Number
260807
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
COMMON COUNCIL
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of Public Works to establish severe weather protocols to prevent flooding incidents in areas known to be prone to flooding.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Public Works to establish protocols for weather events in areas that are flood-prone modeled after the City’s snow protocols and report the new protocols to the Common Council within 90 days.
Body
Whereas, On August 9 and 10, 2025, a series of severe floods impacted Milwaukee and its surrounding areas; and
Whereas, Portions of the city received between 7 and 10 inches of rainfall in a single evening; and
Whereas, This weather event resulted in 2,200 homes that were severely damaged or destroyed, as well as at least 2 confirmed fatalities; and
Whereas, Wide-spread damage occurred despite the $580 million in green infrastructure and flood management projects implemented by Milwaukee and MMSD; and
Whereas, Flooding is an ongoing issue in parts of the city and can occur any time it rains, not just during extreme weather events; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Public Works is directed to establish protocols for weather events in areas known to be flood-prone; and, be it
Further Resolved, The protocols should be modeled after the City’s snowfall protocols and should include proactive steps such as clearing debris from sewer grates in advance of weather events; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Public Works shall report these new protocols to the Common Council within 90 days of adoption of this resolution.
Drafter
LRB 181938-2
Christopher Hillard
9/28/2026