Genisot added.
2025 also saw an increase in youth sports participation by 39%, and over 21,000 walkers utilized the indoor walking path.
The City of Marinette also held many successful events in the past year, including the Logging and Heritage Fest, the National Walleye Tournament, Christmas in Marinette, Fall Fest, numerous trade shows and more.
“I am proud of the progress we have made and optimistic about Marinette’s continued growth and success,” Genisot said.
“It is an honor to serve as your mayor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working on behalf of our community. Together, we will keep building a strong future for Marinette and making it an even better place to live, work and play.”
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