Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan

Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.

1 minute read

July 9, 2025, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View down center of street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sam Wagner / Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson announced a new Vision Zero action plan for the city, which has seen a 7 percent decline in traffic deaths between 2023 and 2024. 

As Jeramey Jannene reports in Urban Milwaukee, “The new action plan, unanimously adopted by the Common Council last week, includes seven strategies: build safe streets for all users by prioritizing the most dangerous roads; supporting accountability in the justice system; supporting vibrant, people-centered places; promoting traffic safety through communication and education; ensuring timely and effective EMS and medical care advocacy for safer vehicles; and champion and advocate for state-level changes to laws and practices.”

According to the mayor, the city is “redesigning 9% of the streets where 59% of the serious crashes happen,” using tax increment financing to build better bike infrastructure, and evaluating its licensing system to keep dangerous drivers off the streets. Johnson also said the city has equipped fire stations with whole blood to enable EMTs to save lives and treat patients faster when crashes happen.

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Urban Milwaukee

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