April 24, 2009 

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends, 

Earlier this week I participated in a conference call with Vice President Biden and other Mayors and County Executives to discuss Recovery Act implementation. I used the opportunity to address two issues regarding the allocation of DOT funding. I stressed the critical need to direct more stimulus dollars to Milwaukee and other economically distressed areas that have deteriorating roads and bridges in need of repair and the need for greater flexibility in expending transportation dollars. Local roads in cities throughout America are in need of repair and cities know best how to utilize these dollars to put local residents to work. I will continue to make our City’s needs be heard and we will continue to go after stimulus funds aggressively in order to put Milwaukeeans to work.

As we continue to work with officials in Washington, we also want to get the word out to local residents. I want to thank the hundreds of Milwaukee residents who attended stimulus town hall meetings earlier this week. By nearly everyone’s account, the meetings provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about this new law and how City government is working to access and expend stimulus funds.

As decisions are being made on how to best use stimulus funds to benefit our city, I want to make sure you are aware that the City has created a website designed to keep you up-to-date on ARRA developments: http://www.milwaukee.gov/arra. The website highlights formula dollars awarded to date that will come directly to the City as well as stimulus opportunities we plan to pursue competitively.

Through this website, you will also be able to keep track of the use of recovery funds for every program and project as well as job opportunities for citizens and purchasing and procurement opportunities for businesses. It will also offer an opportunity for you to ask questions and provide input on stimulus funding as decisions are being made.

I will do everything I can to ensure that Milwaukee residents received direct and substantial benefits from the federal stimulus and to connect you with the most up-to-date reporting, transparency and accountability information to ensure you know how stimulus funds are being spent by City government and that funds are used appropriately. Please check regularly to see the latest updates. 

Sincerely,

Mayor, City of Milwaukee  

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor