MILWAUKEE — Mayor Cavalier Johnson presented his proposed 2027 budget to the Milwaukee Common Council Tuesday, calling for increased investments in roads and public safety while warning the city continues to face long-term financial challenges.
The $2.26 billion spending plan comes after the city faced a budget gap approaching $100 million earlier this year. Johnson said the gap was narrowed through a combination of reserve withdrawals, increased revenue and spending reductions.
More money for Milwaukee roads
One of the biggest priorities is the city’s streets.
Johnson said feedback gathered from thousands of residents showed improving road conditions was a top concern.
“The budget I present today has the largest investment in local roads we have ever put forth in a city budget,” Johnson said.
The plan includes additional pothole repairs and road maintenance, new repair equipment and $4 million more for high-impact paving than the city approved for 2026.
To help pay for that work, Johnson is proposing increases to parking tickets, parking permits and meter rates. He is not proposing an increase to the city’s vehicle registration fee.
Public safety, housing and a new library
Johnson’s proposal funds three full Milwaukee Police Department academy classes in an effort to increase the department’s sworn strength.
The budget would also maintain staffing in the Department of Community Wellness and Safety and increase city funding for violence interruption efforts by $1 million. The Milwaukee Fire Department would receive enough additional funding to staff another engine or truck, potentially allowing the fire chief to reopen a previously closed firehouse.
Housing investments would continue beyond Milwaukee’s 2026 “Year of Housing,” including funding for Homes MKE and down-payment assistance.
The capital budget also begins moving forward with a new Milwaukee Public Library branch at Midtown and a new Department of Public Works facility.
General city employees would receive a 2% wage increase beginning in the second quarter of 2027.
Johnson warns financial challenges remain
Despite the new investments, Johnson warned Milwaukee continues to face a structural imbalance, with expenses growing faster than projected revenue.
“This is not a short-term problem, and tapping into reserves is not a sustainable approach,” Johnson said.
The mayor is proposing an increase in the city’s property tax levy, which he said would remain below the rate of inflation. He also called on state lawmakers to provide additional shared revenue to Milwaukee and other Wisconsin municipalities during the next state budget process.
The Common Council is scheduled to vote on amendments and adopt the 2027 budget in early November.
