Mayor Kevin Crawford welcomes you to Manitowoc.
Elected Mayor in 1989, Kevin Crawford, currently serving his 6th term as Mayor, is the longest-serving Mayor of his hometown, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. By virtue of office, Mayor Crawford has served as Chairman of the City's Plan Commission and as a Commissioner of the Manitowoc Public Utilities since being elected 16 years ago. Knowing that low cost energy and water drive the success of a community, Mayor Crawford has taken a keen interest in our community owned utility. He is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable local elected officials in the electric energy area in the state and nation. As such, Mayor Crawford was nationally recognized with the American Public Power Association's "Spence Vanderlinden Public Official Award" in 2002 and by the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin's "Distinguished Service Award" in 1999. Mayor Crawford also recently received the "Steward of Safe Drinking Water Award" from the Wisconsin Water Association. In addition, Mayor Crawford is a member of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities and in addition to the Legislative Committee he serves as Past President for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
Mayor Crawford realized that the City of Manitowoc needed a healthy combination of both tourism and manufacturing to become an economic force. Since his election in 1989, he has worked energetically and positively to give Manitowoc its new found status. From the creation of the Manitowoc city logo, establishing the Annual Lakeshore Holiday Parade, (held every year on Thanksgiving Eve) and Manitowoc International Relations Association (MIRA) --including nurturing a strong and meaningful relationship with sistercity Kamogawa, Japan -- to the revival of the Lake Michigan Carferry Service, Mayor Crawford is credited with fostering economic growth. His dedicated efforts assisted in keeping Manitowoc Company Corporate Headquarters and the Burger Boat Company in Manitowoc along with Burger Boat Company’s subsequent expansion; developing the City of Manitowoc Visitor Information Center near Interstate 43 and Highway 151; the realization of the Harbor Town Retail Center, including the third Lowe’s Home Improvement Store to be constructed in the State of Wisconsin; and constructing the new public library and City Hall on Manitowoc's downtown riverfront. In addition, Mayor Crawford managed several infrastructure improvements such as building the 8th Street Bridge; the implementation of a Downtown Streetscape program; the building of the I-43 Industrial Park; and improvements to the City's southwest business corridor.
|
Since his election in 1989, he has worked energetically and positively to give Manitowoc its new found status.
|
As he continues to lead the City of Manitowoc, Mayor Crawford never forgets his roots in organized labor. He grew up among the laboring class and was a member of three production workers' unions, working as a crane operator for the Manitowoc Company, a dry dock worker at Bay Shipbuilding Company and a smelter and crane operator at Mirro.
Mayor Crawford's leadership and boundless energy have infused the City of Manitowoc with a recharged and progressive attitude while Manitowoc remains one of the lowest taxed cities in the State of Wisconsin. He continues to guide the City down the path of progress and continues to be respected as a City Leader.
