Public Policy Forum

Should It Stay or Should It Go?
Exploring the potential for structural reform in
Milwaukee County government
(Download full report)

Milwaukee County government faces immediate and substantial fiscal and programmatic challenges. The county’s structural deficit – defined as the gap between expenditure needs and anticipated revenues – is projected to grow from $48 million in 2011 to more than $106 million by 2014, despite several successive years of significant expenditure and staff reductions and anticipation of significant wage and benefit concessions in 2010. This projection is the clearest indication yet that the county’s finances are crumbling and that valued services in areas like parks, transit, mental health and public safety face severe degradation without prompt and concerted action. This action could take any of several forms, including the complete elimination of Milwaukee County government. This report, commissioned by the Greater Milwaukee Committee, provides detailed analysis and perspective on the complex issues surrounding that option, as well as other potential structural changes.

Click on a section title below to download that particular section.

How this report is organized

Executive Summary

Introduction

Methodology and Data

Section I - The Financing of Fringe Benefits

Section II - Functional Analyses
Airports
Behavioral Health
Care Management Organization – Family Care
Courts and District Attorney
Cultural Institutions
Parks
Sheriff
Transit
Other County Functions