Department of Public Works

Karen Dettmer Leaving City For Federal Job

Interim Public Works Commissioner, former Water Works leader will join federal EPA.

You’re Invited: Light & Unite Red Week

March 26-April 1, 2022 Throughout Milwaukee County

Workers Seeking Raises Find Open Ears, Empty Pockets

Pension cliff and stagnant wages are pushing city toward a 'tipping point.'

Third Ward Board Approves New Tower

Design approval for 31-story, 333-unit building with retail space facing river and outdoor patio.

Cavalier Johnson Plans Focus on Jobs

Mayoral candidate wants to grow city’s population, economy, employment.

Feedback Sought On Bay View Park’s Design

Plan to overhaul Zillman Park at north end of neighborhood seeks citizen input.

Feds Pursuing Complete Streets

A goal of safe and accessible roadways for all users isn't just a Milwaukee policy anymore.

Where Do City’s Felled Trees Go?

City cuts down and replaces some 3,500 trees per year. What does it do with the wood?

Van Buren Could Receive Protected Bike Lane

City of Milwaukee considering three options.

Water Sector Employers Join Together to Recruit and Train the Workforce of Tomorrow

City’s Boulevard System Being Vandalized

Public should report any suspicious activity on flower beds

New Plans Aims To Grow 13th Street

Extension of KK River Trail, traffic calming for Oklahoma Ave and safety improvements for S. 13th Street.

City Poised To Use $8.5 Million From TIFs to Combat Reckless Driving

Projects located near Midtown Center, Burnham Park and East Town.

Official Milwaukee Christmas Tree Becoming Art, Beer and Mulch

You can own or drink a piece of the city's 108th annual holiday tree.

Gallery With Artist Housing Proposed For West Side

Neighborhood resident proposes to redevelop fire-damaged building built in 1875.

Southeastern Wisconsin Organization receives EPA Grant to Train Environmental Workers for Jobs Created by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding

Great Lakes Community Conservation Corp, Inc. to receive Brownfields Job Training Grants to boost workforce training in underserved communities

City Needs Act of Congress Because of Couture-Streetcar Delay

City officials admit project is behind schedule.

Federal Funding for Lead Pipe Removal Likely a Year Away

But Milwaukee Water Works officials were encouraged by show of confidence from VP Harris.

New Assessment Commissioner Chosen

Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson picks Nicole Larsen to first serve as Chief Assessor, then Assessment Commissioner.

Virtual 6th District town hall meeting set for Thursday, January 20

Event will include announcement of 2021 Difference Makers Award winners

Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson Contracts COVID-19

Johnson is fully vaccinated and boosted.

Three Projects Test Traffic Calming

And 16 more projects coming next year, in city effort to combat reckless driving.

Does City Need Third Drop-Off Center for Waste?

DPW says it would provide efficiencies, but one alderman balks at the cost.

City Will Issue Parking Tickets By Mail

Change comes as a result of threats, attacks on parking checkers.

A Harbor District Revival

1915 building at 2nd and Mineral racked up lawsuits, code violations. New owner going back to basics.

Johnson Plan Targets Reckless Driving

Acting-mayor-to-be and mayoral candidate Cavalier Johnson releases detailed plan of action.

Dettmer’s Appointment As Public Works Head Is Historic

First female to lead DPW, first time that no major mayor-appointed leaders are white males.

Council adopts ordinance lowering recovery rate for assessable traffic calming improvements

Van Buren’s Supernova Ascent

Two projects will reshape the newly two-lane street.

City Could Make Speed Humps Cheaper

Committee approves slashing cost for property owners by 69% to combat reckless driving.

Should 20 MPH Be Milwaukee’s Default Speed Limit?

City has money set aside to lower speed limits, particularly on side streets.

DPW Unveils 16 Traffic Calming Projects

Effort being funded with American Rescue Plan Act funds. Construction to start in spring.

City Will Begin Mailing Parking Tickets

Starting with tickets given at night, to protect parking checkers from verbal threats and physical assaults.

A Green Infrastructure Plan For Lynden Hill

Upgrade of area near 23rd and McKinley part of bigger plan to capture 8.5 million gallons of stormwater.

Cathedral Square’s New Frame

Streetscaping project aims to beautify park, support community events.

Public Works Commissioner Jeff Polenske Leaving For Private Sector

Three-decade government veteran "retiring" for private-sector employment.

Nov. 21 Is Deadline For Raking Your Leaves

City extends annual leaf pickup by one week. Plus: more snowplow operators hired.

How Should Milwaukee Honor Ralph Metcalfe?

Black sprinter was once "fastest man in the world," and later a political trailblazer.

Construction Underway on ‘Frame the Square’ Project in Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square

Streetscaping project will bring needed upgrades to the perimeter of the square; all park amenities will remain open and accessible throughout construction

Common Council adopts file aimed at enhancing COVID safety protocols in City buildings

116 Non-Vaccinated Workers Face Suspension

And possible termination. 95.3% of general city employees complied with vaccine mandate.

Van Buren Will Become Two Lane Street

New bike lanes and parallel parking added, as four lanes for cars reduced to two.

Momentum Builds at Century City

New industrial building would bring more jobs to area while city works on public improvements.

Committee Recommends Few Budget Amendments

No fee increases and few changes as council braces for next year's fiscal cliff.

City Faces Shortage of Garbage Truck, Snowplow Drivers

Milwaukee raising starting pay by $5,400.

North Side Plan Plots 16 Priority Projects

Traffic calming, housing rehab, safety, dealing with vacant lots top list of recommended projects.

Staffing Issues Could Leave Milwaukee With More Snowplows Than Drivers

At the very least, expect it to take longer for Milwaukee to clean up after a storm.

Milwaukee Wants Your Input on Future of Dockless Scooters

432,794 trips taken through end of September, but downtown ban cut ridership 50%.

Committee recommends approval of ARPA omnibus proposal

Includes funding for public safety and crime prevention, housing, lead abatement, continued COVID response and more

Wheel Park Planned For Emigh Playfield in Tippecanoe

Would be city's first park targeted at BMX bikes, skateboards, scooters and skates.

City Could Issue Citations For Failing To Disconnect Downspouts

But focus will be on hiring contractors to complete work, keep stormwater out of Deep Tunnel.

Milwaukee Marathon Canceled Second Year In A Row

The event was struggling with permitting for the course and security.

Council President Proposes New City Department of Transportation

Ald. Cavalier Johnson thinks the department could better address reckless driving.

Council approves major ARPA-funded pedestrian safety/anti-reckless driving measure

12 Takeaways From City’s 2022 Budget

What's in the 600 page, $1.75 billion budget document? An inside look at your city government.

Getting Milwaukee closer to better financial health, more stable housing, and improved public health and safety

Statement of Common Council President Cavalier Johnson September 21, 2021

More Than 660 Street Trees Lost in August Storm

City officials debating how to get ready for next big storm as they await bill from "unprecedented" event.

Communication files target storm response, COVID procedures

City Could Lose 40% of ARPA Funds to Revenue Recovery

Funds would go towards plugging revenue shortfalls, not generational investments.

The Edison Will Add Restaurant, Commercial Space to Riverwalk

Site is currently a floral warehouse. Developer secures approval to add landscaping, patio to city land.

Ald. Coggs introduces communication file to discuss response to recent storms

Reckless driving leads to more unnecessary loss of life

Statement of Common Council President Cavalier Johnson August 16, 2021

Second Mass Timber Tower Files for Design Approval

City Plan Commission will review proposed building on Aug. 23rd.

Crash-Prone Walnut Street To Receive Road Diet

Rebuilding effort will add safety improvements for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

Milwaukee Cleans Up From Storm, Braces For Another Difficult Night

Tens of thousands of Milwaukee residents remain without power Wednesday afternoon.

310W Owner Sues City for $5 Million For Sewer Backup

Massive 2020 rainstorm caused damage but city attorney says city wasn't negligent.

Scooters Banned From Downtown

About 30% of riders found to be riding on sidewalks, triple the limit authorized by city.

Work Starting on Cathedral Square Upgrade

Changing popular park's perimeter to accommodate crowds, make square more attractive

Becher Street Receiving Road Diet, Raised Bike Lane

Project being paid for with funds generated by Michels development.

Harley-Davidson Museum Worth $12 Million

But this value will soon increase. And the site has a remarkable history.

City’s Urban Forest Fights Climate Change

Unlike in some cities Milwaukee’s urban forestry program is not in decline.

Barrett Plan Combats Reckless Driving

$28.2 million in federal grant targeted at reckless driving, violence, early childhood education and small business support.

City Removing Some Downtown Meters

You can now park for free on a portion of E. Knapp St.

Commit To Safe Driving Rally Set For Thursday

The Downspout Police Are Coming

Disconnecting downspouts is part of strategy to reduce Deep Tunnel overflows into Lake Michigan.

Bauman Blasts Mayor on Water Street Chaos

Alderman wants stronger actions. "The mayor is basically whistling past the graveyard."

Bay View Wetland Restoration Gets Boost From Grant

Stormwater retention effort part of restoration of Grand Trunk site, Lake Michigan cleanup.

Mayor Backs $15 Minimum Wage For City Workers

More than 400 city employees would get a raise under Barrett's proposal.

Trees, Transit Thwart Riverwest Bike Lanes Plan

Humboldt Boulevard won't get protected bike lane because it would kill too many trees.

Millennial Task Force report received and has first recommendation approved

14th District town hall meetings to take place June 28 and 29

Milwaukee’s “Active Streets” Are Back

Program selects streets and parkways to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Scooters Hit Milwaukee Streets

First wave arrives as Lime, Bird and Spin each deploy their scooters.

City Committee Approves Its Part of BRT Project

Agreement will have the city getting paid to plow snow in exchange for giving up traffic lanes.

The Return of Bird, Lime and Spin

Starting June 1, up to 3,000 scooters could be on city streets.

Zillman Park redevelopment community meeting set for May 18

Coalition Launches Campaign Against Reckless Driving

18 community organizations are working to promote safe driving.

Committee to hear file related to moratorium on mechanical demolitions

City Will Increase Recycling Pickups

Every-other-week recycling pickups will begin in June for most households.

DPW To Test Smart Garbage Truck Technology

Could city fleet be used for reporting potholes and illegal dumping? Maybe.

Historic Home Will Be Moved Three Blocks

To make way for new Marquette sorority building, 1885 home at 16th and Kilbourn moving to lot on 19th St.

Community Groups to Receive More than $100,000 to Help Curb Reckless Driving

City grant money to be used for marketing campaigns, murals & community events

First Streetcar Smart Kiosks Installed

Each with interactive displays mixing ads, streetcar arrival data and PSA's.

Milwaukee Could Suspend Street Lighting Fee

But property owners will need to pay at least once.

Dockless Scooters Will Return in 2021, With Restrictions

Companies could be barred from operating if riders use sidewalks.

New Street Lighting Fee Will Be Levied

Look for it on your next water bill. Fee will pay for more city electricians.