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City of Milwaukee Services During COVID-19 Containment Efforts

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, many City offices currently have limited hours or are closed for walk-in services to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Department of Public Works Focuses on Essential Services

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) continues to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19. For the current safety and long-term health of our workforce, DPW is focusing on essential services throughout each of our divisions.  Our field staff is also impacted and operating in smaller numbers.  Please be patient as response times will likely be longer than usual and some non-essential services are suspended and will be resumed at a later date. 

Milwaukee Water Works

• Our Customer Service Center is closed to walk-in service at the Municipal Services Building, 841 N. Broadway. Customers should use other methods of payment or call us at (414) 286-2830 if they cannot pay with a mailed check, online, or by phone. 
• The scheduling of meter-related appointments unless one is necessary to restore water service has been suspended.
• Milwaukee Water Works never disconnects water service because of unpaid bills.
• Milwaukee Water Works is fully prepared to continue providing safe water for customers 24 hours a day.

Operations

• Curbside bulky pick up is suspended.
• Garbage and recycling collection service will continue. While the intention is to remain on-schedule, residents should keep carts placed at the collection point until serviced. Sanitation crews will still collect up to 1 cubic yard outside of the cart. 
• Curbside brush collection is suspended. Yard debris including grass clippings, weeds, and garden debris is not collected curbside and should be composted, grass cycled or brought to a Drop Off Center.
• Drop-Off Centers remain open. Fees are suspended to minimize person-to-person contact and to assist the community who may be financially impacted by COVID-19. Confirm hours of operation.
• Forestry Services is focusing on emergency issues. 
• Parking Enforcement is focusing on safety-related violations as all timed, metered & night parking restrictions are suspended. All other parking regulations remain, including posted “NO PARKING” signs. 
• The Tow Lot remains open, but with revised hours.
• Parking Services in-person payment centers on Teutonia, James Lovell, and Chase are closed to walk-in service. Customers should use other methods of payment or call us at (414) 344-0840 if they cannot pay with a mailed check, online, or by phone.

Infrastructure

• Construction projects programmed and under contract for the 2020 season are proceeding.
• Street Maintenance, Sewer and Electrical Services will focus on emergency issues.

Ways you can help

• Do not rake into the street. Grass clippings, weeds, garden debris, leaves, and brush and branches are accepted at the Drop Off Centers and not collected curbside.
• Be extra vigilant if visiting our public centers. This includes exercising recommended social distancing and hygiene practices, and most importantly, if you are exhibiting any symptoms or feel ill, please stay at home.
• Please drive responsibly. Stay alert and dedicate your full attention to driving.  Obey the posted speed limits and drive slower when crews are present.

With COVID-19 being an ever changing situation, on a daily basis DPW is evaluating if changes are needed. Service impacts across program areas will be dynamic as this situation evolves.

Restaurant Carryout Zone Program 

In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, on March 16 Governor Tony Evers restricted restaurant service to delivery and carryout only.  To assist restaurants that currently do not have a "Loading Zone" adjacent to their business, the City of Milwaukee has implemented a temporary program to provide "Restaurant Carryout Zones".  

• "Restaurant Carryout Zones" are intended to make it safe and convenient for customers to pick-up orders from restaurants.  The expectation is that orders will be taken out to the customer’s vehicle and lessen possible exposure to COVID-19
• To request the installation of signage and/or meter hoods to create a "Restaurant Carryout Zone", please complete an ONLINE REQUEST FORM
   
• Signage will be installed by the Department of Public Works within 48 to 72 hours of your request

• The program is 100% free to City of Milwaukee restaurateurs who currently do not have a "Loading Zone" adjacent to their business

• This is a temporary program that will be evaluated over the upcoming weeks

For more information on this program, please contact the Special Event Permit Office at 414-286-3915 or send an email to dpwspecialevents@milwaukee.gov.