Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Milwaukee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
2 issues in general with critical priority
Flock surveillance and automated license plate readers in the 2027 budget
Two MPD officers were criminally charged for misusing Flock cameras to stalk people, and residents have packed commission meetings for months demanding the contract be cancelled. MPD rolled out new guardrails — supervisor-only access, 7-day retention, no data sharing, monthly audits — but most speakers and several commissioners remain unconvinced. The commission may vote later on an official position on the contract.
We Energies rate hikes and city intervention
The council opposed Wisconsin Electric's proposal before the Public Service Commission for a special data center tariff with a 75/25 cost split. Ald. Dimitrijevic cited cumulative rate increases of about 23% over five years and an estimated $15–$17 monthly burden on residents, whose energy burden already runs roughly double the national average.