Cities Consider Forming Own Agencies After Metro Transit Funding Measure Fails

A measure that would have increased funding for Milwaukee-area commuter transit was recently voted down, fueling a push for neighboring cities to break away and form their own transit agencies.

1 minute read

November 20, 2007, 6:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"After the defeat of a $13 rental car tax increase, plans for a Milwaukee-area commuter rail line could be put on hold for a year or two - meaning trains would not be available during much of the reconstruction work on a parallel stretch of I-94."

"Supporters of the rail line are studying a legislative proposal that could lead to a regional referendum on a half-cent sales tax increase. That plan also could allow western Racine County communities to cut themselves out of a restructured transit authority."

"But Milwaukee-area political and business leaders are undecided about whether to sign on to the plan, which the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities is pushing as a way to allow the Madison area, the Fox Valley and other metropolitan areas to create their own regional transit authorities. Most local leaders said they are trying to gauge support for the legislation, which has yet to be introduced."

Friday, November 16, 2007 in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

6 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

3 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

4 hours ago - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive