Petition for Milwaukee County 2025 Budget: Strengthen Our Office of Sustainability

Petition for Milwaukee County 2025 Budget: Strengthen Our Office of Sustainability

Imagine a Milwaukee County where everyone enjoys cleaner air, green jobs, and resilient infrastructure and a sustainable environment. The Office of Sustainability is at the heart of this vision, driving efforts to combat climate change, promote health equity, and secure federal funding for revitalizing Milwaukee. This office shapes policies that reduce our ecological footprint, promote energy efficiency, decarbonize transportation, and spearhead green infrastructure projects. However, with only two staff members, it cannot meet the growing demands of long-term planning, grant acquisition, and community engagement. To address the environmental challenges ahead we must expand the office's capacity.

We urge the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors to include funding for an additional staff position in the Office of Sustainability as part of the 2025 County Budget. 

  • Securing Federal Funding: The Inflation Reduction Act opens up $391 billion in federal funding for sustainability projects through 2032, with additional opportunities available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other sources. A dedicated staff member is crucial to successfully navigating these funding streams and ensuring Milwaukee County secures its share of federal revenue. 

  • Expanding Green Union Jobs: This position will focus on promoting family-supporting green jobs, especially for underrepresented communities. By ensuring inclusivity in sustainability efforts, we can create well-paying jobs that benefit all residents.

  • Improving Public Health and Quality of Life: A stronger Office of Sustainability means cleaner air, greener spaces, and better public health, making Milwaukee County a healthier and more vibrant place to live.

  • Securing Funding for EV Transition for MCTS: With the increasing focus on sustainable public transportation, this position will play a crucial role in securing federal funding to support the transition of the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) to acquire electric vehicles (EVs). By leveraging the resources available through the Inflation Reduction Act, the new staff member can help ensure that MCTS receives the necessary support to modernize its fleet, reduce emissions, expand public transit, and improve air quality for all residents. 

  • Revitalizing Parks and Expanding Green Spaces: Expanding Milwaukee County's green spaces and enhancing our parks is key to building a resilient and healthy community. By investing in green infrastructure, the Office of Sustainability can promote climate adaptation through urban reforestation, flood mitigation, and the creation of natural spaces that benefit both the environment and public health. This additional staff member will help secure funding for the development and maintenance of sustainable parks, ensuring that all residents have access to clean, safe, and vibrant outdoor spaces where they can connect with nature, improve their well-being, and enjoy recreational opportunities.

  • Building Stronger Partnerships: Effective climate action depends on collaboration across Milwaukee County. The new staff member will support and create partnerships with cities and municipalities within the County, ensuring that sustainability initiatives are coordinated and impactful. This role will be essential in aligning regional efforts and maximizing resources for the benefit of all communities in Milwaukee County.

  • Planning for the Future: Expanding the Office of Sustainability isn't just about today—it's about preparing for the future. With more staff, the County can lead in state and national sustainability programs, develop innovative policies, and secure essential funding.

Join Us in Making a Difference: By supporting this petition, you are advocating for a future where Milwaukee County leads in sustainability, equity, and resilience. Let's ensure that our Office of Sustainability has the resources it needs to secure critical funding, create green jobs, and improve public health. Sign this petition today to show your support for expanding the Office of Sustainability and securing a brighter, greener future for all residents.

Organizations and individuals are requested to sign in support. 

Organizations that have signed this petition include:

  • 350 Wisconsin
  • American College of Physicians - Wisconsin Chapter
  • American Lung Association
  • Cream City Conservation
  • Earth Justice Ministry of First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee
  • Environmental Equity Solutions Consulting
  • Fair Future Movement
  • Faith in Place
  • Green Homeowners United
  • Healthy Climate Wisconsin
  • Midwest Renewable Energy Association
  • Milwaukee Riverkeeper
  • MKE FreshAir Collective
  • OUCH-International (Oncology Advocates United for Climate and Health) 
  • Our Future Milwaukee
  • Our Wisconsin Revolution
  • Sierra Club Great Waters Group
  • Wisconsin Asthma Coalition 
  • Wisconsin Eco Latinos

A resolution for this initiative has been authored by Supervisor Steve Shea (8th District) and co-sponsored by Supervisor Anne O'Connor (1st District), Sheldon Wasserman (District 3), Jack Eckblad (4th District), Felesia Martin (7th District), Kathleen Vincent (11th District), Caroline Gomez Tom (14th District), Sky Capriolo (15th District), and Justin Bielinski (16th District). County Executive David Crowley has supported this initiative by including it in his 2025 proposed County Budget. 

Questions? Email Kat Klawes, Citizen Action of Wisconsin Climate Action Policy Coordinator kat.klawes@citizenactionwi.org. 

 

 





 

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