DPW’s Swift Storm Response Marks a Sharp Turnaround from Last Winter’s Delays

Alderman Peter Burgelis today commended the Department of Public Works (DPW) for its exceptional response to this weekend’s snowfall, noting that residential streets across Milwaukee were cleared and passable early this morning, ahead of the City’s established 24-hour service standard after snow has ended. This year’s performance stands in stark contrast to the prolonged delays experienced during last year’s first major storm in mid-December.

“DPW crews delivered exactly what residents expect,” Alderman Burgelis said. “Residential streets were cleared within 24 hours after the snowfall stopped. This is the service level the City commits to, and it was achieved with precision, coordination, and a level of effectiveness that simply wasn’t possible last year.”

Alderman Burgelis emphasized the dramatic difference in performance compared to last winter. “Last year, just four inches of snow in mid-December caused havoc across the city, with some streets going un-cleared for days,” he said. “This weekend, Milwaukee saw more than double that amount of snow, and yet most residential streets were plowed by sunrise today, even with the added complications of uncollected leaf piles buried under the snow. That turnaround is nothing short of impressive.”

Milwaukee’s improved readiness is supported by dozens of new snowplow trucks added to the fleet over the past year, which have sharply reduced breakdowns and boosted the city’s plowing efficiency.

“This year, the difference is night and day,” Alderman Burgelis added. “Strategic investments and dedicated crews made a real impact.” Burgelis also urged residents to prepare for the next phase of cleanup once temperatures rise.

“While DPW handled this storm exceptionally well, the reality is that when all this snow melts, the city is going to be an absolute mess,” he said. “Leaves that couldn’t be collected before the storm will reappear everywhere. Crews will return for leaf pickup as soon as conditions allow, and we’re asking residents for patience during what will inevitably be a very muddy, leafy stretch.”

DPW’s residential service guideline requires streets to be cleared and passable within 24 hours after snowfall ends, a standard reinforced in prior public communications and Council oversight hearings.

Due to the ongoing snow response and the need to complete full curb-to-curb plowing and salting across all residential streets, all garbage and recycling collection crews will again be reassigned to assist with snow operations. As a result, garbage and recycling collection will be suspended on Monday, December 1. Residents are encouraged to leave their garbage carts out on their scheduled collection day this week until serviced, clear snow and ice from around their carts, and follow updates on delayed garbage and recycling pickup. For collection updates, visit milwaukee.gov/sanitation/GarbageRecyclingSchedules. For snow operation details, visit milwaukee.gov/snow.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.