Wauwatosa's Fiscal Challenges
An honest look at the financial realities facing our city and a commitment to finding real solutions for a sustainable future.
Wauwatosa’s financial outlook is worsening
- The city is projecting over ~$2 million in new compensation costs for 2026, while revenue from state aid and ambulance billing is declining.
- The General Fund balance is projected to drop by ~50% by 2030, with no structural changes proposed to stop the slide.
- Despite this, it appears the city is not using $3.8 million in remaining ARPA funds, is relying on outdated citation revenue assumptions, and is banking on $950K/year in hospital tax revenue that’s under legal appeal.
- Tourism tax revenue appears to remain flat, even with branding investments like the Dambo Troll. Hotel revenue is assumed flat.
- Forgivable business loans are continuing with minimal transparency, while staff and services (fire, EMS, courts) are being cut.
- Wauwatosa homeowners are likely to face property tax increases of 10% to 20% over the next four years. This pressure stems from several converging factors: rising city levy limits (which are tied to net new construction), upcoming property revaluations, and potential school district operating or capital referendums, all discussed during the recent 6/3/25 Financial Affairs Committee meeting. Meanwhile, commercial property values remain flat or are declining, shifting more of the tax burden onto residential properties.
- As this plays out, the City of Wauwatosa may attempt to shift blame to the School District for any resulting property tax increases. In past years, some city officials have deflected accountability by pointing to overall reductions from other taxing entities, while the city’s own share of the tax bill increases.
- Wauwatosa’s latest five-year forecast and Q1 2025 report paint a troubling picture: rising spending, declining revenues, no clear plan, and dwindling reserves. Despite years of warnings and clear structural imbalance, city leadership continues to stall.
Taken from Onward Tosa's Substack page. Onward believes that a minor temporary "improvement" in 2026 is a financial illusion, not structural reform.
My approach to tackling these challenges
I am committed to a data-driven and transparent approach to addressing Wauwatosa's financial challenges. This includes a thorough review of the budget, exploring opportunities for efficiency, and prioritizing investments that benefit the entire community.
Obviously, we need specific plans, policies and initiatives beyond this general approach. But for the last several years the Mayor and Council have shown no interest in addressing any of the above concerns. That will only happen when there is a critical mass of Alders willing to adopt a more serious approach.
Support the vision
If you find all this as concerning as I do, please support me with your vote on April 7th! But remember, we need to support ALL the candidates running on a "reform" agenda this spring. Spread the word to your friends and family members in other Tosa districts to support change. I'll be listing those other candidates after all have formally declared their candidacies.