Legislation Details

File #: 260122    Version:
Type: Resolution Status: In Council-Adoption
File created: 5/12/2026 In control: JUDICIARY & LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
On agenda: Final action:
Effective date:    
Title: Substitute resolution authorizing the City Attorney to hire outside counsel for election-related needs.
Sponsors: ALD. JACKSON

Number

260122

Version

SUBSTITUTE 1

Reference

250290

Sponsor

ALD. JACKSON

Title

Substitute resolution authorizing the City Attorney to hire outside counsel for election-related needs.

Analysis

This resolution authorizes the City Attorney to hire outside counsel for election-related needs.

Body

Whereas, The November 2026 midterm and gubernatorial elections are anticipated to receive greater scrutiny than most elections due to expected high voter turnout and potential legal challenges to follow; and

 

Whereas, The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election administered by the City of Milwaukee’s Election Commission continues to be scrutinized; and

 

Whereas, Section 304-23 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances allows the Common Council, under a written agreement, to retain outside legal counsel; and

 

Whereas, The City Attorney negotiated legal services agreements with the Public Rights Project and The Washington Litigation Group to represent and advise the City on election-related matters on a pro bono basis, at no charge to the City, and in accordance with Section 304-23 of the Code; and

 

Whereas, The City Attorney’s Office previously partnered with the Public Rights Project, as approved by Common Council File Number 250290 in June 2025, for litigation related to public grants; now, therefore, be it


Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that
the City Attorney is authorized to hire outside counsel for election-related needs.

 

Requestor

City Attorney

Drafter

LRB181637-2

Alex Highley

5/21/2026