City of Milwaukee - File #: 260001

• File #: 260001
• Version: 0
• Type: Communication
• Status: In Committee
• File created: 4/21/2026
• In control: FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
• Title: Communication from the Mayor relating to the proposed 2027 budget.
• Sponsors: THE CHAIR

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
10/7/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Election Commission Appearing: Tyler Calligaro, Budget Office Paulina Gutierrez, Election Commissioner Maricha Harris, Election Deputy Commissioner Sharon Beauregard, Election Training Manager Rokey Suleman, Election Operations Manager An Election Commission presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Salaries and Positions, Operating and Equipment Expenses, Budget by Service, Capital Expenses, Administrative Overview, What One Election Takes, 2027 Service & Programming Highlights, Spring Elections Turnout by Aldermanic District, Partisan Primaries Election Turnout by Aldermanic District, Election Comparisons, and Department Demographics. There was inquiry and discussion on office capacity (funding, staffing, equipment), operational center, office operations compared with other cities, seasonal staffing (poll worker retention, incentives, bilingual translation, security and safety, recruitment, shifts, City workers, pay), election turnout, special elections (funding), permanent space (libraries), Chief Advisory Committee, lessons learned and improvements, early voting, youth engagement, elderly voting support (special voter program), and handling of errors. Members requested for data regarding operational center expenses, poll worker demographic changes over time, the number of long term poll workers, and turnout at early voting locations over time.
10/7/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Dept. of Neighborhood Services Appearing: Nathaniel Haack, Budget Office Jezamil Arroyo-Vega, DNS Commissioner Mike Mazmanian, DNS Deputy Commissioner Tanz Rome, DNS A Dept. of Neighborhood Services presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Salaries and Positions, Operating & Equipment Expenses, Special Funds, Special Purpose Accounts, Revenues, Capital Expenses, Budget by Service, Core Services, Service and Operational Changes, Service Highlights, Key Performance Indicators, and Department Demographics. There was inquiry and discussion on nuisance properties (compliance), staffing and positions (code enforcement inspectors, interns), Development Center (leadership, permit processing), title search fee, reorganization of divisions, downspout disconnection program, demolitions (status, referral and selection process), short term rentals (registry, code enforcement, noncompliance, fees and fines), field personnel (use of devices, vehicles/fleet), illegal dumping (funding, rewards, cameras, prosecutions), complaints (factors, recycling violation), construction inspection fees, utilization of AI and technology, and hosting of summer interns. Members requested for information on responsiblities and jurisdictions for inspectors, listing of demolition referrals, registry listing of short term rental establishments, fees and fines for short term rentals in violation, factors for areas with high level of complaints, construction inspection fees impact on permit issuance, and listing of violators in noncompliance relating to recycling.
10/7/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -BOZA Appearing: Sarah Osborn, Budget Office India Gaar, BOZA Administrative Manager Maly Vue, BOZA Administrative Supervisor A BOZA presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Salaries and Positions, Operating and Equipment Expenses, Revenues, Core Services, Key Performance Indicators, BOZA Appeal Breakdown by Type, Breakdown of BOZA Decisions, Department Demographics, and 2027 Major Updates. There was inquiry and discussion on updating of forms and notices (QR codes, FAQs), transition to Legistar (accessible information), hearing notifications (increased address radius, funding for mailings, public inquiries, other outreach mechanisms, late mailings), staffing and board membership (status, vacancies, replacement), and board disposition (aldermanic input, process and timing, community meetings), and translation services. Members requested for information regarding public inquiries received in response to hearing notice mailings.
10/7/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR	Pass	5:0
10/6/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Port Milwaukee Appearing: Angelique Pettigrew, Budget Office Benjamin Timm, Port Director Brian Kasprzyk, Harbor Engineer Selena Cole, Port Finance and Administration Manager A Port Milwaukee presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Budget by Service, Positions & Salaries, Operating & Equipment Expenses, Special Fund, Service and Operational Changes, Revenues, Capital Infrastructure Projects, Key Performance Measures, Service Highlights, Department Demographics, Major Updates, and Community Engagement. There was inquiry and discussion on steel import, MMAC and M7 engagement, staffing capacity and new property, road improvements (repaving, funding), passenger wharfage (compared to other cities, fees), cruise ship terminal (transportation needs and coordination, rideship pickup, docking), Summerfest lease (agreement negotiations, public land use), 1-794 (ramp connections, changes), CARP development, railway tracking upgrades, vessel visits, windstorm insurance claim denial, commodities and cargo products (diversification, tariffs impact), south shore dock (opening, rentals), inspections, sister city exchanges, and Lake Express terminal use.
10/6/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Dept. of City Development Appearing: Sarah Osborn, Budget Office Lafayette Crump, DCD Commissioner Sam Leichtling, DCD Deputy Commissioner Ald. Larresa Taylor, 9th Ald. Dist. A Dept. of City Development presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Salary and Positions, Operating Expenses, Special Funds and Special Purpose Accounts, Revenues, Capital Expenses, Budget by Service, Service and Operational Changes, Core Services, 2026 Service Highlights, Major Updates for 2027, and Departmental Demographics. There was inquiry and discussion on zoning change fee, Northridge site (prospective sale, interest), ADUs and RT5 zoning (status, applications, promotional efforts, lessons learned, incentives), City-owned real estate (sales, process changes, upkeep), commercial investment program (funding, grant application process), HACM (PILOT payment, debt), Milwaukee Homeowners Fund, TIF borrowing, Milwaukee 7 collaboration, data center moratorium, Healthy Neighborhoods and healthy food access (investment, divestment, attraction and retention efforts, Health Dept. collaboration, funding, challenges), employee homeownership and down payment assistance, and housing programs (Strong Home Loan). Ald. Dimitrijevic requested for written information regarding the Healthy Neighborhoods program, funding details, and strategy efforts.
10/6/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR	Pass	5:0
10/5/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Deferred Compensation Appearing: Tyler Calligaro, Budget Office Beth Conradson-Cleary, Deferred Compensation A Deferred Compensation presentation was given on the following 2027 Budget Summary, Salaries and Positions, Operating & Equipment Expenses, Special Funds and Special Purposes Accounts, Revenues, Org Chart, Mission Statement, Core Services, 2026 Major Updates - Department, Participation Rate, Average Savings Rate, Department Demographics, Board Demographics, National Recognized Award Winning Plan, Racial Equity & Inclusion, and Financial Wellness Impact. There was inquiry and discussion on the contingency fund, annual enrollment (opting out, auto increase and rates, new employees and propationary period), vendor contracting (Voya contract, RFP bidding), and financial wellness program (participation). Ald. Moore requested for data on employee participation in the financial wellness program.
10/5/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Employes’ Retirement System Appearing: Bryan Rynders, Budget Office Patrick McClain, ERS Executive Director Larry Langer, Cavanaugh Macdonald Consulting, LLC David Silber, ERS Chief Investment Officer Daniel Gopalan, ERS Deputy Director An Employes' Retirement System presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Actuarial Projected CMERS Payments, ERS Summary Information, Retired Member Population is Increaseing, Pension Payments by Annuitant Geographic Area, CMERS Investment Performance History Periods Ending August 31, 2026, Investment Income is 73% of Revenue from 2019-2026, Fund Value of Assets 2007 - June 30, 2026, Summary of the Actuary's Comments, Benefit Payments Increased by 21.7% from 2019 to 2025, Employer Contributions have Increased as Discount Rate Declined, Act 12 was the Primary Cause of Contribution Increases Since 2023, Calendar 2027 City Contributions are Higher than Expected, These Future Results are Estimates; Actual Results are Determined by Future Valuations, Benefits are Expected to Peak in 20250 and Continue into the Next Millenium, and Future Returns Impact Contributions; Other Experience Will Impact As Well. There was inquiry and discussion on rate of return, fund value, vacancies and staffing levels (reduction, experience study), office spaces and locations, disaster recovery data server, discount rate, technology upgrades, WRS system (contributions), professional services (increases), pension payments, contribution increases, salary increases impact on the pension
10/5/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Health Department Appearing: Sarah Osborn, Budget Office Mike Totoraitis, Health Dept. Commissioner Aaron Szopinski, Health Dept. Tyler Weber, Health Dept. Deputy Commissioner A Health Department presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Salaries and Positions, Operating & Equipment Expenses, Special Funds and Special Purpose Accounts, Revenues, Capital Expenses, Budget by Service, Organization & Functions, Programs & Performance, 2027 Significant Changes, 2027 Funding by Program, Key Performance Indicators, and Department Demographics. There was inquiry and discussion on the doula program (contract services, funding, continuum of care and tiers, at risk doula preferences), immunizations and vaccinations (response, services offerings), medical billing, lead abatement (contract services, investigations and referrals, prevention, funding sources and grants, voluntary home registrations, Milwaukee Public Schools and other schools), health clinics (staffing levels, hours of operation), housing solutions for at risk populations (mental illness, collaboration with the County), Epic data protection, and health information on the City website (updating, contacts). Ald. Coggs requested for detailed information regarding voluntary home registrations. Ald. Burgelis requested for data on clients served through the health clinics and Milwaukee Public School facilities serviced with lead abatement.
10/5/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR	Pass	5:0
10/2/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -City Attorney Appearing: Angelique Pettigrew, Budget Office Evan Goyke, City Attorney Mary Schanning, Deputy City Attorney Robin Pederson, Deputy City Attorney Julie Wilson, Deputy City Attorney Tawauna Swanigan, City Attorney's Office A City Attorney presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Positions & Salaries, Summary of Staffing Changes, Operating & Equipment Expenses, Special Purpose Accounts, Service and Operational Changes, Budget by Service, Revenues, Capital Expenses, Core Services, Service Highlights, Key Performance Indicators, Major Updates, and Department Demographics. There was inquiry and discussion on adding or restoring an Assistant City Attorney position, Damages and Claims SPA, vacant Deputy City Attorney position, services provided to Milwaukee Public Schools, aldermanic requests for legal opinions, staffing workflows and priorities, staffing level and vacancies, pay and recruitment, risk assessment and system improvements, insurance SPA increase, charges for services Ald. Burgelis requested for a breakdown of time, costs, personnel, and services provided to Milwaukee Public Schools and information on any other self taxing body providing services to another self taxing body at no costs.
10/2/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Treasurer Appearing: Tyler Calligaro, Budget Office Spencer Coggs, City Treasurer LaQuisha Schroeder, Deputy City Treasurer A City Treasurer presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Salaries and Positions, Operating & Equipment Expenses, Special Funds and Special Purpose Accounts, Budget by Service, Revenues, Core Services, and Service Highlights. There was inquiry and discussion on payment of property tax bills (method, trends, payment system), foreclosures (process, in-rems, sale back to previous owner, City acquisition and decison making), customer service, tax receipt delivery method, and municipal billing and payment. Ald. Taylor requested information on data on City-foreclosures and trends. Ald. Coggs requested data on the percentage of taxes owed due to City fees.
10/2/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Comptroller Appearing: Angelique Pettigrew, Budget Office Bill Christianson, City Comptroller Charles Roedel, Deputy City Comptroller A Comptroller presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Positions & Salaries, 2027 Staffing Summary, Operating & Equipment Expenses, Special Purpose Accounts, Budget by Service, Revenues, Org Chart & Demographics, Core Services (Accounting, Financial Advisory & Public Debt, Payroll & Systems Support, Internal Audit), Service Highlights, and Major Updates. There was inquiry and discussion on Work Day (implementation, go-live date, auxiliary positions), GovAI utilization, internal audits (prioritization, independent internal review), staffing reclassifications, general fund revenue reserves and TSF, revenue estimates (trend), and bond rating (assessment factors).
10/2/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: Meeting recessed at 12:05 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 1:03 p.m. 1:00 P.M. -City Clerk Appearing: Bryan Rynders, Budget Office Jim Owczarski, City Clerk Dana Zelazny, Deputy City Clerk Jim Cooney, Licenses Division Brad Houston, City Records Center Pres. Ald. Jose Perez, 12th Ald. Dist. A Common Council - City Clerk presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Salaries and Positions, Operating & Equipment Expenses, Special Funds, Special Purpose Accounts, Revenues, Capital Expenses, Budget by Service, Core Services, Org Chart, Key Performance Indicators, 2027 Major Updates (Licenses, PID, City Channel, HPC, City Records), 2027 Service Uniformity, and Department Demographics. There was inquiry and discussion on servicing constituents (staffing, capacity), charges for services and fees (licenses, cable franchise fee), special funds (Youth Council, Big Clean, Hip Hop Week, computer system upgrades, Innovation District), capital expenses (Enterprise Records Management System), office renovation, and City building space (consolidation, City Hall 8th floor and basement space).
10/2/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Assessor Appearing: Nathaniel Haack, Budget Office Nicole Larsen, Assessment Commissioner Ryan Ranker, Deputy Assessment Commissioner Colin Williams, Assessor's Office An Assessor's Office presentation was given on 2027 Budget Summary, Salaries and Positions, Operating & Equipment Expenses, Special Funds, Special Purpose Accounts, Capital Expenses, Revenues, Budget by Service, Core Services, Service and Operational Changes, Service Highlights, Key Performance Indicators, and Department Demographics. There was inquiry and discussion on appeals (hearings, resolution, process timeline, litigation, cases, liability), special funds (State Manufacturing Assessment Payment), pending special assessment litigation and claim liability, vacancies, affordable housing, tax incremental financing and districts, tax exempt properties and PILOTs (collection, recourse for nonpayment, Fair Share program), technology and AI utilization, municipal service billing, reevaluation (zoning change, permitting), and factors impacting property assessment value (real estate market, local road infrastructure condition).
10/2/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Municipal Court Appearing: Angelique Pettigrew, Budget Office Tea Norfolk, Municipal Court Chief Court Administrator Charles Hughes, Municipal Court Deputy Court Administrator Judge Valarie Hill, Municipal Court Tim Richter, Municipal Court A Municipal Court presentation was give on 2027 Budget Summary, Positions & Salaries, 2027 Staffing Summary, Operating & Equipment Expenses, Special Funds, Special Purpose Accounts, Budget by Service, Revenues, Capital Expenses, Org Chart, Department Demographics, Service Uniformity, Key Performance Indicators, Types of Cases, Types of Cases Filed, Outcomes Based on Year of Judgment, Parking Cases, 2026 Amendments, Community Connections, Alternative Services Referrals, and Service by Type. There was inquiry and discussion on accountability and ajudication, video conferencing (court technology capacity, appearances and utilization), parking citation implementation, citations and case filing numbers, branch levels, staffing level, alternative services data (referrals, recidivism, restorative justice), special purpose account (mailing contract), AI and technology utilization, habitual parking offenders (outcomes), and payment plan (amounts, timeline). Ald. Moore requested for data on the number of defendants appearing in court virtually. Ald. Coggs requested for data on participation, referrals, and types of services used under the alternative services program.
10/2/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR	Pass	5:0
10/1/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Budget Overview Director Kovac gave a Budget Overview presentation, as contained in the file, on the 2027 Proposed Executive Budget, "Bottom Line", Impact on Typical Household, 2027 Proposed Tax Levy: Distribution by Budget Section, Trend of Levy % to Pension and Debt, City of Milwaukee 2027 Revenue Sources: Tax Levy Supported Budget, Share of 2027 GCP by department and categories of departments, Recent Budget Gap History, Reasons why the gaps are still so big, How the 2027 Gap was closed, and 2027 Budget Highlights Inspired by Resident Surveys. Appearing: Nathaniel Haack, Budget Office Ald. Alex Brower, 3rd Ald. Dist. Ald. Mark Chambers, Jr., 2nd Ald. Dist. There was inquiry and discussion on State shared revenue (projections, increase, comparison with expenditures, formula), staffing levels (increases, reductions, police recruit classes), TSF withdrawal, Sunday library hours, obligation to pensions and debt, major use fee charges, local roads infrastructure (funding, parking and meter fee increases, use of Transportation Fund), Act 12 (judicial challenges), and property tax levy limit. Ald. Chambers requested more details and data on actual recent costs and police recruit classes.
10/1/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Capital Improvements Appearing: Mason Lavey, Budget Office Pres. Ald. Jose Perez, 12th Ald. Dist. Ald. Alex Brower, 3rd Ald. Dist. Ald. Mark Chambers, Jr., 2nd Ald. Dist. Mr. Lavey gave a Capital Improvements and City Debt presentation, as contained in the file, on Source of Funds Comparison, Capital Budget by Department, Levy-Supported Borrowing, Infrastructure - Street & Bridge Programs, Infrastructure - Major Streets Outlook, Infrastructure - Street Improvements, Capital - Facility Improvements, Infrastructure - Street Lighting, Capital - Housing, Capital - Raze & Revive, Capital - Equipment, Capital - Municipal Services Building, Capital - Private Side Lead Lateral Program, Capital - Forestry Capital, Capital - Enterprise Funds, Capital - Looking Forward, and General Obligation Debt Summary. There was inquiry and discussion on the Municipal Services Building investment (upgrades, replacement, selection of new location), fire investment (fleet and equipment; new fire station, engine, and staffing), street lighting (recovering costs, repairs, upgrades), capital borrowing and debt service, local road projects, IT capital costs, police vehicle replacement (funding), library branches (Capitol to Midtown relocation, future location investment plans), facilities (consolidation, maximizing spaces), capital plan and priorities, TID borrowing authority increase, levy-supported borrowing (inflation adjustment consideration), City office space footprint, and police EV pilot fleet. Pres. Perez requested for further details on the $73 million cost for the current location for the Municipal Services Building. Ald. Coggs requested for detailed information on street light repair costs due to damage from vehicles and amount collected from car insurance companies. Ald. Dimitrijevic requested for detailed information on local road infrastructure improvements specific to the number of lane miles receiving high impact paving and reconstruction. Ald. Burgelis requested for a copy of a 6-year capital forecast plan and study on City office space footprint. Ald. Chambers requested for detailed information on capital costs for the new MLK and Mitchell Street library branches.
10/1/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -City Revenue/City Debt The City Debt presentation was given during the the Capital Improvements presentation. Appearing: Nathaniel Haack, Budget Office Mr. Haack gave a City Revenue and Tax Stabilization Fund presentation, as contained in the file, on 2027 Revenues for General City Purposes, Property Tax, Sales Tax, PILOTs and Other Taxes, Licenses and Permits, 2027 Intergovernmental Revenues, 2027 Charges for Service, 2027 DPW Fee Increases, Other DPW Fee Increases, Fines, Forfeitures, Miscellaneous, and Fringe Benefit Offset, Tax Stabilization Fund, and 2027 Omnibus Fee Increases. Comptroller Christianson provided an update on revenues from the State for the 2027 Budget relating to General Transportation Aids and Municipal Services Payment being higher than the amount included in the 2027 Proposed Budget. There was inquiry and discussion on fees and revenue collection, Transporation Fund, HACM PILOT payment, general transportation aid, shared City-County parking arrangement, extra garbage cart fee, cost recovery, increase in parking permits, TSF withdrawal, sales tax, Ald. Spiker requested for a breakdown of parking citations and fees compared to peer cities, self-help fee increases compared to other municipalities. Ald. Burgelis requested for information on the source of general transportation aid, exploration to establish a shared City-County parking arrangement, and breakdown of sales tax revenue disbursement and comparisons.
10/1/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Grant & Aid Fund Appearing: Sarah Osborn, Budget Office Ms. Osborn gave a Grant & Aid Fund presentation, as contained in the file, on 2027 Budget Summary, Grants by Department, Grant Expenditures and CDBG & HOME awards, and 2025 Expenditures.
10/1/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -CC Contingent Fund Appearing: Bryan Rynders, Budget Office Mr. Rynders gave a CC Contingent Fund presentation, as contained in the file, on Purpose of Contingent Fund, 2027 Budget Summary, and Contingent Fund History 2020-2026 YTD. There was inquiry and discussion on consideration to increase the CC Contingent Fund Ald. Burgelis requested for a breakdown on where CC Contingent Funds were going to.
10/1/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	NOT ACTED ON; Minutes note: -Tax Stabilization Fund The Tax Stabilization Fund presentation was given during the the City Revenue presentation.
10/1/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR	Pass	5:0
7/8/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR; Minutes note: Director Kovac gave a presentation on a preview of the 2027 mayoral proposed budget, as contained in the file. It was stated the 2027 budget gap was $97 million. There was discussion on the Tax Stabilization Fund (balance, withdrawal), sales tax (projections), vehicle registration fee (increase), Transportation Fund (withdrawing from the fund), roads (state and local, funding, investment), budget gap (state shared revenue, closing the gap), green infrastructure (investment, address floods), forestry (investment in pruning), climate change (making adjustments), and equity considerations for cuts.	Pass	5:0
4/21/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number

260001

Version

Original

Reference

Sponsor

THE CHAIR

Title

Communication from the Mayor relating to the proposed 2027 budget.

Drafter

Common Council-City Clerk’s Office

Laurie Phillip

4/21/2026