Milwaukee 2025 State of the City Address; mayor delivers Monday
Mayor Johnson delivers 2025 State of the City Address
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson delivered his State of the City address on Monday, March 3 at the Baird Center. Mayor Johnson highlighted the importance of community involvement in shaping Milwaukee's future.
State of the City
What we know:
"We've gathered in a remarkable new facility, a convention center built to welcome visitors and, more importantly, to spur economic growth," said Mayor Johnson. "As you can see, the Baird Center is a beautiful building, filled with contemporary technology and flexible spaces. When it opened, less than a year ago, the Baird Center doubled our convention capacity."
Mayor Johnson said the new facility welcomes more meetings, trade shows and expositions to the city with the expectation of attracting 100,000 additional visitors each year. The mayor said more visitors equals more spending – which he says is good for the city and the entire state of Wisconsin.
Watch State of City Address
Public safety during RNC
Mayor Johnson also spoke about public safety during the Republican National Convention held in Milwaukee in July 2024. Johnson noted that public safety was important during the convention, and it is essential to strengthen Milwaukee.
"I am grateful to all those who contributed to last summer’s convention success. Planners, organizers, and participants all stepped up. The nonpartisan Host Committee and Visit Milwaukee were vital," said Johnson.
Milwaukee Fire Department
What they're saying:
Mayor Johnson said that a branch of city government that directly advances the safety of our residents is the Milwauke Fire Department.
"In the past few months, the department has grown, recommissioning Engine 31 and staffing a new paramedic unit, Med 8," said Johnson.
Johnson spoke about Firefighter Ryan McMenamin’s experience of being trapped in a house fire.
"It is not possible to reflect on the Milwaukee Fire Department’s history without noting the bravery and heroics its members demonstrate. That was most certainly the case last April 14th at a house fire on South 8th Street. Learning of a person trapped on an upper floor, firefighters rushed in. The flames spread quickly, cutting off Firefighter Ryan McMenamin’s exit route. Trapped, McMenamin fought for his life, crawling toward the front of the building amid excruciating heat. Crews scrambled for frightening minutes to find and rescue McMenamin, and when they pulled him out he was severely burned. Paramedics took him to Columbia – St. Mary’s burn unit where he began his recovery that included painful skin grafts and rehabilitation. Amazingly, about eight months after his injuries, Ryan McMenamin returned to full duty. He’s back on the south side aboard Engine 23. Ryan, thank you for your heroics, your dedication, and your service, Ryan," said Mayor Johnson.
Read State of City Address
Crime and Violence
What they're saying:
Mayor Johnson also spoke about crime and violence in Milwaukee.
"When it comes to reducing crime and violence, I insist on a two-pronged approach. I want accountability for those who break the law and I want robust prevention to keep Milwaukee young people on a positive path. Accountability and prevention – this is the strategy that is producing results. For three straight years, violent crime is down in Milwaukee," said Mayor Johnson.
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Additionally, Mayor Johnson said his budgets are investing more in police personnel, aiming to add to the number of officers.
"Like cities all across the United States, Milwaukee is facing some recruiting challenges, and we are working hard to meet the staffing benchmarks laid out in state law," said Mayor Johnson.
When it comes to crime prevention, Mayor Johnson said everyone needs to be a part of the solution.
"Everyone needs to take part in making Milwaukee safer. So I've asked teachers, preachers, business people, neighbors, relatives, and especially parents to step up. "Everybody's got to step up," said Mayor Johnson.
Fatalities on roadways
What they're saying:
Mayor Johnson also spoke about fatalities on our roadways.
"On our streets, Milwaukee's safer too. Fatalities on our roadways are down. We are making that a priority through our multifaceted Vision Zero effort," said Mayor Johnson. "We have been measuring the effectiveness of traffic-calming projects. "It’s clear: traffic-calming is reducing the number of drivers who speed – and dramatically reducing the excessive speeding on the improved roadways."
Housing options
What they're saying:
In his address, Mayor Johnson said he wants to strengthen the housing options. The mayor says his administration is exploring ways the city can address the cost of housing.
"That’s why I support comprehensive updates to our residential zoning rules. Growing MKE is the product of listening and understanding the challenges. Renters, homeowners, and those left out of realistic housing options all have issues with the status quo," said Mayor Johnson.
Education
What they're saying:
Mayor Johnson said he is concerned about what is happening in all Milwaukee schools.
"The classroom achievements of this city’s children must improve. Milwaukee’s future – our economic future, our social future, and our safety future, all rely on the knowledge and abilities of students currently in school," said Mayor Johnson.
Johnson said the improvements in education are good for Milwaukee and Wisconsin.
"To be clear, Milwaukee needs to see substantial change, substantial improvements, at MPS. For decades, it has been a school district in despair, and our students, particularly our Black students, are suffering the consequences. We have great teachers; we have great students; I want great outcomes. That’s what our kids need and that's what our kids deserve," said Johnson.
Closing of speech
What they're saying:
"We are a stronger city with an economy that is keeping our residents employed. Businesses in Milwaukee continue to hire and our unemployment rate remains relatively low. We are investing in Milwaukee so that we are well situated for the challenges ahead."
"We are a strong city, rich with cultural and entertainment advantages. The performing arts we host in Milwaukee are the finest in the region. Our museums are amazing. And, our sports teams compete right along with the best."
"Our natural advantages make Milwaukee strong, as well. We are blessed with a Great Lake and three rivers, waterways that offer both recreation and a particularly valuable resource, water."
"What truly makes Milwaukee strong is our people. Our residents work hard; they’re making our city stronger. They are invested here, improving neighborhoods, raising families, participating in church activities and in community organizations. Our residents will sustain Milwaukee’s strength. That has been the case for nearly 180-years, since our incorporation as a municipality. And, it will certainly be the case for the 180 years ahead."
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the Office of Mayor Cavalier Johnson.