Milwaukee · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Milwaukee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
New tavern, liquor and entertainment licenses citywide
The committee's recommendations on licenses feed into the Common Council's final decisions on who can hold tavern, liquor, and other city licenses. Those decisions affect neighborhood businesses and the establishments operating near you.
City-MPS student job training pipeline
The Water Works program hosting special-education high school students was extended through January 2028. Ald. Taylor pushed to replicate the model across all DPW divisions to fill city jobs.
Food access and grocery deserts on the North Side
Five residents testified they desperately need the In N Out Grocery on North Ave — no nearby food options after Pick 'n Save closed — but the license was denied anyway over the police report and operating without a license.
Data center moratorium and M7 funding
Ald. Dimitrijevic flagged conflict: the Milwaukee 7, which DCD funds at $15,000 a year, publicly opposes the council's data center moratorium. Commissioner Crump argued the partnership still delivers deals and the city's position won't harm the relationship.
Fresh food access and grocery store retention
After four hours of public testimony the night before, alders demanded clarity on the $1.8 million grocery fund — the RIF GAAP program has seven to ten applicants but no dollars allocated yet. DCD promised a written roadmap covering DCD and Health Department funds.