Milwaukee streetcar extension; The Hop expansion possibly derailed

MILWAUKEE - To Fiserv Forum, the Historic Third Ward, Walker's Point and Brady Street, the City of Milwaukee wants to extend The Hop streetcar system.

But they'll have to find a new track forward.

Hop development status

What we know:

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the city's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee approved spending $25 million on paving, road reconstruction, protected bike lanes and public spaces in the Third Ward.

That money from a tax incremental district (TID) had been earmarked for streetcar expansion. The district's funding expires in fall 2026 and city staff say they want to ensure it's spent. 

So, why not the streetcar?

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The same law that re-tooled the state's shared revenue system in 2023 prevents Milwaukee from using local taxes for streetcar extensions.

"I think there was a hope that we would be able to use this increment for streetcar extensions, but at this point, we are at the risk of not having enough time to do the planning and particularly the engineering necessary," city engineer Kevin Muhs said.

Local perspective:

Around 5 p.m. on Tuesday night, Jan. 14, it's time for Piper LeClere to head home to the east side.

"I ride it almost every day," LeClere said. "It's just a quick way to get to downtown or to the grocery store, especially for somebody like me that can't drive."

She's generally on board with The Hop, though she says one thing comes to mind about improving it.

"I think it could definitely use some more stops just, for like, other places," LeClere said.

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It doesn't look like that's going to change any time soon, so The Hop will need another track to build more tracks.

City response

What they're saying:

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson's office provided the following statement:

"Potential expansion of the streetcar is not off the table, and the city will follow all legal requirements for funding potential expansion. No conclusions have been determined as to what funding might be possible. For the near term, the streetcar routes will remain as they are currently structured."