City of Racine
Racine (/rəˈsiːn/ rə-SEEN) is a city in and the county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin, United States. It is located on the shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River. Racine is located 22 miles south of Milwaukee. As of the 2013 U.S. census, the city had a population of 78,199, making it the fifth-largest city in Wisconsin. Its median home price of $103,625 makes it one of the most affordable cities in Wisconsin to buy a home. In January 2017, it was rated “the most affordable place to live in the world” by the Demographia International Housing Affordability survey.
Recent Racine News
At the October 14, 2025, RCEDC Leadership Council meeting, local educators in a panel discussion highlighted how Racine County high schools are equipping students for future careers and fostering connections with area employers.
Woodman’s Markets has opened a new 240,000-square-foot store in Racine, marking its 20th location and its first new Wisconsin store since 2015. As reported by the Milwaukee Business Journal, the Janesville-based grocer purchased 21 acres of the former Regency Mall site in 2024 and developed the property into its newest full-service store.
Horlick High School graduate Halas Pufahl wasn’t sure what his future held—until he discovered Racine Unified School District (RUSD) offered an IT youth apprenticeship. Starting with no experience, he gained hands-on training, mentorship, and confidence in essential skills like communication and problem-solving.
Racine celebrated a milestone with the ribbon cutting of MALTWORKS, a groundbreaking business incubator and studio space located in the heart of Belle City Square. This innovative space offers flexible options for small businesses, artists, and creators, including shared offices and meeting room subscriptions.
The Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) and its partner communities are proud to present a comprehensive overview of loans and grants specifically designed to support local small businesses.
Jose Contreras Jr., began his career as a business owner in 2021 when he became the owner of Mexico Lindo, a 65-year old family-owned restaurant located in the City of Racine.
Paul Sanchez's entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 when he founded Righteous Autos Inc., an auto repair and sales business that began in a one-car garage near Downtown Racine.
Since opening its doors last August, downtown Racine’s newest hotel, Hotel Verdant by Dominion Properties, has garnered multiple awards for quality, sustainability, and economic development. Housed in the historic Zahn’s Department Store building, a beloved local landmark since 1898, Hotel Verdant combines sustainable design and operations with exceptional customer service and genuine Midwestern hospitality, deeply embedding itself within the Racine community.
Priscella K. White, a seasoned healthcare professional, started her business, Above & Beyond Adult Family Home (Above & Beyond), in 2011. The business was established to provide full-time care for elderly individuals with disabilities.
The Village of Mount Pleasant, Racine County, Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC), and Milwaukee 7 (M7) announced plans for Microsoft to significantly expand its investment in Mount Pleasant.
Trene McCaskill, owner of H.E.R. Valley - a self-care and revitalization service in Racine - will celebrate the grand opening of her new location at 904 State St. on July 9th at 11:45 a.m.
In a 4-part video series RCEDC Staff, Andrea Safedis and Wesley Walsh, explain what who and how community loans, also known as Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs), work.
INVEST IN RCEDC
RCEDC’s mission is to grow Racine County’s property tax base by supporting business expansions and providing employment opportunities to Racine County residents. In 2024, RCEDC staff were able to facilitate 71 projects that included comprehensive site selection, loans, grants, and incentives resulting in $749 million in expansion projects and/or new developments. RCEDC’s Loan Committee and Board of Directors approved $9.7 million in loans and $136,120 in grants to facilitate this private investment.