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.

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.

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.

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.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

BUS ROUTES & ROADS

SENIOR SERVICES

DISABILITY SERVICES

YOUTH SERVICES

On the edge of a fiscal cliff

Milwaukee County’s pension contributions as a percentage of payroll have risen from 10% in 2012 to 33% in 2022.

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?

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 >

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.