Milwaukee's Comprehensive Plan

Milwaukee's Comprehensive Plan consists of a Citywide Policy Plan and Area Plans. The City also prepares other plans and studies which guide development in individual neighborhoods; these documents include neighborhood redevelopment and action plans. The Comprehensive Plan is the cornerstone of all local land use decisions.

The Comprehensive Plan is guided by the City of Milwaukee's commitment to:

• Maintain a unique sense of community and place;
• Promote an economic climate that supports job creation;
• Preserve and enhance valuable natural and cultural resources;
• Equitably distribute the costs and benefits of development;
• Expand the range of transportation, employment, and housing choices in a fiscally responsible manner;
• Value long-range, regional considerations of sustainability over short-term, incremental, geographically-isolated actions; and
• Promote public health and healthy communities.

The Smart Growth Law, also known as the State Comprehensive Planning Law, was enacted by the State of Wisconsin in October 1999. The Smart Growth Law requires that every community in Wisconsin have a comprehensive plan adopted by the governing body of the unit of government by January 1, 2010. 

The Common Council has adopted procedures for Comprehensive Plan evaluation and amendments.

The City of Milwaukee utilizes E-Notify to provide notice to any interested parties about proposed changes to the Area Plans that make up the City of Milwaukee’s Comprehensive Plan.  Please click on the link above to find your Area Plan and then sign up to receive E-Notify notifications for your plan area.