Direct Legislation
If government within a city or village does not respond to informal or formal requests of residents for addition, modification or exclusion of a local ordinance, resident electorates can respond by initiating procedures provided by Wis Stat § 9.20 Direct legislation, as it provides a possible avenue for relief; “direct legislation” created by the electorate rather than local government officials.  Within municipalities, citizens willing to vote are legislatively empowered to modify local ordinances described in municipal home rule.

Wis Stat § 66.01 (8) Home rule; manner of exercise. Every charter, charter amendment or charter ordinance enacted or approved by a vote of the electors shall control and prevail over any prior or subsequent act of the legislative body of the city or village. 

Electors can start the process by petition as described in Wis Stat § 9.20 Direct legislation.  While the council does retain the ability to adopt it directly during the process, if the council refuses to act, it goes to a referendum for public vote that negates the influence of a council or board vote. 

How Citizens Influence State Law
The process of direct legislation applies to incorporated cities and villages with municipal homerule; not laws within State legislation.  Wisconsin residents influence state laws primarily by voting for state legislators and the governor, directly contacting lawmakers, testifying at committee hearings, and participating in advisory study committees. Wisconsin does not permit citizen-led ballot initiatives or referendums to alter State legislation while excluding State legislators.  Yet statewide and local referenda are required in numerous circumstances, and the state legislature or local governing bodies may, at their discretion, submit questions to the voters in the form of binding or advisory referenda.