Ald. Coggs sponsors budget amendments aimed at creating a more equitable, innovative Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Common Council today (Friday, November 7) adopted an amended 2026 City of Milwaukee budget. In total, the Council passed 51 budget amendments, including several offered by lead sponsor Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs. Many of the amendments offered by Alderwoman Coggs are footnotes to the budget, which will require supporting Common Council action, and address timely issues facing many Milwaukee residents.

“During the budget process, we must always be looking for ways in which we can reimagine areas of city service and continue to innovate to support our residents both now and in the future,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “My hope is that these budget footnotes can serve as a guide for the city to become more creative, and improve overall efficiency and service delivery. I look forward to continuing these conversations when the Council takes up the corresponding legislation to effectuate these footnotes.”

Among the budget amendments sponsored by Alderwoman Coggs adopted as part of the 2026 City budget are:

• In the Department of Public Works – Infrastructure Division create an in-house sidewalk repair crew. Offset with an equal reduction to the personnel cost adjustment.
• A footnote directing the Department of Administration to examine City and County purchasing opportunities for potential collaborations.
• Insert a footnote directing the Intergovernmental Relations Division of the Department of Administration and the Government Relations staff in the Common Council-City Clerk to lobby the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to incorporate Vision Zero into its Drivers’ Education curriculum.
• Insert a footnote directing the Information and Technology Management Division of the Department of Administration to annually report on app usage
• Insert a footnote directing the Information and Technology Management Division of the Department of Administration to work with all departments to create a master list of all City controlled social media pages.
• Insert a footnote directing the City Clerk to engage the Youth Council to help promote internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Insert a footnote directing the Comptroller to develop a fund balance policy and report it to the Common Council.
• Insert a footnote directing the Port Director to report annually to the Common Council.
• Insert a footnote directing the Department of Public Works to create a user-friendly way to find information about construction projects and public-facing department activities.
• Insert a footnote directing the Department of Public Works to develop a plan for incentivizing workers to report illegal dumping and other deleterious activity.
• Insert a footnote directing the Department of Public Works to coordinate drop-off and pick-up routes with schools.
• Insert a footnote directing Forestry Services to develop and present to the Common Council a pilot program for alternative, innovative uses for the City’s urban wood beyond partnership with Kettle Moraine Hardwoods.
• Add a footnote directing the Board of Zoning Appeals annually report to provide the Common Council on applications filed and granted.
• Insert a footnote directing the Department of Public Works – Water Works to coordinate with the Milwaukee Health Department when replacing lead water service laterals.
• Add a footnote instructing all departments to list their internship opportunities online, on appropriate apps, and on social media.
• Add a footnote encouraging all departments to host events like Big Truck Day to promote City employment.
• Insert a footnote directing the Port Milwaukee to connect with the Department of City Development, the Innovation Director, and the new Innovation position in the Common Council-City Clerk.
• Insert a footnote instructing the City Attorney to work with the Purchasing Division to review the insurance requirements for service contracts related to aldermanic and city-sponsored events.
• Insert a footnote instructing the Milwaukee Health Department to collaborate with the Department of Employee Relations to develop strategies aimed at preventing clinic closures resulting from staffing shortages.
• Insert a footnote instructing the Department of City Development to work with the Office of Community Wellness and Safety to develop a proposal to create housing incentives for OCWS staff and contractors.

All amendments to the 2026 City budget can be viewed here along with previous department presentations and other information.

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.