Green Bay Leaders to Hold Press Conference on AmeriCorps Cuts

Green Bay Leaders to Hold Press Conference on AmeriCorps Cuts,
Endorse Governor Evers' Lawsuit, Urge Congressional Action,
and Discuss Emergency Funding Proposal

Green Bay, WI - The City of Green Bay will hold a press conference on Tuesday, May 6, at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall to address the Trump Administration's drastic AmeriCorps funding cuts, which threaten to shut down the Green Bay Conservation Corps and similar programs nationwide.

Mayor Eric Genrich supports Governor Tony Evers' lawsuit challenging the termination of nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants, a move that would undermine essential services and conservation work in Wisconsin. He also encourages Wisconsin's Congressional delegation to oppose these devastating cuts.

City officials will also discuss emergency bridge funding to retain the 13 current Conservation Corps members for a short period of time. The funding measure will be considered by the Common Council at 6:00 p.m., following the press conference.

Speakers will include:

• Mayor Eric Genrich
• Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner
• Conservation Corps Coordinator Maria Otto
• Members of the Green Bay Conservation Corps

Since its launch in September 2022, the Conservation Corps has removed 277 acres of invasive species, installed over 100,000 native plants and trees, engaged 575 volunteers, and leveraged nearly $700,000 in support. Fifteen additional service slots remain unfilled due to the funding freeze.

Quotes from Local Leaders

Mayor Eric Genrich stated:

"Cruel, counter-productive, just plain dumb, that's how I'd describe DOGE's targeting of Americorps. This reckless decision, if left intact, would kill our Conservation Corps, a program supported unanimously by a politically diverse Common Council. I thanks Governor Evers for his swift legal action, but I also encourage our Congressional leaders to step up and end DOGE's assault on this beloved and effective program."

Coordinator Maria Otto added:

"It was with a heavy heart that I was required to stand in front of some of the most passionate and dedicated people and tell them they were being sent home, and the Conservation Corps was suspended, effective immediately. The work that the Conservation Corps members completed is invaluable to this community. Though our AmeriCorps program had to shut its doors, I am not ready to give up on conservation work within the City of Green Bay. We will continue to explore every avenue to continue the important work."

Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner emphasized:

"Today, I strongly condemn the reckless and devastating decision by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to slash funding for AmeriCorps programs nationwide-a move that undermines over 50 years of bipartisan support for service-based community improvement."

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Time: 5:15 p.m.

Location: Council Chambers, Green Bay City Hall

Common Council Funding Vote: 6:00 p.m., immediately following the press conference

For more information, contact:
Michael Bergman
Communications Director
City of Green Bay
Desk: (920) 448-3210
Cell: (920) 934-0826
Michael.Bergman@greenbaywi.gov
greenbaywi.gov