Milwaukee County is at a pivotal juncture according to a new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum, and county officials are grappling to balance the interests of the community with fiscal sustainability. Supervisor Willie Johnson, Jr., who serves as the Chair of the Finance Committee, responded to the report's insights with an acknowledgment of the importance of collaboration. "Our partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels are essential in building a sustainable and equitable foundation for Milwaukee County services," said Johnson in a statement. He stressed the importance of strategic investments to safeguard access to transit, parks, and housing, according to the Milwaukee County.
With the Wisconsin Policy Forum analysis signaling a 'fiscal cliff' on the horizon for transit, there's a notable risk that residents might have to contend with service cuts or fare hikes if new revenue streams aren't discovered, or if the funds can't be reallocated from other county departments. To adequately address these challenges, Milwaukee County's Board deliberations on the 2025 budget have already swiftly begun, intent to bring about racial equity and sustainability in tandem with active public engagement.
County Supervisors have been busy, proactively gathering input from their constituents by holding town hall meetings in their respective districts. They've been keen to hear directly from residents about what they believe should be the priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. This commitment to community involvement is evident with the Board's announcement of a public hearing set for October 28 at the Zoofari Center, where people can either show up in person or can chime in virtually, enhancing the scope of participation, as reported by the Milwaukee County.
Preceding the public hearing, the Finance Committee is scheduled to rigorously review and consider budget amendments on three separate days at the end of October and beginning of November. These sessions are critical as they lay the groundwork for what the full Board will ultimately vote on. The final decision on the 2025 budget is earmarked for November 7 at 9:30 a.m. in a meeting that is not only public but will also be live-streamed, ensuring maximum transparency, as per the Milwaukee County. Interested parties can review the full WPF report on the Policy Forum’s website.
