Leaf Backup Apparent in Clogged Catch Basins
Statement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman
Alderman Bauman cleaning a catch basin. Photo courtesy of Bauman’s office.
Milwaukee has experienced its wettest April on record, and that is surely part of why many streets and neighborhoods have flooded over the last week. But the notion that the botched leaf pickup operations are not directly related to the clogged catch basins around the city is absurd.
The proof is there for everyone to see.
In my own neighborhood, we spent time this weekend cleaning catch basins and clearing debris from the street. What did we find? Large quantities of leaves that had begun turning into mulch because they had been sitting under snow all winter, and then were soaked by the continued rain.
The gaslighting by the administration has to end. The Department of Public Works screwed up, and residents and neighborhoods suffered. What we need is accountability. A promise to do better in the future and a promise to review department decisions and practices.
Anything short of that, and I suspect we’ll find ourselves in the same situation again sooner than later.
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.
More about the Leaf raking controversy
- Mayor Rakes Back Leaf Bagging Plan - Jeramey Jannene - May 12th, 2026
- Council Members Threaten to Bag New Leaf Collection Policy - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 30th, 2026
- Bag the New Leaf Pickup Policy - Ald. Scott Spiker - Apr 30th, 2026
- DPW Announced Leaf Collection Change – that Doesn’t Mean it’s Happening - Ald. Lamont Westmoreland - Apr 30th, 2026
- Severe Storms Push Milwaukee To Change Leaf And Street Sweeping Rules - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 29th, 2026
- Leaf Backup Apparent in Clogged Catch Basins - Ald. Bob Bauman - Apr 20th, 2026
- DPW Leaf Collection Failure Exacerbates Recent Flooding - Ald. Bob Bauman - Apr 17th, 2026
- Milwaukee Again Cleaning Up From ‘Overwhelming Force of Nature’ - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 16th, 2026
- 2025 Fall Leaf Rake-Out Deadline Extended - City of Milwaukee Deptartment of Public Works - Nov 12th, 2025
Read more about Leaf raking controversy here
Recent Press Releases by Ald. Bob Bauman
Leaf Backup Apparent in Clogged Catch Basins
Apr 20th, 2026 by Ald. Bob BaumanStatement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman
DPW Leaf Collection Failure Exacerbates Recent Flooding
Apr 17th, 2026 by Ald. Bob BaumanStatement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman
State DOT Must Step in to Ensure Proper Security at Intermodal Station
Apr 13th, 2026 by Ald. Bob BaumanStatement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman
I agree with these comments. I understand the leaf pickup last fall was cut short because of an early snow, but there was plenty of time this spring to finish up. In fact, DPW announced a special clean up period and in fact did pick up several large piles of leaves, but far too many weren’t picked up. The piles not picked up were left clog sewers and cause flooding. This is all very discouraging and inexcusable. Yes, we had tons of rain, but the rain could have been handled much better if DPW had done its job with leaf pick up.