River Falls Mayor Dan Toland

Well… what should we talk about?

We could start with the weather — it’s been beautiful lately. The leaves are just starting to show their colors, and there’s that crisp little edge in the air hinting that colder days aren’t too far off. Hopefully, it’s sunny and lovely wherever you are as you read this.

We could talk about back-to-school season. Most of us are old pros at this by now. The kids are dragging their feet back into what they call their “jail cells,” while the parents are quietly (or not so quietly) celebrating their return to routine and maybe even a little peace and quiet.

We could talk about the return of college students — their energy always gives our town a bit of a buzz. And of course, our local businesses are happy to welcome them back and help with everything from supplies to snacks.

Or — and this might be my favorite — we could talk football. The Green Bay Packers look like they’re already running roughshod over the NFL. Can we just go ahead and call it now? This could be the year. Another Super Bowl win? I think so. And maybe the start of a new dynasty? One can hope!

But instead, I want to talk about something a little more important — something that quietly shapes the future of our community.

Every two years, the city council adopts a new set of Strategic Initiatives. These aren’t just government plans or paperwork. They’re people-centered — a real roadmap for keeping River Falls strong, connected, and moving in the right direction.

The 2025–2027 Strategic Initiatives focus on what matters most: how we care for one another, how we grow responsibly, and how we continue to be a community where people want to live, work, raise families, and enjoy life.

We’ve focused our efforts around four key priorities:

• Connected Community: Making sure everyone feels welcome, engaged, and part of what’s happening here.

• Economic Vitality: Supporting good jobs, thriving local businesses, and growth that fits who we are.

• Financial Sustainability: Being responsible stewards of your tax dollars and preparing for the future.

• Quality Municipal Services: Providing the reliable services we all depend on — from police and fire to parks, roads, and utilities.

These aren’t just words — they’re the lens we’ll use to make decisions, set budgets, and tackle projects. At every turn, we’ll be asking: How does this help the people of River Falls?

In the months ahead and throughout the next two years, you’ll see more about how these priorities are guiding real projects across our city. We’ll also be tracking progress and sharing updates, so you can see how we’re doing and where we’re going.

I’m proud of this city and deeply grateful for the people who make River Falls the community it is. Thank you for your trust, your involvement, and your ideas. Together, we’ll keep building a city that’s welcoming, safe, and full of opportunity — not just for today, but for generations to come.

One final thought

Before I close, I want to share something that's been weighing on me. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how easily people can be manipulated — not by one person or one group, but by a culture of division that seems louder than ever. The anger we hear on the news, the shouting on social media, and the pressure from both sides of the aisle to take sides and tune each other out. It’s exhausting — and frankly, it’s dangerous.

But here’s what I know: a good community doesn’t just happen. It takes work. It takes grace. It takes listening, especially when we disagree.

We’re being told, in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, to hate those who think differently. And sadly, too many are buying into it. But yelling instead of listening, judging instead of understanding — it leads nowhere.

So maybe it’s time to take a step back. Tune out the noise. And remember what we learned in kindergarten.

Think about it: we teach our kids the basics when they’re five: share, listen, be kind, take turns, clean up your mess, say sorry when you hurt someone. I don’t think we grow out of those lessons. I think we grow into them. And maybe it’s time we bring those basics back into how we show up — in our neighborhoods, at the dinner table, and even online.

River Falls is full of good people. I see it every day — in the way neighbors help each other, in how volunteers show up without being asked, and in the quiet pride we all take in this place we call home.

Let’s keep building that kind of community rooted in kindness, respect, and simple human decency. We can be a town that leads not with loud words, but with quiet strength. Not with division, but with shared values and compassion. Let’s listen more than we shout, build more than we tear down, and lift each other up — even when we don’t agree.

Because what makes this a great community — and a great country — is our ability to talk and disagree and still see each other as neighbors, and maybe even friends. It has been said, “When you stop having a human connection with someone you disagree with, it becomes a lot easier to want to commit violence against that person or group.” Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

Thank you for caring. Thank you for showing up. And thank you as always for being the kind of neighbors who make me proud to call River Falls home.

Remember to get out and enjoy your great city.

As always, Go Pack Go!