What We Do
Dedicated to a More Resilient and Equitable Community
Climate change is affecting us here in Milwaukee.
Extreme weather events are generating heat waves, drought, severe storms, floods, and wildfire smoke.
These threats are predicted to escalate, leading to food shortages, health issues, and property damage.
Unfortunately, households with the fewest resources will be the hardest hit.
Milwaukee, 2018
Local Action is Key
Cities and urban areas account for 75% of the emissions that cause climate change. Curbing this pollution can have immediate beneficial impacts on our quality of life – including cleaner air and improved health.
Cities like Milwaukee have two critical roles to play in avoiding the worst outcomes of climate change:
- First: reduce the dirty emissions that cause climate change.
- Second: build the infrastructure for greater community resilience.
These efforts can create opportunities for new green jobs and greater economic equity.
We Know What to do...
Fortunately, Milwaukee has done its homework in measuring where the greatest amount of emissions is coming from.
The Ten Big Ideas encompassed in Milwaukee's Climate and Equity Plan provide guidance on community and government action for reducing these emissions.
In addition, the City and the County each have plans specifically designed to reduce emissions from government operations.
Our Approach
Our Future Milwaukee Coaltion engages in a number of activities to ensure that
Milwaukee's Climate and Equity Plan is fully implemented.
Monitor
Assess progress on the Plan, with special attention to at-risk populations.
Support robust reporting by City and County governments.
Listen to the concerns and recommendations of community members.
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Message
Inform the public about progress on the Plan.
Direct attention to resources that benefit the community and advance the goals of the Plan.
Provide Action Alerts about local climate issues.
Mobilize
Advocate for government policies that support implementation of the Plan.
Promote public engagement in hearings, surveys, rallies, and events to promote climate justice.
We ask questions, solicit reports
from government staff, conduct research, and advise.
We communicate through our newsletter, member networks, webinars, and tabling at events.
We meet with elected officials,
testify at hearings, circulate petitions,
and plan or promote events.
Our Impact
As advocates for change, our impact is measured by our influence.
Thanks to the efforts of our Coalition members, in collaboration with
government staff and elected officials, we are seeing positive outcomes for Milwaukee.
Policy
Adoption of Milwaukee's Climate and Equity Plan by the Common Council on June 20, 2023 as part of the city's Comprehensive Plan!
Supported the County municipal plan (CA50), adopted on April 24, 2025.
Part of the successful advocacy for greater transit funding in the 2026 County budget.
Resources
$400,000 secured in the 2024 budget for Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office to hire grant writing staff – who raised more than $40 million in federal grants.
$100,000 in the 2025 County Budget for the Sustainability Office to hire additional staff.
1,000+ people informed about financial programs to make their homes more energy efficient.
Accountability
More transparent reporting tools adopted by the city.
Greater collaboration between city and county government, resulting in the first joint meeting of the City-County Advisory Board on Climate and Economic Equity.