Council adopts file to bolster traffic calming installations

The Common Council during its meeting on Tuesday, February 7 adopted file #221396 – a resolution relating to the reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from speed limit reduction signage to traffic-calming installations. The file, sponsored by Alderman Michael J. Murphy, implements the intention of amendment 40B to the city’s 2023 budget.

The resolution is co-sponsored by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr.

The cost of installing traffic-calming features such as speed humps in neighborhoods throughout the city is paid primarily by property owners through special assessment charges. In 2021, Alderman Murphy authored an ordinance reducing the recovery rate ratio for placement of new assessable traffic-calming improvements from 90% to 33%. The rate reduction resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response from residents.

“After the Council voted to reduce the financial burden on property owners for installation of traffic-calming measures like speed humps, we saw an overwhelming number of requests submitted, primarily in central city neighborhoods,” said Alderman Murphy. “The nature of tighter budgets across the board meant in 2023 there was less funding available for these types of installations, and given the threat still posed by reckless driving, the popularity of this program, and number of still pending request, this seemed like a worthwhile use of ARPA dollars.”

Those interested in having a speed hump or other traffic-calming measure installed on their block are encouraged to contact their Alderperson or visit the Department of Public Works’ website here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.