Latest news with #CavalierJohnson
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Trump's 'sanctuary jurisdictions' list that included Milwaukee disappears after outcry
The Trump administration removed a list of 'sanctuary' jurisdictions allegedly defying enforcement of federal immigration law after cricitism about its accuracy and blowback from a national law enforcement group. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published the list May 29 and removed it from its website June 1, according to an internet archive. The Wisconsin jurisdictions accused of obstructing the law and in jeopardy of losing federal grants and contracts were the city of Milwaukee, city of Madison, Dane County and Shawano County. DHS officials did not respond to a request for comment June 3 on why the Wisconsin jurisdictions made the list, what prompted the list's removal and whether the jurisdictions' federal funding was no longer at risk of termination or suspension. More: Milwaukee, other Wisconsin 'sanctuary jurisdictions' listed as defying federal immigration law Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson blasted the administration's hasty approach, saying he had received no notification. A City Hall spokesperson said officials were meeting to evaluate options on whether to take issue with the designation. Milwaukee is not officially designated a sanctuary for immigrants, though some argue its policies and positions indirectly make it a sanctuary city. Shawano County Sheriff George Lenzner said on June 2 the county doesn't identify as a sanctuary jurisdiction and "remains committed to upholding federal immigration laws and policies." The County Board voted in 2021 to become a 'Second Amendment Sanctuary County' that opposed any attempts to enact "legislation unlawfully infringing on our rights under the Second Amendment," which may be where the misunderstanding stemmed. Nationally, other places pointed out that the list misspelled city names, misidentified counties as cities or vice versa, and included conservative communities with no sanctuary immigration policies. The National Sheriffs' Association released a statement saying sheriffs felt "betrayed" by the list. No political appointee for the administration could explain in a meeting with the association who compiled, proofed, and verified the list before publication. "DHS has done a terrible disservice to President Trump and the Sheriffs of this country," the statement said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Sanctuary jurisdictions list by Trump's DHS vanishes after outcry
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Milwaukee said yes to housing. Why are politicians saying no to lower rents?
Since the pandemic, Milwaukee has evolved into a dramatically different city. Long viewed as a symbol of post-industrial decline, the city now has some of the nation's fastest-rising rents. Once dismissed as a flyover city, it's been "discovered" by out-of-towners for its old-world charm and unpretentious culture. Yet amid all this change, one thing remains the same: our local political tradition of burying our heads in the sand and hoping the problem fixes itself. But Milwaukee's passive stance on housing will only accelerate displacement, weaken the economy, and deepen inequality, just so local legislators don't have to legislate. Other cities have faced similar transformations before. New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area, once known for crime, decay, and suburban flight, are now among the world's most expensive urban centers, pushing their working-class residents to the exurban fringe, or even directly onto the street. They reached this point by allowing newcomers to outbid and replace existing communities instead of creating more space for them to go — the same strategy Milwaukee currently follows. While Milwaukee is unlikely to see such extreme growth, Madison, Pittsburgh and parts of Chicago have clearly shown how inaction accelerates gentrification and displacement everywhere. However, some cities, like Austin, took proactive steps by significantly expanding housing in their urban core, causing rents to drop by 22%. Despite fears from homeowners about falling property values and activists about rising rents, Austin's approach achieved the opposite: rent, condos and new suburban houses all became more affordable, while urban home values appreciated. In other words, everyone but landlords won. Opinion: Cudahy Farms development harms invaluable trees, wetlands and Milwaukee's health Minneapolis initially adopted a similar growth-focused strategy, also lowering rents by 22% while peer cities saw increases. However, a court blocked the plan and rents once again started rising. This shift now means Minnesota is projected to lose a congressional seat and electoral vote in 2030 — joining states like California, New York and Illinois in handing over power to Republicans by sticking with policies that accomplish the opposite of their stated goal. There is another state on that list: Wisconsin, primarily due to Madison embracing that same policy approach. Milwaukee, however, attempted something different by electing a mayor, Cavalier Johnson, who ran under the slogan of 'one million Milwaukeeans' in a landslide. Yet, when he introduced his 'Growing MKE' proposal, a peculiar alliance between more conservative and left-wing figures formed to oppose it. This paradoxical partnership isn't unique, it happens almost every time – local Democrats are breaking with former President Barack Obama and nearly every other national Democrat to join Donald Trump in defending housing policies that were explicitly invented to segregate minorities and the working class away from those with means. Opposition might make sense if Growing MKE involved bulldozing neighborhoods for apartment towers, but the plan would merely revert to the rules the city was built with: apartments above shops on main streets, and duplexes or triplexes where they already exist. Because it only legalizes what's already there, development would primarily replace vacant or deteriorating properties. Concerns about displacement are understandable, but Milwaukee's Bronzeville offers powerful proof that growth prevents displacement. By rezoning for more housing consistent with existing character, Bronzeville went from decaying to one of the city's most desirable neighborhoods, even earning recognition in the New York Times. Homeowners built wealth alongside nonprofits and small developers. Low-income renters stayed because wealthier newcomers chose newer units, and new affordable housing outpaced units lost. Strangely, anti-growth politicians obscure their positions, claiming they support more housing, but then resubmitting many of the Growing MKE's proposals with a litany of poison pills; obtuse mandates that have shown to limit the construction of new housing to an amount one could count on their hands and feet in every single city where they've been implemented. Even after countless reductions in the plan's scope at the request of the council, it is still quite unclear if they will pass the much weakened proposal. Opinion: Here's what readers had to say about wake-enhanced boating on Wisconsin lakes If local politicians decide to break with their party to join with Trump to fight for historically unsuccessful policies that empower Republicans, they owe voters clarity. Likewise, if Democrats and business leaders hope to maintain Wisconsin's political relevance, they must press local politicians to part with the policies that undermine their goals. Most importantly, if Milwaukeeans want to avoid displacement and skyrocketing rents, they must demand their council members support the mayoral mandate they voted for. A Wisconsin native, Jacob Major works as a political strategist by day and a policy activist by night. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Mayor Johnson's housing plan being sunk by allies | Opinion
Miami Herald
28-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Neutral Announces Groundbreaking for Neutral 1005 N Edison St Project, Tallest Mass Timber Building in the United States to Take Place June 16, 2025
The Milwaukee, WI, residential with retail project charts a path for greener high rises with an innovative, sustainable mass timber construction process MILWAUKEE, WI / ACCESS Newswire / May 28, 2025 / Neutral, the Madison-based real estate developer with a focus on innovative, long-term sustainability, announces an official groundbreaking ceremony for their 1005 N Edison St project, set to become the tallest mass timber building in the United States. An on-site event with speeches by Neutral CEO, Nathan Helbach, and remarks from distinguished guests, including Milwaukee Mayor, Cavalier Johnson, will be hosted on June 16, starting at 2:30 p.m. onsite. RSVP HERE When it opens, Neutral Edison will be 31 stories, with 350 residential apartments (studio, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms), as well as approximately 7,200 square feet of complementary retail space, to downtown Milwaukee. The project will offer tenants a lifestyle focused on health and well-being, including a full floor devoted to a membership club with a fitness center, health clinic, spa, pool, and sauna. The first floor will be a membership workspace and cafe facing the riverwalk with an organic grocery store, and the top floor lounge will offer a demo kitchen, community garden, and entertainment deck with private dining rooms. The project blends exposed mass timber with natural materials and state-of-the-art ventilation systems, creating an environment that nurtures both resident well-being and environmental sustainability. Mass timber - a durable and sustainably engineered wood product - has numerous benefits for the environment, the consumer, and the developer. In producing far fewer carbon emissions than conventional steel or concrete construction, mass timber absorbs carbon dioxide. From a development point of view, mass timber also means less weight and construction waste. The materials used to build Neutral Edison are estimated to reduce the embodied carbon footprint and energy consumption by over 45% compared to conventional buildings of the same typology and use. It will pursue Passive House certification following the PHIUS 2021 Core Standard, one of the leading and strictest certifications for energy-efficient buildings. Neutral Edison will also pursue Living Building Challenge 4.0. Core Certification, focused on sustainable buildings and overall resident well-being. "With the growing interest in longevity and wellness, we are one of the top major projects in the housing rental market offering living environments with this level of on-site health services and attention to sustainability," said Neutral CEO Nate Helbach. "This unique integration is possible through our dedication to investing in enduring quality, community and resident wellbeing." "Using mass timber technology in conjunction with a low carbon, high performing envelope, Neutral Edison sets a new standard for sustainable building design and construction practices," said Daniel Glaessl, Partner & Chief Product Officer. "We couldn't be more excited for the launch of this property with first in class offerings for healthy and intentional living." Groundbreaking Timeline on June 16, 2025: 2:30 PM Event begins (at 1005 N Edison St, Milwaukee, WI)3 PM Welcome speeches by Neutral CEO and remarks by Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Alderman Robert Bauman3:15 PM Ceremonial groundbreaking and photos3:30 - 4 PM Media interviews RSVP HERE ABOUT NEUTRAL Neutral is a real estate developer building ground-up market-rate multifamily assets in the Midwest region, which has gained global acclaim as one of the leaders in real estate focused on sustainability, resident health, and well-being. Neutral buildings use mass timber and meet the industry's most rigorous sustainability certifications. Neutral recently completed Bakers Place projects with 206 rental units in downtown Madison, WI. Headquartered in Madison, Neutral was founded in 2020 by Nate Helbach and Matt Frazer. For more information, visit SOURCE: Neutral press release
Indian Express
12-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
At least 4 killed, 200 displaced in US' Milwaukee apartment building fire
At least four people were killed and 200 others were displaced after a major fire engulfed a Milwaukee apartment building in Concordia neighborhood, which began in a common area and spread to multiple floors on Sunday. The fire reportedly started just before 8am on Sunday in a four-storey, 85 unit apartment complex in Milwaukee's Concordia neighborhood. Authorities said that four people succumbed to their injuries while dozen others were wounded in the fire, with at least four people critically injured. The Milwaukee Fire Department in a Facebook post stated, 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire that occurred early this morning, May 11, at a four-story residential building in Milwaukee's Concordia neighborhood.' More than 30 fire trucks were at the spot and fire fighters rescued at least 30 people from the Milwaukee apartment building. Reports suggested that some residents jumped from the windows of the second-floor of the building to escape the raging fire. The Red Cross is assisting about 200 people who have been displaced due to the fire. A CNN report stated that medics were seen outside the apartment complex giving CPR to the affected persons, and few residents were carried to ambulances on stretchers. The report added that the building was not equipped with a sprinkler system, however, it didn't require it as well since the complex was built before 1974. 'I spoke with both firefighters and displaced residents and heard about a number of dramatic escapes and rescues from the burning apartment building,' Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. The Milwaukee fire department said that they received calls about people being trapped in a building in the Concordia neighborhood due to fire, and the residents were jumping to escape the raging flames. The first firefighters to arrive were 'far, far outmatched' by intense flames, said Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski at a press briefing. The cause of the fire remained unclear but fire chief Lipski said it would be figured out as the investigation was ongoing.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The third annual Milwaukee Peace Week starts on May 5. Here's the full schedule
Milwaukee Peace Week is back for the third year in a row. Mayor Cavalier Johnson's initiative aimed at "promoting peace, unity and community engagement" kicks off on May 5 with a rally and march at Moody Park, according to an April 30 press release. Other events, including job fairs and a kickball game, are planned through May 10. Here's what to know: When: May 5 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Moody Park, 2201 W. Auer Ave. Join Johnson and others for a march through the Amani neighborhood. Community resources will be available at the park, the release said. More: Milwaukee violence prevention groups receive $500,000 with goal to reduce gun violence 15% When: May 6 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Where: Location not publicly available. Johnson will be joined by Milwaukee Chief of Police Jeffery Norman, Milwaukee Public Schools officials and youth leaders in this private event. The group will discuss "how they envision creating peaceful schools and neighborhoods," according to the release. When: May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Where: Evolve Church, 6550 N. 76th St. Johnson will host a multi-faith gathering and panel discussion at Evolve Church. More details provided upon registration. When: May 8 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Where: South Division High School 1515 W. Lapham Blvd. Johnson will be joined by MPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius and students for a neighborhood clean up event. When: May 9 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Where: Mitchell Street Library, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St. The career fair will be hosted by the City of Milwaukee Department of Employee Relations, per the release. When: May 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Kinnickinnic Sports Center, 3070 S. 20th St. Johnson will be participating in a game of kickball at Kinnickinnic Sports Center. There will also be a career and resource fair, according to the release. To find more information on this week's events and to register, you can visit the city's website. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Peace Week 2025: Schedule, events
