COMMON COUNCIL - 2026-03-03
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Milwaukee Common Council unanimously adopted a resolution (file 251793) declaring opposition to federal ICE immigration enforcement activities and calling for the abolition of ICE, adding it to the city's legislative package. The council also approved a resolution (file 251801) calling on MPD to protect community members' constitutional rights during law enforcement encounters. Additionally, the council approved the creation of a Department of Community Wellness and Safety and adopted a resolution opposing We Energies' proposed 75-25 cost split for data center infrastructure that would increase residential ratepayer costs.
Key Decisions (10)
Resolution Opposing ICE Enforcement and Calling for Abolition
Council unanimously adopted resolution 251793 declaring opposition to federal immigration enforcement activities and calling for the abolition of ICE. The resolution was taken from committee and adopted on the floor due to urgency. Vote was 14-0 with one excused.
Resolution Calling on MPD to Protect Constitutional Rights
Council adopted resolution 251801 calling on MPD members to protect community members' constitutional rights during constitutionally protected speech and assembly, and to intervene if anyone including other law enforcement attempts to abridge those rights. Vote was 13-0 with one abstention and one excused.
Creation of Department of Community Wellness and Safety
Council passed substitute ordinance 250953 creating a Department of Community Wellness and Safety, with an amendment changing 'community health' to 'community wellness' to avoid conflicts with state statute giving health department control over health matters.
Resolution Opposing We Energies Data Center Tariff Proposal
Council adopted resolution 251889 expressing opposition to Wisconsin Electric Power Company's proposal before the Public Service Commission for a 75-25 cost split on data center infrastructure that would increase residential ratepayer costs by an estimated $15-17 per month.
License Renewal for Richard's Grocery with Conditions
Council approved renewal of Class A fermented malt license for Richard's Grocery at 2438 West Greenfield Avenue in the 8th Aldermanic District, with amended plan of operation including prohibition on selling single serving alcoholic beverages after existing stock is sold within six months.
License Matter Returned to Committee - Titu Ramat Food
Council returned the Class A fermented malt and food dealer license matter for Titu Ramat Food at 418 East Center Street in the 6th Aldermanic District back to committee at the request of local Alderwoman Coggs who could not attend due to the death of her aide Akua Dantzler.
Fire Chief Salary Footnote Extension
Council approved substitute ordinance 251761 extending the recruitment rate flexibility footnote for the police chief position to also apply to the fire chief position, allowing the Fire and Police Commission to negotiate salary anywhere within the pay range for both positions.
Charter School Contract Renewals
Council approved renewal of charter school contracts with Escuela Verde (file 74) and Milwaukee Math and Science Academy (file 75) for additional five-year terms. Alderman Brower voted no on both; Alderman Bergelis voted no on 75; Alderman Dimitrijevich abstained on 75.
TIF Amendment for 100 East Wisconsin
Council approved substitute resolution 62 amending TIF District 127 for 100 East Wisconsin project, authorizing additional expenditures in the 4th Aldermanic District. Alderman Pratt voted no; Alderman Dimitrijevich raised concerns about nearly $1 million going to Business Improvement District rather than Housing Trust Fund.
Summerfest Police Services Agreement Referred to Finance
Resolution 46 approving agreement between Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee World Festival for extra duty police services was referred to Finance and Personnel Committee for further discussion on adequacy of compensation and pensionable overtime concerns.
Development Activity (5)
100 East Wisconsin TIF Amendment
Amendment to TIF District 127 authorizing additional expenditures due to increased construction costs. Includes investment in Business Improvement District over life of TIF.
West Fond Du Lac Avenue Reconstruction
State-led highway project with total design engineering cost of $524,100 (city share $131,024, state share $393,076) and real estate acquisition cost of $100,000 (fully state funded).
North 76th Street Reconstruction
State-led highway project with design engineering cost of $240,000 (city share $60,000, state share $180,000).
South Kinnickinnic Avenue Reconstruction
State-led highway project with design engineering cost of $2,100,000 (city share $525,000, state share $1,575,000) and real estate acquisition cost of $110,000 (fully state funded).
Youth Build Single Family Homes
Sale of seven city-owned vacant lots for construction of new single family homes through Youth Build program.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Council unanimously supported resolution directing Department of City Development to study feasibility of employee down payment assistance program, indicating strong demand for homeownership support programs.
Infrastructure
We Energies proposing 75-25 cost split for data center infrastructure would add estimated $15-17 per month to residential utility bills, with Milwaukee's energy burden already at 5.7% versus national average of 2.9%.
Commercial Demand
Data center development pressure is driving utility infrastructure investment discussions, with concerns about natural gas plant construction that may become obsolete if demand doesn't materialize.
Housing Demand
Council discussion noted Milwaukee needs approximately 15,000 additional housing units to meet population growth demands, with concerns about long-term sustainable funding for Housing Trust Fund.
Sentiment
Multiple alderpersons reported hosting town halls with 300+ attendees on immigration enforcement concerns, indicating high community engagement on public safety issues.