GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A Green Bay alderperson is joining the race to become the city’s next mayor.
District 12 Alder Kathy Hinkfuss introduced her campaign during a news conference Tuesday.
She says her campaign will focus on a stronger local economy, downtown revitalization, street improvements, public safety, and sound fiscal management.
“I love Green Bay. My husband and I raised our children here, and I care deeply about the future of our city,” Alder Hinkfuss wrote. “I believe Green Bay has tremendous opportunities ahead, but we need leadership that is willing to make difficult decisions, manage resources responsibly, and work together to move our city ahead.”
Alder Hinkfuss currently serves on the Green Bay Common Council as Chair of the Finance Committee and has served as a commissioner for eight years on the City’s Redevelopment Authority. She holds an MBA and a Certificate in Social Innovation from Marquette University. Her professional background includes executive leadership positions at multiple Fortune 200 companies, with responsibility for budgets exceeding $100 million, as well as five years as CEO of a non-profit organization.
During her time on the Common Council, Hinkfuss partnered with the City’s Director of Human Resources and HR team on an initiative that saved city taxpayers more than $1.2 million in administrative costs.
“I’ve spent my career leading organizations, managing budgets, and finding ways to improve operations,” Hinkfuss said. “I’ve brought that experience to the Common Council, where I’ve already delivered measurable savings. I believe there are more opportunities to make city government efficient, accountable, and responsive to the people we serve.”
Alder Hinkfuss said encouragement from residents, labor and business leaders, friends, existing and former Common Council members and Brown County supervisors representing different political perspectives helped motivate her decision to run.
“I’ve heard from people across our community who want leadership that listens, addresses difficult issues directly, and focuses on solutions rather than politics,” Hinkfuss said. “I believe in cooperation over division and working together to make Green Bay a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I look forward to meeting with residents across our city, listening to their concerns, sharing my vision, and discussing how we can build a stronger future for Green Bay.”
Hinkfuss is at least the fourth person to announce her candidacy after Mayor Eric Genrich said last month he would not run for a third term.
Former mayor Jim Schmitt, city council president Alyssa Proffitt and past city council candidate John Plageman have all thrown their hats into the ring. Additionally, county board member Patrick Evans formed an exploratory committee to consider a run.
