Eau Claire, WI – After nearly eight years of service on the Eau Claire City Council, including almost three years as Council President, Emily Berge announced today that she will not seek another term. Instead, she will focus on her congressional campaign, carrying forward the work she has championed locally to address the housing crisis, expand access to healthcare, and improve affordability for families across western and central Wisconsin.
Berge was first elected to the City Council in 2018, reelected in 2021, and in 2023 was elected by the voters of Eau Claire to serve as City Council President. During her time on the Council, Berge helped guide Eau Claire through times of crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the closing of two local hospitals while championing long-term growth and community-centered values. Under her leadership, the city expanded housing options, advanced infrastructure improvements, addressed PFAS contamination in its water supply, and invested in quality-of-life features that make Eau Claire a vibrant and welcoming place to live.
“Every decision I’ve made has centered on what’s best for our community, present and future. Serving on City Council while raising my family, growing my business, and being part of this community has been an honor. I’m so grateful that the voters of Eau Claire entrusted me with this responsibility,” said City Council President Emily Berge. “I am grateful to my past and present council colleagues for their partnership, to our dedicated city staff for their hard work every day, and most of all to Eau Claire residents for trusting me to serve them.”
During her tenure, Berge championed major progress for Eau Claire, including:
Fostering growth and economic strength, evidenced by an average Net New Construction rate of 2.1% since 2020, outpacing the state average of 1.65%, and over 2.5% since 2023; City population growth of 7.5% from 2018–2024, compared to Wisconsin’s overall 1.7%; Eau Claire unemployment rate of 3.0%; lower than both the state rate (3.1%) and the national rate (4.3%).
Addressing the city’s housing shortage by increasing the housing vacancy rate from just above 1% to approximately 3%, working toward a goal of 5% to support affordable housing. Berge also helped pass zoning code reforms and affordable housing initiatives to meet the need for affordable housing.
Strengthening transparency and accountability by introducing a public comment period at City Council meetings.
Securing the Winter mission grant and implementing initiatives such as the “Wintermission Loop” and winter gear check-out programs at the Library and Pinehurst Park to decrease social isolation during the winter; efforts informed by her professional experience as a mental health provider.
Advancing public safety through a community-backed referendum that made historic investments in emergency
services.
Protecting clean water by supporting the development of the city’s PFAS removal facility.
In addition to her local service, Berge has been a statewide leader. From 2020 to 2025, she served on the Board of Directors of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, including on the Executive Committee and as President. In that role, she worked with communities of all sizes to advance shared priorities and advocate for the resources that keep municipalities strong. Her two primary focuses with the League were expanding housing options and diversifying municipal revenue streams to reduce property taxes.
“Over the past eight years, I’ve gained direct experience and found local solutions to the major challenges facing communities, including the housing crisis, limited healthcare access, and the high cost of living,” Berge said. “I have worked on real problems facing real people. Yet when I look to Congress, I don’t see problem-solving; I see representatives disconnected from the daily realities of the people they serve and are more concerned about their wealthy donors and party leaders’ demands. We need local leaders in Congress who understand housing, healthcare, and affordability challenges firsthand. This is why I am stepping up to run for Congress.”
