Green Bay Reporter

Green Bay, WI – City officials in Green Bay have scheduled a press conference for Tuesday, May 6, at 5:15 p.m. at City Hall's Council Chambers. The meeting will address the significant cuts in AmeriCorps funding by the Trump Administration which could lead to the closing of the Green Bay Conservation Corps and other similar programs across the nation.

Mayor Eric Genrich is in favor of Governor Tony Evers' legal action against the termination of close to $400 million in AmeriCorps grants, which he views as critical to conservation efforts in Wisconsin. Genrich additionally seeks the support of Wisconsin’s Congressional representatives to combat these cuts.

The conference will also cover emergency funding plans to keep the current 13 Conservation Corps members employed temporarily. This funding proposal is due for a vote by the Common Council at 6:00 p.m., right after the press conference.

Scheduled speakers include Mayor Eric Genrich, Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner, Conservation Corps Coordinator Maria Otto, and team members from the Green Bay Conservation Corps.

Since its inception in September 2022, the Corps has managed to remove 277 acres worth of invasive species, planted over 100,000 native items, engaged 575 volunteers, and attracted nearly $700,000 in support. A further 15 service positions are unfilled due to the existing funding freeze.

Mayor Eric Genrich expressed his concerns saying, “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 thank 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 shared her sentiments: “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 criticized the funding cuts stating, “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 for the press conference specify the meeting is set for May 6, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Green Bay City Hall.

For additional information, contact Michael Bergman, Communications Director for the City of Green Bay, at the phone numbers or email provided.