Milwaukee residents and city employees urged city leaders to provide larger raises during a public hearing Monday night on the mayor’s proposed 2027 budget.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson has proposed a 2% raise for general city employees. However, dozens of speakers argued the increase does not adequately address rising living costs and instead called for a $2 per hour raise.
Residents and employees had an opportunity to voice concerns about the mayor’s budget proposal, which will undergo further review and possible amendments by the Milwaukee Common Council.
The hearing also included calls for Milwaukee to end its use of Flock Safety license-plate cameras because of privacy concerns. Although the camera system is not directly funded through the city budget, a spokesperson for the mayor said city officials are considering a ban on the technology.
The Milwaukee Common Council is expected to consider budget amendments later in October before holding a final vote in early November.
The Common Council will review the budget throughout October, with a public hearing scheduled for October 17th. A final vote is set for November 6th.
