Milwaukee County is taking a step toward safer streets by engaging the community in a series of workshops designed to address traffic safety concerns. Following a welcome move by County Executive David Crowley, who signed legislation to affirm the Milwaukee County's commitment to achieving Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2037, Milwaukee residents are now being given a voice in the shaping of their thoroughfares.
The Milwaukee County Department of Transportation's initiative includes five Safer Streets Workshops tasked with gathering public input on roadway safety. As reported by Milwaukee County's official press release, these events will focus on Milwaukee County’s so-called "Corridors of Concern," which are notorious for their high-risk traffic and accidents. These areas were identified through heavy analysis of crash data and community feedback.
"We simply must increase multimodal safety and reduce reckless driving," expressed County Executive Crowley in the Milwaukee County’s press release. He urges residents to participate in the upcoming workshops stating, "because lives depend on it." The workshops are designed to be interactive and encourage residents to offer their insights on which safety solutions might best suit the roads and intersections they use daily.
Every workshop will take place at easily accessible community locations, ensuring diverse representation in an equitable forum. The first meeting is slated for September 24 at the Milwaukee Public Library’s Good Hope Branch, with others following through mid-October. Milwaukee County Department of Transportation's's project team will be present to discuss ideas, field questions, and facilitate the exchange of suggestions that could ultimately shape Milwaukee County's Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. According to the Milwaukee County's schedule outlined in the press release, completion of the plan is expected by February 2025, which would enable the county to pursue federal funding for high-priority street redesigns and infrastructure upgrades.
The significance of grassroots participation in shaping local policy cannot be overstated, as evidenced by Milwaukee County’s proactive approach. For those interested in attending any of the workshops, details regarding times, locations, and the issues specific to each event can be found on the Milwaukee County’s website. Plus, a little incentive is being thrown into the mix: The first 20 attendees at each session will receive a complimentary high-visibility vest, promoting safety beyond the discussion table. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up and join the meetings through the link provided in the Milwaukee County’s announcement.
