Shaping Wauwatosa's Future, Together
Development in Wauwatosa is at a crossroads. We need to ensure that future projects enhance our community, preserve our unique character, and address our pressing needs. Learn more about my approach to development and how we can work together to build a better Wauwatosa.
Sustainable development for a vibrant Wauwatosa
The loss of revenue sharing by the State has created tremendous pressures on municipal budgets, as the Mayor never misses a chance to say. Development as a way to raise revenues is critical... but not at any cost!
Wauwatosa needs development that is sustainable, maintains our city's character and quality of life, and helps us meet goals such as more affordable housing. We need to prioritize projects that benefit the entire community and protect our environment for future generations.
Currently it appears that we have very close relationships with two developers, who also are the Mayor's top campaign contributors. The City sometimes knows about things for months or longer, but keeps them quiet while negotiating behind the scenes (before even elected officials know what's going on), as we saw with St. Bernard's.
Development is not sustainable when tax collections are deferred for decades (as with TIF). And it's even worse when we refuse to use TIF as intended - to get developers to do good things for the neighbors, marginalized groups and the community at large, such as units that are both affordable and family-sized.
Transparency and community input
Transparency is key to responsible development. I will work to limit the use of TIF funding for projects and ensure more community input and transparency when TIF projects are considered. We must require community input on vision and multiple bids on development on city-owned properties, ensuring that residents have a voice in shaping our city's future.
The situation of St. Bernard's, in which residents knew nothing of plans for over a year, is simply unacceptable.
Giving residents a real voice
Ensuring residents have a real say is paramount. By prioritizing open communication, accessible information, and genuine opportunities for input, we can create a development process that reflects the values and needs of our community. Together, we can shape a Wauwatosa we are all proud to call home.