High costs, lack of clear plan play into decision
Rising housing costs will impact all city residents Ninety percent of surveyed property managers in Milwaukee would increase rents should the Milwaukee Public Schools’ (MPS) $252 million referendum pass April 2, according to a recent poll conducted by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC).
On April 2, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) will ask voters for a quarter-billion dollar increase in its annual revenue limit, much of it funded through property taxes. After listening to stakeholders and surveying its Board of Directors, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC) is opposing this measure.
This referendum is being brought forward ¬less than five years after passage of an $87 million revenue limit increase without a clear plan on how to improve educational outcomes, even as academic performance continues to be at or near the bottom of all major city school districts. We cannot continue to perpetuate the same strategies and expect different outcomes. Second-chance, justice-involved, formerly incarcerated. Whatever term is used, they are people who just need a job. That simple truth served as the theme of a July 18 Region of Choice meeting to discuss opportunities for employers to hire individuals who have served time. As one of the panelists put it, “Remember, you’re working with people, not labels.”
The program was organized in partnership with the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM) and Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH).
Metro Milwaukee’s great strength is its resilience. Our ability to navigate an always turbulent economy has led to a consistent run of prosperity. As other regions rise and fall, we have consistently ranked among the top 25 U.S. metros measured by per capita income for the past 40 years.
To ensure our future, the big idea is to double down on our greatest asset: our citizens.
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