Mayor Cavalier Johnson begins the speech with a personal story of his upbringing. He discusses recent housing developments in the surrounding area of Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy High School.
He then points out the shift in housing towards more rentals as Milwaukee has become a rent-friendly city. The mayor discusses with its partners with local organizations to ensure affordability is in all neighborhoods. He shifts the topic towards landlords and homeownership, trying to achieve responsible landlords for residents. Mayor Cavalier Johnson boasts that the city has already renovated 80 homes, with many already sold to new homeowners.
He then pushes the city to update its zoning code. This is to allow more housing and residents to reside in a safer environment. He cites a recent study from the Wisconsin Policy Forum that found Milwaukee is the top five in the region for fast construction permits issued.
He assures the audience that the demolition of Northridge Mall will be done on time and within the budget. This was met by applause from the audience. He moved the speech to emphasize the importance of local businesses in neighborhoods. Mayor Cavalier Johnson states that the grants provided by the city have brought positive benefits to the economy, such as new employment and tax revenue.
Pivoting towards taxes, he revealed that last year was the busiest year for Port Milwaukee for both tourism and imports, investing further into small businesses and bringing revenue to the city.
He changed the tone to discuss the unasked weaponization of the military on citizens, as he describes. Afterwards, he criticized the immigration policy of the Trump Administration. Ending it off with how immigrants are fundamental to the City of Milwaukee. Proclaiming that immigrants and citizens need to be protected. He further motivated the audience, expressing the importance of voting in the upcoming spring election and midterms.
Moving on, he discussed the mass flooding that took place during the summer. He gave his deep appreciation to first responders during a critical time in the city. Despite aid being given to the city, he bashed Trump for not assisting with the reconstruction, arguing that it is now up to the local taxpayers to rebuild the community.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson shifted the mood to a more positive light, citing how crime rates have been declining in Milwaukee over the year. But also, how legislators in Madison and Washington D.C. need to do their job and resolve gun violence. He further revealed the City’s agenda to improve road conditions and reduce speeding.
He announced the city’s accomplishment in replacing lead pipes in older infrastructure. He pointed out how old, built schools are dangerous for children due to lead paint. Noting a recent incident, schools are dangerous for children due to lead paint. Noting a recent incident with high levels of lead found in an MPS school. However, he cites that the partnership between MPS and Milwaukee is strong, noting that screening children helps ensure the lead poisoning issue is resolved. esolved.
He ends the address with a call for Milwaukee to be strong.