Where Learning Went Virtual
Watch for our 2021-23 State Budget Brief
Falling Behind: The state of Wisconsin's public universities and colleges
Budgeting in a Pandemic: Impacts on Milwaukee and Madison
Forum research featured on Imagine MKE podcast
Changing Traffic Patterns in Wisconsin During COVID-19
Our latest report looks at how the #COVID19 pandemic caused traffic to plummet on highways throughout Wisconsin, and not just in hard-hit areas.
This shift largely predates a statewide order for Wisconsinites to limit travel and stay home.
This graphic shows how rush hour traffic in Milwaukee and Madison declined sharply since mid-March.
We don't know how long this shift may last. But for now, we examine how it may affect public health, traffic safety, and state revenues -- especially gas-tax revenues that fund transportation projects: https://wispolicyforum.org/research/changing-traffic-patterns-during-covid-19/
2019 Property Values & Taxes DataTool
ICYMI: Yesterday we debuted our 2019 Property Values and Taxes DataTool! This online interactive provides data on every county and municipality in Wisconsin.
It also includes our own analyses of property values and taxes in southeast Wisconsin and -- for the first time this year -- Dane County: https://wispolicyforum.org/research/2019-property-values-taxes/
Milwaukee's Use of TIF for its Streetcar
The extent to which Milwaukee, Wisconsin uses tax increment financing (TIF) to fund its streetcar, The Hop, is unusual nationally -- but can be explained by the limited array of funding options available to the city, our latest research finds. Check out this video preview for more.
2019 Municipal DataTool
Tomorrow's the big day! We'll unveil the 2019 Municipal DataTool, an interactive online tool by which users can compare fiscal, tax and demographic facts about all 601 Wisconsin cities and villages.
This is a digitized version of MunicipalFacts, which had been published annually by the one of our two predecessor organizations, the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.
Picking Up the Pieces Video Teaser
Next week we will release "Picking Up the Pieces" -- the 5th & final report in our series on the infrastructure problem facing Metro Milwaukee.
It looks at options for area leaders to address this costly, growing backlog of repairs to roads, bridges, pipes, parks & public buildings.
Migration Interactive
People who move away from Wisconsin tend to be more highly educated than those who stay or move here from elsewhere, according to new data from the congressional Joint Economic Committee. This concerning finding may be tempered somewhat by previous WPF research that found people are less likely to move away from Wisconsin than from most other states. Still, IRS data show tens of thousands of people move into and out of Wisconsin each year, indicating a sizable problem. We look at the issue and potential solutions: https://wispolicyforum.org/focus/wisconsins-brain-drain-problem/
Budget Brief: Milwaukee County 2018 Executive Budget
Our analysis finds that the Milwaukee County Executive's recommended 2018 budget largely averts service cuts by adding more than $19 million of new or enhanced fees. Watch this 2-minute video to learn more!
Cracks in the Foundation
Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee face difficult financial challenges in their efforts to repair or replace several important public buildings. Watch this short video to learn more!
Cultivating Innovation
Our new research gauges Metro Milwaukee's progress in building a knowledge-based economy. Watch this video for a quick summary!
On the Money?
Watch this short video for a summary of our new research on the City of Milwaukee's broken revenue structure, how it compares with peer cities, and how it could be changed to promote greater balance, reliability, and equity.
Norman N. Gill Award for Individual Excellence
Norm Cummings, the Director of Administration for Waukesha County, was this year's winner of our Norman N. Gill Award for Individual Excellence! This video shows why Norm is one of the most respected local government officials in southeast Wisconsin.
James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award 2
Chris Swartz, who recently retired from his position as Manager of the Village of Shorewood, Wisconsin, was one of two winners of our James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award. This video highlights his many accomplishments and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of local government leaders!
James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award
Tom Meaux, Ozaukee County's former Administrator who retired in March, was one of two winners of our James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award. Watch this short video to learn more about "Ozaukee County’s humble hero!"
Leader of the Future
Julia Robson of the Milwaukee County Parks Department was this year's winner of our Jean B. Tyler Leader of the Future award. This video highlights her outstanding work!
Public-Private Cooperation
Whole Health Clinical Group and the City of West Allis, WI Government won our Public-Private Cooperation award last week for their work to develop a new and innovative clinic that serves both the behavioral and physical health needs of its clients. To learn more, watch this video!
Intergovernmental Cooperation
The merged Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department won our 2017 Salute to Local Government award for Intergovernmental Cooperation. Watch this video to learn more about their work!
Innovative Use of Data or Technology
The Milwaukee County Parks Department was the winner of our 2017 "Innovative Use of Data or Technology" award for its Automated Trail Counter Program. Check out this video to see how the program works!
Innovative Approach to Problem Solving
The City of Milwaukee's Compliance Loan Program -- which helps lower-income home owners make needed repairs to their homes -- won our Innovative Approach to Problem Solving award at last week's Salute to Local Government. Watch this 2-minute video to learn more!
Beneath the Streets
For a quick overview of our new research on metro Milwaukee's water and sewer infrastructure, check out this video!
