The Oshkosh City Common Council on Dec. 9 adopted Resolution 25-645, a statement of support for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and for establishing a bipartisan oversight committee to guide project approvals and grant distribution.

Deputy Mayor introduced the resolution and said the county- and state-level program "has been an institution in Wisconsin for decades," touching on park improvements, riverwalk projects and conservation work. He told the council that program funding "runs out in 2026" and warned that proposals requiring full legislative approval for each project could slow or block timely grants for park and conservation projects. "Having the entire legislature need to approve each individual project...would be needlessly slow," he said.

Another council member voiced strong support and said local trails and recreational areas have benefited from the Knowles-Nelson program. Councilor Flom and others also expressed support for the bipartisan oversight element.

The resolution was moved, seconded and approved by unanimous roll call (6-0). The council asked that the resolution be forwarded to state officials.

What happens next: the resolution is a formal expression of support from the council; it asks state legislators to maintain funding and considers bipartisan oversight as a compromise solution to balance oversight and timeliness of grants.