Waukesha · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waukesha public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
TIF assistance for 84-unit apartment development
A term sheet proposes tax incremental financing help for an 84-unit multi-family housing project at Les Paul Parkway and Genesee Road. If approved, it would move forward toward a development agreement.
Redevelopment of former Lindholm building site at 222 Maple Avenue
The old school district office building may come down for a 53-unit apartment project. Residents emailed commissioners asking that the historic facade be saved, and commissioners urged the developer to consider it before the Council hearing in December.
2027 Water Rate Increase
The utility has formally asked the PSC to pause its water rate increase until Milwaukee's rates are known, so customers don't face back-to-back increases. No answer yet.
S.J. Louis Construction v. City of Waukesha litigation
Deposits in the SJ Lewis lawsuit should wrap up by early September, with expert reports to follow and a possible court date set after a December update to the court. Mediation scheduling has been slowed by a lack of communication from SJ Lewis's attorney.
Police dispatcher shortage
The police department is short four dispatchers and losing qualified candidates to other agencies over pay. Committee members pressed whether a pay increase should be considered; administrators said more market analysis is needed.
Shared building inspector with neighboring cities
Community Development wants to hire a full-time trade inspector shared with Brookfield, Pewaukee and Sussex to keep up with record permit volume. It shows as a new FTE but partner cities reimburse the cost, and it only happens if all four municipalities approve it.
2027 Property Tax Levy Increase
The proposed 2027 budget raises the property tax levy about 1.7% ($1.3 million), meaning an average $350,000 home pays roughly $33 more — about 1.2%. 80% of the city's revenue comes from taxes and state aid, and the city is pushing for more state shared revenue since its share lags peer communities.
Clean Water Plant sand filter defects
The city's wastewater plant scored a perfect 4.0 on its state compliance report for the tenth year running, even weathering a 200-year rain event. A sludge dryer project will turn plant solids into a DNR-approved Class A biosolid product the public could eventually purchase.
Raised bike and pedestrian bridges
Two pedestrian bridges over the bypass, 80% federally funded for design. Council approved AECOM 9-4 to do the study; critics worry about the eventual multi-million-dollar construction share.