Milwaukee Proposes $33 Million for Safer Streets and Public Spaces

MILWAUKEE, Wis (WAUK) – Three parts of Milwaukee could get some upgrades, with a discussion planned this week on moving forward.  The City of Milwaukee is set to consider a proposal for $33 million in funding aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility in the Historic Third Ward, Walker’s Point, and Riverfront areas. 

On Thursday, December 19, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM) will review amendments to Tax Incremental Finance Districts (TIDs) 56 and 84 to support the projects.

The proposal includes $25 million for TID 56, focusing on the Erie/Jefferson Riverwalk. Planned improvements consist of reconstructing North Water Street, East Menomonee Street, and North Lincoln Memorial Drive.

New protected bike lanes would be added on Jefferson and Erie streets, along with raised crosswalks on Erie Street.

TID 84 will allocate $8 million for a new public plaza on West Highland Avenue and improvements to West Vliet Street to enhance public safety.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson emphasized the importance of these projects in a statement, saying, “There is no priority higher than making Milwaukee as safe as possible.”