09/23/2026
This year, our city faced the challenge of a nearly $100 million budget gap which by law must be closed. Months of careful scrutiny narrowed that gap with reserve withdrawals, revenue increases, and expenditure reductions.
As we wrestle with important matters, it is essential we listen. Listen to colleagues; listen to those with expertise and knowledge; and most importantly, listen to the people we represent.
The 2027 Budget incorporated resident input through various outreach sessions across the community. This also included the largest formal survey in recent memory—a survey in which thousands respondents shared their budget priorities.
That is why my 2027 budget has the largest investment in local roads we have ever put forth in a city budget—an investment our constituents want, and an investment our city needs. It’s why we are continuing the prioritizing of demolition blighted homes, and investing in building the housing our residents deserve. And it is why it I will continue to fund all our public safety efforts with both prevention and accountability, building on the momentum of our efforts that have seen overall crime decline each year.
Municipalities across Wisconsin are faced with clear constraints. Every significant source of city revenue is regulated or limited by state law and this has had a compounding effect over the years. For example, if the state had simply kept shared revenue increasing at the rate of inflation since 1996, Milwaukee would have $200 million more this year.
The State of Wisconsin sits on a multi billion dollar surplus as it puts together its two-year budget early next year. During the state budget process, I will insist Milwaukee and municipalities across the state get the money they deserve from Madison.
I present a plan that makes the best of the realities we face today. Our city will be safer, our infrastructure will be improved, and Milwaukee will remain a strong city.
