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Nick helps revitalize city through service

By: Andy Turner//March 18, 2015//

Nick helps revitalize city through service

By: Andy Turner//March 18, 2015//

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Stephen Nickcity attorney, City of Eau Claire - Legal degree obtained from: University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School, 1995
Stephen Nick
city attorney, City of Eau Claire – Legal degree obtained from: University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School, 1995

As city attorney for Eau Claire, Stephen Nick has played a large role in the city’s revitalization work.

At the forefront is the Confluence Project, a development bringing together the city, state, Eau Claire County and private developers. The project will build a performing arts center in a formerly blighted part of downtown Eau Claire.

Nick successfully helped arrange development agreements for the project. But the work does not stop there.

Elsewhere, Nick has secured agreements with neighboring communities involving extraterritorial land use, growth management and sewer service; drafted development agreements to encourage commercial and residential projects as well as a public park in downtown Eau Claire; and negotiated with Eau Claire County for a construction and lease agreement for joint law enforcement center.

Dale Peters, the city’s assistant city manager and director of human resources, said Nick has a strong interest in economic development and frequently provides innovative solutions.

“He is a key player in our continuing efforts to revitalize downtown,” Peters said. “His leadership, as our primary negotiator for several significant projects downtown, has positively influenced and shaped the current redevelopment and investment in Eau Claire’s downtown.”

A Wauwatosa native, Nick said an interest in public service and subjects such as history, politics and public speaking pushed him toward a career in the law. In 2000, he was hired as assistant city attorney in Eau Claire and a year later became city attorney.

Nick jumped at the opportunity to represent Eau Claire, which he said is more dynamic than its population would suggest.

“I love the city and greatly respect those I work with, who serve the city with skill and passion,” he said. “Serving as in-house counsel affords me the chance to work full-time with professionals from other fields in addition to the other two excellent lawyers in our City Attorney’s Office. The cross-professional collaboration, diversity of projects and ultimately the public-service-oriented results are what I enjoy most about my job.”

Nick said he is proud of the changes the projects have made in downtown Eau Claire and is pleased to see the resulting public benefit.

“I am also proud of just being part of the team of public servants that delivers important local services to the citizens of Eau Claire that depend on them day-to-day,” he said.

Public service is a good fit for Nick, said Russell VanGompel, city manager.

“Steve is a bright, talented and dedicated employee with a heart for public service,” he said. “He has high ethical standards and consistently provides our organization with quality legal advice.”

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