Build and Grow Citywide
Mayor Johnson has a vision to grow Milwaukee’s population to one million residents. That means building a vibrant, modern urban environment where people want to live, work, and recreate in Milwaukee.
Creating Safe Streets for All
Safe Streets for All (SS4) represents Mayor Johnson's strategic approach to leveraging federal dollars to combat reckless driving, one of his top policy priorities since declaring it a public health crisis as his first act in office. Under Mayor Johnson's leadership, Milwaukee secured a major $4.4 million SS4A grant (with $1.1 million city match totaling $5.5 million) for "Accessible Intersections for All," focusing on 26 intersections along the city's most dangerous streets within the High Injury Network, the 10% of streets where 58% of serious crashes occur.
https://engage.milwaukee.gov/ss4a-intersections
The Community-Led Traffic Calming Program was also launched by Mayor Johnson to empower residents to request traffic safety measures, for example, Paint the Pavement projects transform intersections with vibrant murals, and interim plazas that reclaim street space for community use. This strategy also targets Milwaukee's High Injury Network, such as the W. Locust Street at Sherman Park project, which delivered an 86% reduction in speeding after installing traffic circles and bump outs. These efforts demonstrate Mayor Johnson's comprehensive approach to leveraging funding to transform Milwaukee's most dangerous corridors while building community engagement in street safety solutions.
https://city.milwaukee.gov/dpw/Infrastructure/Programs/Community-Led-Traffic-Calming
Expanding Protected Bikeways
The Bikeways Program represents Mayor Johnson's vision for a healthier, more connected Milwaukee community, leading to his proposal of a citywide bikeways network that promotes safe driving and fights reckless driving through strategic infrastructure investments. Under Mayor Johnson's leadership, Milwaukee achieved his goal of establishing 50 miles of protected bikeways and exceeded that goal one year ahead of schedule with over 51 miles built or under development. This initiative supports Mayor Johnson's vision where families can walk, ride bikes, and be active with safe transportation options for everyone, while reducing traffic interactions and potential hazards that contribute to reckless driving. By creating protected spaces for cyclists and pedestrians, this initiative promotes environmental sustainability and creates vibrant, accessible neighborhoods throughout the city.
https://city.milwaukee.gov/dpw/Infrastructure/Programs/Bikeways
Modernizing Permit Processes
The Permit and Development Center represents Mayor Johnson's systems-level transformation of Milwaukee's permitting process. It moves beyond department-specific improvements to restructure City operations for accelerated performance. Through electronic plan submittal (EPLAN) and a dedicated Business Liaison, the Department of Neighborhood Services now provides same-day permitting for walk-ins. These reforms create efficiency-driven service delivery models that support Milwaukee's broader community development and economic growth. Between 2023 and 2025, the Permit and Development Center reduced average permit issuance time by 33% (70 to 47 days), cut average plan review time nearly in half (26 to 14 days), and increased the share of plan reviews completed within 15 days from 19% to 66%. Over the same period, customer appointments grew 54%, customer satisfaction scores improved by 15%, and annual permit volume increased from 26,528 to 31,409.
Transforming Housing Landscapes
The Housing Element transforms Milwaukee's housing landscape by updating residential zoning rules to increase affordability and choice. Grounded in community input, it reduces zoning barriers and allows creative solutions such as additional residences on existing properties. The plan supports walkable urban neighborhoods and residential growth along commercial corridors. It also works to ensure all Milwaukee residents have access to housing solutions across their lifetimes.