Feature
UrbanMilwaukee.com Happy Hour – This Friday
We're throwing a party this Friday to celebrate our first full year of coverage, and we would love for you to join us. The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. this Friday, September 4th at Taylor's.
Sep 1st, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Drinking Problem? or Driving Culture?
Fifth offense. Right now that's when a drunk driving conviction in Wisconsin becomes a felony. Lower it to the fourth, third, second, or first, because clearly the fifth offense is way too many, but there's more to the drunk driving problem than how many times someone has to be caught before it becomes a felony. Further, this problem isn't because some bartenders play a game of dice with customers, have a round with regulars, or have a drink at the end of the night.
Aug 30th, 2009 by Dave Reid
UWM, Marquette, and MSOE Working Together
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Marquette University and Milwaukee School of Engineering announced that the universities are collaborating on seven energy technology research projects. These projects are being conducted as part of the Southeastern Wisconsin Energy Technology Research Center, which ties the universities together with local companies, such as Rockwell Automation and WE Energies, to conduct research in the area of energy technology. The initial projects involves green concepts and advanced technologies such as wind turbines, Li-Ion Batteries, CO2 recycling and sequestration via algae, and nanowire thermoelectric materials.
Aug 27th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Park East Art Gallery
The Park East corridor is temporarily filled with art, and it’s well worth your time to check out. Approved by the Milwaukee Arts Board, the temporary installation draws attention to the history and unique character of the land formerly occupied by a freeway. Alderman Michael Murphy, chair of the Milwaukee Arts Board, held a press conference today to officially open the project to the public.
Aug 24th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Tony Zielinski to Run for Lieutenant Governor
Milwaukee Alderman Tony Zielinski will announce his candidacy for the position of Lieutenant Governor on Friday.
Aug 21st, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
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
