Construction Failure in Planning, Coordination, Communication, and Execution Must Improve

As the Lisbon Ave. reconstruction project continues, more lane and street closures are coming. Disruption is expected with work of this scale, as it is with any major construction project. However, what is not acceptable is the continued failure in planning, coordination, communication, and execution.

I am not a construction manager, but after a few years of dealing with multiple projects, I’ve effectively been forced into that role. I’ve had to identify gaps in planning, step in when coordination breaks down, push for communication that should already be happening, and call out execution that falls short of the standard our residents and businesses deserve.

This is not complicated. Major projects require proper planning, real coordination, clear and proactive communication, and they must be executed with professionalism and attention to detail. Right now, all of this is falling short, and the closure at 84th and Lisbon is the latest example. While certain closures are unavoidable, the lack of planning and communication is unacceptable. There is no clear signage, no direction for drivers, and no effort to guide customers to businesses open on the north side of Lisbon Ave.

I visited Mara’s Grill at 84th and Lisbon myself, and it was nearly impossible to figure out how to get there. That is a direct failure in execution that has affected their business. It is unacceptable. No excuses.

Our residents and small businesses are the backbone of this district. They should not suffer because of preventable failures in planning, coordination, communication, and execution. It is also important to note, this is not an isolated incident. We have seen these same issues during earlier phases of the Lisbon Ave. project, alley reconstruction projects across the district, paving projects, and traffic calming projects.

This pattern ends now.

Improvement in planning, coordination, communication, and execution is not optional. It is not up for debate. It is non-negotiable, and it must start immediately. The current standard is unacceptable, and I will not allow it to continue.

I am calling this out publicly because enough is enough. I had internal conversations in 2023. Those same exact conversations happened in 2024, and again in 2025. Now we’ll talk internally and publicly. I expect better, and I will continue to demand better, for our residents, businesses, and everyone who relies on our infrastructure every day.

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.

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