Barrett Highlights Milwaukee’s Progress in State of the City

Mayor Tom Barrett highlighted both the progress Milwaukee has made in the past year and the progress yet to come at his State of the City address at the Fiserv Forum Monday morning.

Barrett expressed pride in the growth in 2018 such as the new companies along the Kinnickinnic River, the completion of the Fiserv Forum and the installation of the Hop streetcar.

Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Fagan introduced the mayor shortly after 8:30 a.m. Barrett began his address by illustrating how the Fiserv Forum symbolizes more than basketball.

It didn’t take long for more positive news to happen for Milwaukee. Barrett was hopeful in his speech that Milwaukee would be chosen to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Shortly after his address, the Democratic National Committee confirmed that Milwaukee will host the DNC.

“The formula for basketball success is simple: talent plus commitment and, most importantly, teamwork,” said Barrett. “These are qualities I see throughout Milwaukee. They drive our economy, they help solve the challenges before us, and they factor in to all the work that makes our neighborhoods strong.”

Barrett recognized the Milwaukee city workers who died on the job within the past year: Public Works employee Bryan Rodriguez, crossing guard Andrew Tyler and police officers Charles Irvine Jr., Michael Michalski and Matthew Rittner.

“The families of all of these individuals feel crushing sadness and loss,” said Barrett. “Milwaukee feels crushing sadness and loss. We remember them with deep appreciation.”

Barrett stressed the importance of economic activity and job growth in Milwaukee. He thanked companies who continue to invest in the city, such as Bader Rutter, Hammes, BMO, Komatsu, Michels Corp. and others.

“Within just the last few weeks, HNTB, Rexnord and EQ have all indicated they’re growing in our city,” said the mayor. “These companies chose Milwaukee not for tax breaks or government incentives but because Milwaukee is a great place to build their future.”

Over the next three years, he hopes to bring 3,000 jobs to the city.

The expansion of the Sherman Phoenix in the improved Sherman Park neighborhood has been successful, said the mayor. In 2016, a fatal police shooting left Sherman Park in a state of violence and riots broke out. The Sherman Phoenix took the place of the BMO Harris Bank building that was one of five buildings burned down during the riots. There are now 30 new businesses within the Sherman Phoenix.

Barrett announced that the Milwaukee Public Library system is launching the Career Online High School, a program for adults to earn their high school diplomas.

“2019 is the year to direct our full attention to our youngest residents,” said Barrett. “Let’s come together to prioritize efforts and make smart investments in the future of Milwaukee children.”

Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes was present, and Barrett praised him and Gov. Tony Evers. He is hopeful now that Milwaukee has support in Madison, he said.

Barrett reminded everyone that the 2020 census is approaching and wants full participation so that adequate federal aid can be dispersed.

Barrett hinted at Milwaukee hosting the Democratic National Convention but didn’t confirm it during his address.

Keturah Swan, a member of Radical for Christ, Inc. who attended the address, wished Barrett would’ve addressed problems with health insurance.

“Poor people are getting health insurance, which is great,” said Swan, “But even with Obamacare, my deductible is too high. The middle and upper class aren’t getting affordable or appropriate care.”

Swan liked the mayor’s emphasis on collaboration between community- and government-based organizations.

“Hosting the DNC would be a great economic boost for Milwaukee and a chance for the Midwest to show off,” said Josh Zepnick, an ex-state legislator for District 9 on Milwaukee’s south side who attended the address.

Milwaukee beat Houston and Miami as the site to host the convention. The DNC is scheduled for July 13-16, 2020.