County Board Adopts Resolution Opposing Use of County Tax Levy for American Family Field Renovations

MILWAUKEE – Today, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution unanimously opposing the use of Milwaukee County tax levy to fund long-term renovations at American Family Field. The author of the resolution, Supervisor Steve F. Taylor made the following statement:  

“As someone who cares about Milwaukee County and its residents, I am deeply concerned about the use of taxpayer money to subsidize millionaire sports team owners. Our priority should be on investing in essential services such as parks, public safety, senior services, transit, and roadways, rather than funding billionaire owners on the new Bucks arena, which the State has already mandated us to do, and now multi-millionaires in the Brewers deal. 

It is unacceptable that Milwaukee County taxpayers were promised the ‘Miller Park tax’ would end in 2014, but we ended up paying through 2020. After just a few short years of relief, Milwaukee County residents could be on the hook for improvements and repairs being made to a stadium that is not owned by the County. Meanwhile, our assets continue to be neglected. 

I want to thank my colleagues who supported this initiative, and I hope that the state legislature takes note of our concerns and considers the impact on our community. Our tax dollars should be utilized to genuinely benefit our communities and improve the lives of all Milwaukee County residents.” 

The adopted resolution acknowledges the longstanding partnership between Milwaukee County and the Milwaukee Brewers and its importance for the community, region, and state. However, it emphasizes that Milwaukee County is facing a fiscal cliff in 2025, posing challenges to essential services such as transportation and support for the County Parks System.  

According to the resolution, the estimated cost of renovations to American Family Field over the next 20 years is approximately $448 million dollars. Governor Evers has proposed state support of $290 million for the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball District to partially fund the maintenance and improvement upgrades at American Family Field.  

The resolution argues that the State of Wisconsin has reached a record surplus of $7.1 billion in 2023, providing the state legislature with flexibility in spending and policy measures. It suggests that any state funding for the ballpark should be provided through standalone legislation.  

The resolution will now head to the desk of County Executive Crowley.  

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.