Feature
Doyle’s Decision Could Send Ripples Through Milwaukee’s Political Landscape
Governor Doyle's announcement that he will not be seeking a third term could send ripples through Milwaukee's political landscape. The most commonly mentioned named Democratic Party members that may run for Governor include, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.
Aug 19th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Tear Down Another Freeway in Milwaukee?
The debate over the reconstruction of the Hoan Bridge is one that has ignited controversy in Milwaukee for almost a full year now. Southsiders under the direction of Supervisor Patricia Jursik have united around the Save the Hoan Coalition. Meanwhile, Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman has presented a differing vision for the future of the Hoan with eight principles that should be followed in any reconstruction effort. There is an awful lot of confusion around the issue, and the manner in which WisDOT has handled it is far from their usual course. This article examines the potential source of the debate, and a potential outcome that is a win-win scenario for both the City of Milwaukee taxbase, and southside and suburban commuters.
Aug 17th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
AAA Roadside Assistance For Bicyclists?
Recently, the American Automobile Association, began offering their Roadside Assistance program to bicyclists in Oregon, and parts of Idaho. Yes, that's right the American Automobile Association is offering roadside assistant service to bike riders. This is the same organization that in past years had opposing funding for bike infrastructure and mass transit, and of course had pushed for more and wider highways.
Aug 11th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Where Should The Madison High-Speed Rail Train Station Go?
Things look good for high-speed rail (110mph max speed) to be connecting Milwaukee and Madison courtesy of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The state has actively drafted plans for the route and conducted environmental assessments to put Wisconsin as close to first in line as possible if and when capital funding were to become available. The stimulus package provides just the perfect opportunity.
Aug 10th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Encourage More Bicyclists by Bringing the Idaho Stop Law to Wisconsin
An important part of building a more bicycle friendly city, and for that matter state, is to update Wisconsin's biking laws so that they in encourage more ridership instead of discouraging it. For example, in June 2009 Governor Doyle signed a new "anti-dooring" law that corrected existing regulation which required bicyclist to ride three feet away from parked cars. This law actually protected drivers who opened their doors into bike lanes or streets without looking which often resulted in injured bicyclists.
Aug 6th, 2009 by Dave Reid
More Thoughts on Grand Avenue
Milwaukee Talkie, the blog of the Public Policy Forum, examined the urban retail market and how to best utilize the hiring of Deanna Inniss as a business recruiter by BID #21, Milwaukee's Downtown Business Improvement District. They noted that one large thing wasn't on her task list, the inside of Grand Avenue Mall.
Aug 5th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Just How Much TIF is Enough?
Municipalities large and small utilize Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) as a tool to encourage economic development within their borders.
Aug 3rd, 2009 by Dave Reid
Talgo Location Choice a No-Brainer – Milwaukee
Talgo, the train manufacturer that is poised to open a plant in Wisconsin, has a really simple choice to make when it comes to where to locate. Currently the company is debating between Janesville and Milwaukee.
Jul 30th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
$100 Million Worth of Development Approved by the Common Council
The $11 million Hide House project was the most hotly debated development project at the July 28th meeting of the Common Council, though the most significant action in terms of dollars was the approval of the Rivianna.
Jul 29th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Can’t Beat Milwaukee in the Summer
Normally we would greet you on Monday with an urban advocacy piece, but we were a little too busy enjoying all that urban Milwaukee had to offer this weekend. While normally just one of these events would pass as a big entertainment attraction across every other Wisconsin city, urban Milwaukee had at least eight organized and noteworthy events going on this weekend.
Jul 27th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Hide House Developer Wins Partial Appeal of Historic Designation
At the Thursday July 23rd meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee the appeal of he interim historic designation of the Hide House complex in Bay View was heard.
Jul 24th, 2009 by Dave Reid
