Content referencing Milwaukee County - Page 6
The Couture Press Conference
Developers and politicians unite behind the podium to unveil 44-story project.
Jul 16th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Transit System Facing Nearly 30% Service Reduction
Challenges ahead for MCTS, but good news in Westown, Lake Park, Silver City, and the Menomonee Valley
Jul 3rd, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Amtrak Accidents and Customer Service
Also discussion of Downtown Dining Week, some development news, and new tv commercials from MCTS.
Jun 28th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
The Airport Story
How Milwaukee welcomes -- and doesn’t welcome -- visitors to the city. Part I of four-part series.
Jun 25th, 2012 by Jeff Jordan
Rumblings in the Park East
Unions battle over and delay one project, another project gets a six month extension, and another is underway in the Park East.
Jun 19th, 2012 by Dave Reid
The Farley Fiasco
Is the County board punishing Abele’s aide Patrick Farley for whistle blowing?
Jun 4th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Media’s $10 Million Error
The art museum’s plan to repair the War Memorial will cost $25 million, not $15 million. And that’s not all the errors.
May 21st, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Impending New Milwaukee Delegation, Free Brewers Tickets for Aldermen, 24 to 1, and More
Welcome to the ninth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week I examine the coming changes to the Milwaukee Delegation, how another big city gets quite the luxury perk, the difference between the charter meetings of the City and County, Milwaukee's new City Clerk, and more.
Apr 19th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Suburbs Overwhelmingly Want to Reduce Size of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Almost all of Milwaukee County's suburbs had a referendum questions that asked for voter's opinions on reducing the size of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and reducing the position to part-time during Tuesday's election. In every community it was asked, voters overwhelmingly voted to reduce the number and pay of supervisors, but what would that achieve?
Apr 5th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Kohl’s, The Moral of the Story
For over a year the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and various regional entities worked together in attempt to bring Kohl's corporate headquarters to downtown Milwaukee. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. Some have been quick to judge saying the moral of the story is, the city is a failure, and Mayor Barrett can't get the job done. Now, it is true the city didn't win, this time, but is the moral of the story, failure?
Feb 21st, 2012 by Dave Reid
Better Connecting the Lakefront to Downtown
There is no question that the connection between Milwaukee's lakefront and downtown is underwhelming. Despite the fact that they meet at Lincoln Memorial Drive, there is no grand connection between the two, which is unfortunate as the intersection of Lincoln Memorial Drive and Michigan Street is a gateway to the city.
Aug 15th, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene
MSOE Parking Garage Proposal Needs Work
Talks between M&I, MSOE, and Milwaukee County regarding MSOE's proposed parking garage in the Park East have dragged on for months, and it is likely because of a new detail that makes a marginal project into a bad project.
Jun 14th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Transit
Chris Abele was recently elected to fill the remainder of Governor Scott Walker's term as Milwaukee County Executive. That gives Abele less than one year to accomplish anything as Milwaukee County Executive before he must seek re-election. Given the relatively short time for which Abele is assured to be in office, what can the newly-elected County Executive hope to achieve when it comes to transit?
May 19th, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee County Taking First Steps Towards Open Government
To say that access to Milwaukee County records has been less than transparent is an understatement. Milwaukee County's committee agendas are poorly formatted, currently contain little information, lack the associated public input documentation, and almost no committee meetings are carried on TV, so the context and history of legislation is often difficult to ascertain.
Feb 7th, 2011 by Dave Reid
What can Milwaukee look forward to in 2011?
Numerous signs point to a national economy that is recovering. Hiring has started to pick up, banks are starting to lend again, and locally 'failed' projects are slowly filling up. But everything isn't great just yet, as here in Wisconsin there is a 14 month supply of homes available on the market, and nationally unemployment sits at 9.4%.
Jan 10th, 2011 by Dave Reid
The Urbanist’s Ideal Milwaukee County Executive Platform
The race for Milwaukee County Executive promises to be an intriguing one, if only because in a little over a year Milwaukee County residents will vote for the position four times (two primaries, two general elections). The extra election is caused by Scott Walker heading off to Madison with a year still left on his term.
Jan 7th, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene
How are the New MCTS Buses?
Starting this past summer, new buses hit the streets in Milwaukee County. Now that they have been out on the road for a few months, it's likely that the "new car" (bus) smell has worn off. How do you feel about them now?
Dec 20th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
MCTS Should Take the Next Step to Government 2.0
Government 2.0 is the idea of exposing government controlled data to the public, in an open standardized format.
Nov 23rd, 2010 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Streetcar Takes Key Step Forward
The Milwaukee Streetcar project was approved for further study this morning by the Milwaukee Connector Study Group.
May 6th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
RTA Will Be a Last Minute Decision
The vote on the future of regional transit that was scheduled for a vote by the Wisconsin State Assembly on Tuesday didn't actually happen, but a lot of small actions leading up to it did.
Apr 21st, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
What Explains the Decline in Bus Ridership?
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker blames the economy and is downplaying his decision to raise fares over the past several years, and transit advocates are saying that the drop is due to large fare increases and service cuts (fewer routes).
Mar 15th, 2010 by John Kovari
New Milwaukee Transit Plan Unveiled
Eight drafts, and a couple months later, the new regional transit authority plan for southeastern Wisconsin has been unveiled. Governor Jim Doyle introduced the new bill at a press conference at Bucyrus in South Milwaukee with Bucyrus President and CEO Tim Sullivan, Roundy's CEO and Chairman Bob Mariano, Northwestern Mutual CEO Ed Zore, AT&T Wisconsin President Scott VanderSanden, S.C. Johnson & Son Chairman and CEO J. Fisk Johnson, Johnson Controls Chairman, President and CEO Steve Roell, Greater Milwaukee Committee President Julia Taylor, and Racine Mayor John Dickert.
Jan 22nd, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
Infrastructure Projects Create Jobs
There’s quite a hefty debate about whether the stimulus is creating jobs or not. A headline from a recent article went so far as to make the claim that stimulus funds have not created any significant number of jobs. Despite the headline, some economists were quoted in the article saying that it was too soon to see any real effects from the stimulus, or that the stimulus is most likely counter-acting job losses.
Jan 18th, 2010 by John Kovari
The Park East Disaster? No
Would Milwaukee be better off with the Park East Freeway spur intact? No. Has development been slow so far? Yes. Is that a problem? Only if you have a short-term perspective on the future of Milwaukee.
Dec 15th, 2009 by Dave Reid
The Monarch Trail?
"Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them." - Bill Vaughan
Dec 6th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Public Weighs in on UWM’s Wauwatosa Expansion Plans
Although months ago UWM entered into an agreement to purchase a portion of the Milwaukee County Grounds for the purpose of expansion, the deadline for public input into UWM's Master Plan past just this week. Regardless if this input will be considered going forward or not, it's worth looking to see what the UWM community thinks about the expansion plans.
Nov 11th, 2009 by Dave Reid
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
Governor Doyle Vetoes Milwaukee County Sales Tax for Transit
When the budget finally made it to his desk, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle used his extensive veto powers in a lot of ways. The most significant of which was arguably the line-item veto of the Milwaukee Transit Authority and the proposed 0.65% sales tax increase for Milwaukee County. Doyle did not veto SERTA, the authority which is to run the KRM commuter rail line, and the $18 rental car tax. This veto puts back on the drawing board Doyle's proposal for a three-county sales tax to fund the KRM and bus service in Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee Counties, while at the same time not delaying the KRM development process.
Jul 2nd, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
KRM and RTA Update
The Wisconsin state budget is now at a point where it will go to a conference committee after the Senate approved their version of the budget yesterday. The conference committee will reconcile the difference between the Assembly and Senate versions, and send the budget off to Governor Doyle. Doyle will then use his line-item veto power on certain language he doesn't like, and Wisconsin have a budget.
Jun 18th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee County Pension Trial Underway
The Milwaukee County pension troubles are a serious issue that affect everyone in the Milwaukee area. By eating a significant portion of the county's budget every year in the form of increased pension payments, the pension scandal has forced cuts in county services and tax increases. Milwaukee County has taken Mercer to court over the highly-flawed pension system, and a decision in Milwaukee County's favor could relieve a lot of stress at the county level.
May 14th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
There is Nothing Green About Greenfield Development
There is nothing green about greenfield development.
May 4th, 2009 by Dave Reid
RTA Passes Joint Finance Committee
The Regional Transit Authority passed the Joint Finance Committee this morning at 2:17 a.m., but not in a very regional way.
May 1st, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Is it Time for Milwaukee to Consider a Combined City-County Government?
Municipal government plays a vital role and provides necessary services, but sometimes you can have too much, or in this case too many.
Mar 5th, 2009 by Dave Reid
MORE Hurdles Proposed for Development Projects within Milwaukee
In what appears to be a rush to significantly alter development efforts within the City of Milwaukee, Alderman Hamilton is proposing additional requirements for development projects that accept more than $1 million in Tax Incremental Financing.
Mar 1st, 2009 by Dave Reid
Governor Doyle, County Executive Walker, Some Explanation is Needed
On Wednesday Governor Doyle announced plans to spend the first $300 million out of $550 million stimulus funds on 63 road construction and repair projects in 30 counties.
Feb 14th, 2009 by Dave Reid
What is the Problem in the Park East?
Changes proposed to lure developers to Park East lots.
Jan 19th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Open Letter to Mayor Barrett Concerning Transit
On Monday, November 10th, your representative to the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Sharon Robinson, will cast an important vote for the future of transit in our city and region. We write to you to encourage her to vote "yes" to any sales tax funding proposals. While we have recently outlined why we think RTA's are an efficient way to deliver regional services, we have a few more things we think you should consider.
Nov 6th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Transit As A Means To Combat Poverty (Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty)
Poverty as defined by Princeton's Wordnet is "the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions." Too often people believe poverty means unemployment. It does not. Those that are unemployed likely do live in poverty, but there are a significant number of people that live in poverty and have jobs. In 2006 Milwaukee had the eighth-highest rate of poverty of large US cities, with 26.2% of people living below the federal poverty line. To put that percentage to an actual headcount, 26.2% of the city of Milwaukee's population is 143,000 people. By comparison, Wisconsin's poverty rate is 11% accounting for 581,000 residents, nearly 200,000 of which are children. How does transit play a role in poverty?
Oct 15th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Finally Activity at Park East Square
On December 21st 2007 RSC & Associates signed an agreement to purchase a parcel of land, known as Block 26, in the Park East Freeway corridor from Milwaukee County. It was believed at the time of the sale that RSC & Associates would break ground on two new hotels within a 90 days. Understandably development projects take a time and as this project nears its third year, finally there is a small sign of progress at the site. RSC & Associates have begun erecting the construction fence. Although this project has had a troubled history with its lengthy delays, numerous changes, and squabbling in the press, potentially this project will be getting in the ground and the next development in the Park East will begin to rise this summer.
Apr 23rd, 2008 by Dave Reid
New Park East Request for Proposals
Milwaukee Skyline Originally uploaded by compujeramey Milwaukee County intends to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a Park East corridor plot of land on the western end of the reclaimed land, near the former Pabst brewery. With developments finally getting off the ground on formerly RFP’ed plots on the eastern end of the corridor, and redevelopment moving full speed ahead at The Brewery it seems logical to move forward at this time and put another plot up for sale. The proposed plot is the one east of 6th Street, north of West Winnebago Street, and south of McKinley Avenue. On the flip side, Robert Ruvin had a harder time securing a loan for his development inbetween 3rd and 4th Streets after the market began to turn. Construction hasn’t even started there yet, and a demo unit is in the works to begin condo sales starting in April. Is it therefore logical to put the chance of another development on the market and potentially damage development going on on other parcels? Yes, well it would be great if the county could let every development get to 100% before triggering another I think it’s important to continue to grease the wheels for other developments to get off the ground. Plus, in all reality by the time the county put out the RFP, it’s going to be at least two years before construction even breaks ground. That will give other developments plenty of time to sell units.. The worst thing that could happen is the current credit crunch could toward around, and for the downtown area to be caught with a lack of available units and development going on. If people want to move downtown, and it appears they do, the county and city should continue to encourage developers to get projects off the ground that produce urban infill and add to the strength of downtown. They’ve done a good job of that so far, and I hope they don’t pull this sale in the event of a market downturn. I expect that further development in the corridor is only going to accelerate the pace of sales and leasing of space, and increase the amount of developers wanting to put up buildings. It’s hard to sell someone on living next to a bunch of gravel lots, but it’s going to be ease to sell them on living amongst a lot of new, pedestrian-friendly developments within walking distance of the city’s best assets.
Mar 24th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
County Looking To Add Bike Racks To Buses
milw_city_bus Originally uploaded by mechanikat Despite Scott Walker‘s consistent insistence that the Milwaukee County Transit System is just a step short of going completely broke, Milwaukee County is proposing to add bicycle racks to the front of the bus fleet. The announcement comes in wake of a proposed settlement for releasing asbestos during the destruction of the Courthouse Annex (the beautiful building over Interstate 43). One bad for one good. I’m all for the addition of bike racks as it increases an individuals mobility without a car, if this is the route that things have to go to get the racks, sure I’ll take it. This goes further to help people than the county paying a fine to the state. On the flip side, the county seems to think they can get federal grants and private funds to pay for a lot of the cost. So they’re clearly doing this to try to kill two birds with one stone. As long as it happens, I’m a happy biker.
Feb 11th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Karen Ordinans’ Role in Shaping the Pension Plan
One of the remarkable stories in local government is the continuing survival of County Board chair Karen Ordinans.
Apr 21st, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Why Unions Don’t Like Scott Walker
Given that Jim Ryan has not closed the door completely on privatizing some government functions, you might wonder why he was endorsed by labor for county executive.
Apr 12th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Has the Teacher’s Union Taken Over the GOP?
It was not long ago that the state teacher's union was the designated villain for Republicans.
Mar 19th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Why Gov. McCallum’s Spending Priorities Were Wrong
As the legislature wrestles with the state budget deficit, there has been talk of cutting every level of government except the schools.
Mar 14th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Is Nardelli Qualified To Be County Executive?
Nothing should surprise us about county government at this point, but it does seem odd that the two favorites in the race for county executive are Scott Walker and Tom Nardelli, neither of whom has a college degree.
Mar 6th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Is Scott Walker Qualified To Be County Exec?
Rep. Scott K. Walker (R-Wauwatosa) was the first candidate to announce for county executive, and is widely considered one of the front-runners for the position.
Feb 27th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Which County Board Members Only Work Part-Time?
It was 9 a.m. on a Friday morning in late October of last year when I began calling county supervisors for a story in Milwaukee Magazine.
Feb 22nd, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Dobbert’s Folly: How His Errors Will Cost Taxpayers More
It was sometime in the winter of 1999/2000 that Gary Dobbert went to a conference on the West Coast where he learned about pension plans with a lump sum pay out.
Feb 17th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Why Ament Will Lose And How Taxpayers Will Suffer
Tom Ament's suit against the recall petitions will probably fail. That's the prediction of George Dunst, legal counsel for the state elections board.
Feb 7th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Can Falk And Thompson Play Spoilers in the Governor’s Race?
I'm hard pressed to think of a more interesting state race than the upcoming campaign for governor.
Feb 3rd, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Is Ament’s Pension Deal Biased Against Blacks?
In the wake of the pension controversy, County Executive F. Thomas Ament has attempted to woo the black community in hopes that strong support there might keep him in office.
Jan 31st, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Ament’s Sweetheart Insurance Deal For An Old Crony
Accusations about cronyism in the Ament administration just keep coming.
Jan 25th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Could Bob Ott Be Investigated For Ethical Conflicts?
Milwaukee County is beginning to resemble the plot of And Then There Were None. One by one, top officials are disappearing from the courthouse.
Jan 24th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
The Real Story Behind The Sheriff’s Departure
There is bad smell surrounding the retirement of Sheriff Lev Baldwin.
Jan 19th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
How Ament Prevented Any Research of the Pension Plan
Over and over the question has recurred: why would county supervisors, most of whom will not get the more lucrative pension payoff for veteran workers, approve this deal?
Jan 16th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Did Ament’s Aides Conspire to Replace the Chair of Personnel?
Did Tom Ament's aides scheme to replace the chair of the county board's personnel committee so they could get their blockbuster pension plan passed?
Jan 15th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
How Gary Dobbert’s Buddies Got Yet Another Pension Benefit
It's hard to believe there could be any more scandal associated with the Milwaukee County, but it turns out there was yet another group of insiders handed a neat pension boost by the administration of County Executive F. Thomas Ament.
Jan 15th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
What Karen Ordinans Really Thought About Ament’s Pension
It’s been amusing to hear County Board chair Karen Ordinans declare her outrage about the county pension plan.
Jan 11th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
How To Kill Ament’s Pension
Now that the mainstream media is having a feeding frenzy over the pension story I first broke back in October, Milwaukee County Executive F. Thomas Ament has gotten religion.
Jan 10th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
How The County’s Pension Fund Grew And Benefited A Few
Last year was a terrible year for stock funds, but it wasn't so bad for Milwaukee County's pension fund.
Oct 10th, 2001 by Bruce Murphy
How Tom Ament Gave Himself a Golden Parachute
Observers have often described county government as an "old boy's club," where veteran politicos and long-term county employees get preferential treatment.
Oct 8th, 2001 by Bruce Murphy
Why the State Doesn’t Hate Tom Ament Any More
Time was when Milwaukee County was a favorite whipping boy of the state.
Jul 30th, 2001 by Bruce Murphy
