2026 Milwaukee budget, Mayor Cavalier Johnson presents priorities

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson shared his priorities for the next city budget on Tuesday, which his office said includes improving public safety and infrastructure.

Milwaukee city budget

What we know:

Facing a budget shortfall of more than $100 million, Johnson’s proposal is already drawing pushback from some Common Council members.

In recent years, the city leaned on federal pandemic recovery funds and new shared revenue under Wisconsin Act 12. But Johnson said those supports are no longer enough.

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"The city’s financial picture does have greater clarity now, but it is not a rosy image," Johnson said.

To balance the city’s more than $2 billion budget, Johnson is proposing to tap city reserves, tighten departmental spending, and raise fees and taxes. His plan includes:

• A $22 annual increase for garbage and snow removal fees
• A $10 increase in vehicle registration fees
• A 3% increase in the property tax levy

"There is no question our resources are limited," Johnson said. "We simply do not have the money available to accomplish all the things we would like to do."

Johnson’s budget also funds the maximum number of police recruits required under Act 12, which mandates Milwaukee maintain at least 1,700 officers by 2034. The city and the police union remain in contract arbitration – the city has offered a 9% raise while the union seeks nearly 13%.

"However, if the union were to get what they talked about, that would put a significant gap, or increase a significant gap in the budget to the tune of millions of dollars," Johnson said.

Some pushback

Dig deeper:

Alderman Scott Spiker criticized the proposal, opposing cuts to library hours and calling for sworn officers doing desk work to return to street duty. He also suggested reviewing the future of The Hop streetcar.

"I realize that’s not the whole $100 million, but we got to start somewhere," Spiker said.

What you can do:

Public hearings on the budget are set to begin next month.

Read the 2026 budget presentation below.

Street takeovers

The backstory:

Additionally, Milwaukee experienced multiple street takeovers this summer. Videos shared across social media showed cars doing donuts on city streets as large crowds watched. 

Some instances involved setting off fireworks.

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Johnson said street takeovers are dangerous and disruptive. He's been pushing the Common Council to take up legislation he supported in June, which would fine onlookers $500. 

"The people of Milwaukee should be able to travel our streets and do it safely, regardless of age, regardless of ability to move, regardless of transportation type," he said. "A mother should be able to walk across the street in this city with their child without fear of being struck by a motorist."

Milwaukee police, while trying to crack down on the events, said dealing with the large crowds creates challenges. 

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