In the News
News coverage and interviews featuring the Office of the City Attorney and City Attorney Evan C. Goyke.
Milwaukee City Attorney touts higher conviction rate for reckless driving
June 11, 2026 | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke said the city's coordinated reckless driving enforcement policies announced in October 2024 have drastically improved prosecution outcomes for first-offense reckless driving cases in Milwaukee Municipal Court.
Is a tougher approach curbing some of Milwaukee's reckless driving? The city attorney thinks so
June 11, 2026 | WDJT
City officials released new numbers this week they believe is evidence of a tougher approach to reckless driving making the streets safer. City Attorney Evan Goyke maintained a directive to no longer allow plea deals in such cases is contributing to a decline in traffic deaths.
Reckless Driving Convictions Surge Under City Attorney Goyke
June 15, 2026 | Urban Milwaukee
Before City Attorney Evan Goyke took office, a driver cited for reckless driving had only a one-in-six chance of being convicted of the initial charge. Sixty-five percent of cases, according to Goyke, ended with a reduced charge. Now, after a deliberate policy change, those cited for reckless driving are convicted of the offense in almost five out of six cases.
Milwaukee reckless driving convictions surge to 84%
June 15, 2026 | Wisconsin Law Journal
Milwaukee reports an 84% conviction rate for first-offense reckless driving cases after tougher enforcement policies and prosecution reforms.
Reckless Driving Convictions Surge Under City Attorney Goyke
June 15, 2026 | Urban Milwaukee
New policy sharply cuts plea bargains and is convicting far more repeat offenders.
Milwaukee reckless driving convictions surge to 84%
June 15, 2026 | Wisconsin Law Journal
Milwaukee reports an 84% conviction rate for first-offense reckless driving cases after tougher enforcement policies and prosecution reforms.
Conviction rates for first-offense reckless driving cases rise in Milwaukee
June 12, 2026 | Spectrum News 1
Conviction rates in Milwaukee for first-offense reckless driving cases rose to 84% in 2025, according to Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke. That’s up from 15% in 2023.
Milwaukee Announces Increase In Reckless Driving Prosecutions
June 12, 2026 | Seehafer News
Milwaukee is successfully prosecuting more first-offense reckless driving cases.
Embattled landlord's properties face receivership over missed deadline
June 11, 2026 | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Embattled out-of-state landlord David Tomblin just received another blow to his rental empire. At a June 10 pre-trial hearing, 86 of Tomblin's more than 200 Milwaukee properties were ordered into a receivership, largely stripping him of any control.
Judge rules third-party can take over 86 of Highgrove Holdings’ rental properties
June 11, 2026 | Spectrum News 1
Wednesday marked a major turning point in a case involving a Milwaukee landlord. During a pre-trial hearing, a judge granted a motion for a third-party receiver to step in and take over the management of 86 rental properties. The property rental company in question is Highgrove Holdings. It’s currently being sued by the City of Milwaukee. Its president is David Tomblin.
Milwaukee reckless driving convictions surge under new prosecution policy
June 11, 2026 | 620WTMJ
Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke says a tougher approach to reckless driving prosecutions is producing results.
Is a tougher approach curbing some of Milwaukee's reckless driving? The city attorney thinks so
June 11, 2026 | CBS58
City officials released new numbers this week they believe is evidence of a tougher approach to reckless driving making the streets safer. City Attorney Evan Goyke maintained a directive to no longer allow plea deals in such cases is contributing to a decline in traffic deaths.
Milwaukee City Attorney touts higher conviction rate for reckless driving
June 11, 2026 | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The City of Milwaukee announced June 10 that police and the District Attorney's Office achieved an 84% conviction rate for actively litigated first-offense reckless driving charges in 2025, up from 15% in 2023.
'How to Evict Your Landlord' update: Tomblin to lose control of more than 80 properties
June 10, 2026 | WUWM
David Tomblin, founder of Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, stands to lose control of about one-third of his Milwaukee properties after a judge ordered a receiver in a lawsuit brought by U.S. Bank, one of Tomblin’s biggest lenders.
Highgrove Holdings to lose control of 86 properties
June 10, 2026 | WISN
One of Milwaukee's largest landlords will lose control of more than a third of its properties. Highgrove Holdings remains entangled in lawsuits with the city of Milwaukee and U.S. Bank over missed payments and poor living conditions.
'Abate the nuisance': Milwaukee city attorney responds to president of sued property rental company
April 30, 2026 | Spectrum News 1
Spectrum News is learning new details about a City of Milwaukee lawsuit, filed against corporate property rental company Highgrove Holdings, and its related LLCs. City Attorney Evan Goyke responded to an interview Spectrum News conducted with Highgrove Holdings President David Tomblin.
How to Evict Your Landlord, part 3: Public nuisance
April 30, 2026 | WUWM
Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, one of Milwaukee’s biggest corporate landlords, is currently fighting lawsuits from lenders and the city seeking to take property management out of its hands. The city’s lawsuit alleges Highgrove’s properties, and its business model, are a public nuisance.
City of Milwaukee expands Highgrove nuisance lawsuits to include two lenders
April 20, 2026 | BizTimes
The City of Milwaukee’s two public nuisance lawsuits against landlord Highgrove Holdings have been expanded to include two companies that helped finance the firm’s growth.
How to Evict Your Landlord, part 1: Who is David Tomblin?
April 16, 2026 | WUWM
Beyond code violations, property taxes, and high vacancy rate, Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke says Highgrove’s business model itself is a nuisance because it prioritizes investor returns over basic repairs.
Monday 4/13/26: landlord lawsuit, renters resource, 'Plundered' book, community group housing solutions
April 13, 2026 | WUWM
Today, we’ll tell you about a series from WUWM about an out-of-state landlord being sued by the city. Then, we’ll learn about a tool that helps Milwaukee renters learn about their landlords. We speak with the author of Plundered: How Racist Policies Undermine Black Homeownership in America. Plus, we’ll look at the Milwaukee Neighborhood groups that are putting programs in place to help longtime renters become homeowners.
Milwaukee sues out-of-state landlord for tax delinquency, code violations
March 31, 2026 | Wisconsin Public Radio
The city of Milwaukee is suing one of the area’s most delinquent landlords, calling the company’s properties “public nuisances.”
What to know about sweeping legal action against a Milwaukee landlord
March 30, 2026 | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Milwaukee City Attorney's Office has sued one of the city's biggest out-of-state rental companies, naming the landlord and his network of businesses a "public nuisance." The action came after investigations were carried out by the city and tenant advocates.
City of Milwaukee sues out-of-state landlord with 200-plus troubled properties
March 27, 2026 | BizTimes
The City of Milwaukee has launched sweeping legal action against an out-of-state landlord, aimed at forcing long-delayed repairs or stripping control of hundreds of the company’s rental properties. City Attorney Evan Goyke announced Thursday that his office has filed two public nuisance lawsuits against Highgrove Holdings Management LLC and its owner, David Tomblin.
Milwaukee City Attorney Files One of the Largest Public Nuisance Enforcement Actions in City History
March 27, 2026 | Milwaukee Community Journal
The Milwaukee City Attorney’s Office has filed two major public nuisance actions targeting a network of nearly two hundred residential properties associated with Highgrove Holdings Management, LLC and other related LLCs. The lawsuits allege widespread property neglect, code violations, vacancy, and unpaid property taxes that have negatively impacted Milwaukee neighborhoods.
City of Milwaukee sues landlord for over 200 nuisance properties
March 27, 2026 | 620WTMJ
The City of Milwaukee is suing an out-of-state landlord for code violations, neglect and unpaid taxes associated with over 200 dilapidated properties. Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke filed two public nuisance lawsuits against Highgrove Holdings Management, LLC and its owner David Tomblin for persistent noncompliance with building codes and ongoing vacancy on the city’s north side.
'I have hope': Milwaukee tenants speak out after lawsuits filed against landlord
March 27, 2026 | Spectrum News 1
The City of Milwaukee filed two lawsuits Thursday to hold out-of-state rental company Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, and its related LLCs, accountable for its run-down properties and unpaid money.
Milwaukee City Attorney Targets Out-Of-State Landlord Behind 260 Troubled Homes
March 26, 2026 | Hoodline
Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke is taking one of the city's bigger rental players to court, asking a judge to officially label Highgrove Holdings Management LLC a public nuisance. In a filing submitted Thursday, Goyke accuses the out-of-state landlord of letting dozens of Milwaukee properties slide into serious disrepair, with alleged code violations, unpaid property taxes, and safety problems tied to roughly 260 homes.
Milwaukee City Attorney Files One of the Largest Public Nuisance Enforcement Actions in City History
March 26, 2026 | Milwaukee Courier
The Milwaukee City Attorney’s Office has filed two major public nuisance actions targeting a network of nearly two hundred residential properties associated with Highgrove Holdings Management, LLC and other related LLCs. The lawsuits allege widespread property neglect, code violations, vacancy, and unpaid property taxes that have negatively impacted Milwaukee neighborhoods.
City of Milwaukee, Common Ground File Lawsuits, Launch Campaign Against Out-of-State Landlord
March 26, 2026 | Urban Milwaukee
Milwaukee is going after an out-of-state landlord in the courtroom and in the court of public opinion. Thursday morning, in a joint press conference in front of two boarded-up homes, City Attorney Evan Goyke announced a series of lawsuits against David Tomblin and his firm, Highgrove Holdings, and broad-based community group Common Ground Southeastern Wisconsin announced a campaign focused on the firm and its leader.
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Milwaukee targets landlord over nuisance properties
March 26, 2026 | Wisconsin Law Journal
City of Milwaukee takes out-of-state landlord to court
March 26, 2026 | WISN
The city of Milwaukee files two lawsuits against an out-of-state landlord alleging widespread property neglect, vacant properties, code violations and unpaid property taxes. City Attorney Evan Goyke made the announcement standing in front of a vacant home near North Rogers and East Concordia on Thursday. Goyke teamed up with advocacy groups Common Ground and Tenants United.
Milwaukee lawsuits target landlord over 200 'nuisance' properties
March 26, 2026 | Fox6
The City of Milwaukee has filed lawsuits against an out-of-state property owner accused of neglecting more than 200 homes, primarily on the city’s north side.
City of Milwaukee files its largest nuisance lawsuit against landlord with more than 100 rundown properties in the city
March 26, 2026 | CBS58
The City of Milwaukee is taking one of its most aggressive steps yet to crack down on problem landlords. Thursday morning, March 26, marked the filing of one of the largest nuisance cases in the city, as residents brought their complaints forward against Highgrove Holdings, and its owner, David Tomblin.
Milwaukee city attorney files major public nuisance enforcement actions
March 26, 2026 | WTMJ-TV
The Milwaukee City Attorney's Office has filed two major public nuisance actions targeting a network of more than 200 residential properties associated with Highgrove Holdings Management, LLC, and other related LLCs.
Neighbors voice concerns as Milwaukee files lawsuit against corporate landlord over unsafe conditions
March 26, 2026 | WTMJ-TV
A major legal showdown is unfolding in Milwaukee as tenant advocates and the City Attorney take direct aim at a corporate landlord accused of putting hundreds of residents at risk.
See deteriorating Milwaukee homes connected to out-of-state landlord
March 26, 2026 | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Watch Milwaukee's city attorney discuss lawsuits against landlord
March 26, 2026 | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke discusses two lawsuits filed against Highgrove Holdings, LLC during a press conference.
Milwaukee city attorney slaps out-of-state landlord with lawsuits
March 26, 2026 | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Milwaukee City Attorney's Office is targeting one of the biggest out-of-state rental companies in the city as a public nuisance after investigations into widespread property neglect, code violations, unpaid property taxes, and safety and security concerns, according to new legal filings.
Milwaukee joins fire truck price-fixing lawsuit
February 27, 2026 | Wisconsin Law Journal
The City of Milwaukee has filed a new lawsuit, which may become part of an ongoing federal class action lawsuit, accusing three fire truck manufacturers of colluding to drive up the price of firefighting vehicles.
Milwaukee officials tout progress, tougher penalties as mayor signs reckless driving bill
November 5, 2025 | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
On the day the mayor signed into law a bill addressing reckless driving, Milwaukee officials held a town hall on Nov. 4 to share how they've combatted the crisis in recent years.
Milwaukee leaders, residents discuss solutions to combat reckless driving
November 4, 2025 | WTMJ-TV
Milwaukee leaders hosted a reckless driving panel Tuesday night to address the ongoing issue. The event, moderated by Sen. LaTonya Johnson, featured Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, District Attorney Kent Lovern, and City Attorney Evan Goyke.
Milwaukee leaders to hold reckless driving panel; community input welcome
November 4, 2025 | WTMJ-TV
Milwaukee leaders will host a reckless driving panel Tuesday night to address the ongoing issue plaguing the city. The panel will focus on enforcement, prosecution, prevention, and street design as part of the city’s efforts to curb speeding and fatal crashes.
Milwaukee, Dane join legal blitz against Trump targeting of federal grant money
August 6, 2025 | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin's two largest counties and its largest city have joined a federal lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration over grant conditions they argue jeopardize millions of dollars the local governments receive to provide a host of services to residents.
Milwaukee using hidden cameras, reward offers to combat illegal dumping
July 11, 2025 | Wisconsin Public Radio
Milwaukee leaders are cracking down on illegal dumping in the city. The city recently increased fines and added hidden cameras at common dumping sites. They are also enlisting residents’ help by posting photos of frequent offenders online and offering a $1,000 reward for those who help identify suspects.
City Deploying Additional Cameras to Address Illegal Dumping
May 29, 2025 | Urban Milwaukee
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has a message for illegal dumpers: smile — you’re on camera. Flanked by City Attorney Evan Goyke, Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) Commissioner Jezamil Arroyo-Vega and other city leaders, Johnson appeared at City Hall Thursday morning to provide an update on the city’s illegal dumping camera pilot program.
Milwaukee Wants To Buy 30th Street Line, Railroad Says No
March 18, 2025 | Urban Milwaukee
Alderman Robert Bauman, City Attorney Evan Goyke and several partners have long had a big vision for leveraging a rail line through the heart of Milwaukee’s North Side as a corridor for bikers, walkers and, possibly, mass transit. Now, the Common Council is poised to direct the city officials to explore buying the 30th Street Corridor rail line.
New City Attorney Evan Goyke Is Bringing Order to Law
October 7, 2024 | Milwaukee Magazine
He is rebuilding an office left in disarray by his predecessor’s toxic, scandal-filled rule.
City Will Toughen Penalties For Reckless Drivers
October 1, 2024 | Urban Milwaukee
Efforts to combat reckless driving are clearly visible throughout the city streets, with re-engineering projects yielding curb-bumpouts, protected bike lanes and more. While the city’s latest push for safer roads will be less conspicuous — focusing on tougher penalties for repeat offenders — local leaders hope it will be the most effective measure yet.
Checking in on Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke's campaign goals after six months in office
October 16, 2024 | WUWM
Milwaukee's city attorney often operates in the background of some of the biggest issues facing the city.
A Chat with Evan Goyke, Milwaukee's New City Attorney
April 16, 2024 | Wisconsin Justice Initiative
Evan Goyke is being sworn in as Milwaukee city attorney today during a ceremony at City Hall. Goyke recently won election to the position after challenging incumbent Spencer Tearman.
Voters share excitement for change in leadership after new Milwaukee City Attorney elected
April 3, 2024 | WTMJ-TV
In the race for Milwaukee City Attorney, current State Rep. Evan Goyke beat incumbent Tearman Spencer.