MILWAUKEE, WI – In its latest Committee of the Whole session this month, the Milwaukee County Board unanimously approved $21.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be allocated in one-time investments that provide long-term cost savings for Milwaukee County. The investments are the results of a Fiscal Health Challenge spearheaded by the Office of Strategy, Budget, and Performance to find opportunities to generate cost-savings, revenue enhancements, and operational efficiencies. In addition, numerous projects address deferred infrastructure maintenance needs and provide energy efficiency savings which help advance Milwaukee County’s climate action goals.

“When we began the process of allocating ARPA funding we knew we had to approach the process in a manner that enabled us to preserve access to critical services for our community and create a solid foundation for Milwaukee County to continue being the economic engine of the state,” said County Executive David Crowley. “I applaud the Office Strategy, Budget and Performance, the ARPA Taskforce, and the entire County Board for their focus on investing in the financial health and security of Milwaukee County. County services – from parks, to transit, to mental health – are relied upon by hundreds of thousands of people each year. Our residents count on us to be able to sustain the services and programs that aim to keep Milwaukee healthy, working, and moving. By signing this legislation today, we help ensure critical services can continue for our community.”

The Fiscal Health Challenge provided departments the opportunity to submit proposed projects that make limited, one-time investments in strategies that will impact the structural deficit caused by a perfect storm of stagnant state aids, state-imposed limitations on revenue generation, and increased demand and cost for critical services.

Projects approved by the County Board include:

For questions or assistance, please contact: Colin Schmies at [email protected] or 608-206-0476