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Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
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Funding Local Governments


MMAC has joined a coalition of local government and nonprofit leaders (Move Forward MKE) on steps we must take to ensure Milwaukee’s long-term safety, solvency and strategy for economic competitiveness.
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​Milwaukee is the undisputed economic engine for the state of Wisconsin. But as regions across the country compete with one another to attract businesses and the talented employees who help them thrive, Milwaukee’s future status as a magnet for these businesses and employees can not be taken for granted. 
To help Milwaukee increase its commitment to public safety, address a looming fiscal cliff and -- above all -- remain competitive, MMAC supports efforts to provide new sources of revenue to the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County.
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Despite budget cuts, Milwaukee County faces a 2.4% annual increase in costs.
At the same time, the State cap on County revenue growth is limited to 1%.
This results in a projected $320 million annual deficit by 2038.

The Stakes are High

The lack of resources for the city and county are having an immediate and tangible effect on our quality of life – most notably in the area of public safety. As is the case in many regions around the country, Milwaukee and its surrounding communities have experienced a significant increase in crime. This crime surge can be traced back directly to year after year of staggering budget cuts at the city and county level.
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​In 2009, the City of Milwaukee had 1,964 police officers; in 2022, we have 1,657. 
Our fire departments are experiencing a similar lack of resources that leads to unprecedented strain on firefighters. ​
If no solutions are put in place by 2027, Milwaukee County will have no local dollars to provide critical local services.
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EMERGENCY SERVICES
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BUS ROUTES & ROADS
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SENIOR SERVICES
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DISABILITY SERVICES
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YOUTH SERVICES

On the edge of a fiscal cliff

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Milwaukee County’s pension contributions as a percentage of payroll have risen from 10% in 2012 to 33% in 2022.
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The City of Milwaukee’s pension costs increase from $70 million annually to $140 million in 2023.

Do Milwaukee County & the City of Milwaukee
have bloated budgets?

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According to recent MMAC research, both the city and county are spending far less per capita than the average of 40 comparable regions around the country -- 7% for the county and 28% for the city. 
We can’t undo a series of poor decisions on pensions made decades ago by long-departed leaders -- but we can fix them.
​
​We simply need some support from our statewide elected leaders.


Two potential ways to address revenue issues and keep our region competitive:
ADDRESS SHARED REVENUE > 
A MODEST SALES TAX INCREASE >
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MMAC's Conclusion

Milwaukee has the companies and talented employees it takes to compete in the global marketplace. But our current lack of public safety resources and looming fiscal cliff means that our future competitiveness is anything but assured.

​ The “check engine” light on the motor that drives Wisconsin’s economy is flashing bright red and requires urgent attention.

We want to solve this problem ourselves and have a plan to do so. Right now, only red tape stands in our way. For the sake of our state’s economy, the people and businesses in Milwaukee and our future competitiveness, we need support for these solutions.
Visit the Move Forward MKE coalition site to see how you can lend your support.  

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Copyright © 2023 Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
All rights reserved.

301 W Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 220 | Milwaukee, WI 53203 
Tel 414/287-4100 | Fax 414/271-7753 | info@mmac.org
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  • JOIN
  • Membership
    • The benefits of joining
    • Member directory >
      • Member Spotlights
      • Talent Solutions Directory
    • What we do >
      • Talent >
        • Ranking Milwaukee County Schools
        • Education recommendations
        • Technology Education & Literacy in Schools (TEALS)
        • Career-based learning experiences
      • Growth
      • Livability
      • Equity
      • Peer metro comparison
    • Cost saving programs >
      • Health insurance plan
      • Office supply discount program
    • Events >
      • 2021 All Member Meeting
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit
      • Talent Solution Series
      • Emerging Leaders Series
      • Global Business Insights Series
      • Member Orientation
      • Replay: The Business of MKE Series
      • Replay: Race Bridge Series
    • For members only >
      • Fall 2022 Impact Report
      • Sponsorship
      • Advertising
    • Need more info?
  • Networks
    • Leadership Council
    • President's Huddle
    • Executive roundtable program
    • FUEL Milwaukee for young professionals
    • Future 50 Awards Program
    • Networking Forum for referrals
    • Region of Choice Initiative
    • Roundtables for high-growth companies
    • World Trade Association
  • Advocacy
    • 2021-2022 Legislative Scorecard >
      • Senate Votes
      • Assembly Votes
    • Recent Legislative Wins
    • Funding Local Governments
    • Miller Park economic impact study
    • Wisconsin State Legislature
    • K-12 Education Recommendations
  • Economic Development
    • Milwaukee 7 Partnership for Economic Development
    • MKE Venture Mentoring Service
    • Milwaukee Development Corp. >
      • Rebuild & Revitalize Program
    • Milwaukee Urban Strategic Investment Corp. (MUSIC)
    • Milwaukee EB-5 Visa program
    • Starting a business >
      • BizStarts
      • New business planning guide
    • More about Milwaukee
  • Metro MKE
    • 2023 Navigate Business MKE
    • Business outlook survey
    • Economic trends
    • Local media listings
    • Major employers in metro Milwaukee
    • Metro Milwaukee demographics
    • Order a publication
    • Relocating a business
  • About
    • Board of directors
    • Career Opportunities at MMAC
    • Staff
    • Milwaukee Commerce magazine
    • Press releases
    • Members of the media >
      • Recent Media Coverage
    • Scholarships for minority students