Milwaukee To Hire Vision Zero Czar

The mayor’s office has created a new position responsible for leading the charge on the city’s efforts to eliminate roadway deaths.

1 minute read

November 11, 2022, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Two women waiting to cross street facing Milwaukee Public Market sign

Wendy van Overstreet / Milwaukee Public Market

Milwaukee will soon gets its own ‘Vision Zero czar,’ a position responsible for coordinating the city’s Vision Zero efforts and leading the charge on eliminating traffic deaths.

In an article in Urban Milwaukee, Jeramey Jannene writes, “The policy is designed to make streets safer for all users, including drivers and pedestrians, by reducing the number and severity of crashes.” The new position, based out of the mayor’s office, will “elevate the importance of the effort,” according to Public Works Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke and Alderman Michael Murphy.

“According to Wisconsin Department of Transportation statistics, 87 people were killed in traffic fatalities in Milwaukee County in 2021, 101 in 2020 and 74 in 2019. Eighty-six fatalities have been reported in 2022,” prompting the city to adopt a Vision Zero policy in June.

One alderwoman has suggested delaying the start date of the position to offer a higher salary than the currently budgeted $53,957, which could help the city recruit a higher-quality candidate.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 in Urban Milwaukee

Portland Bus Lane

‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland

Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.

August 30, 2023 - Mass Transit

An aerial view of Milwaukee’s Third Ward.

Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny

The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.

August 27, 2023 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Conceptual rendering of Rikers Island redevelopment as renewable energy facility

Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?

New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?

August 24, 2023 - Mark McNulty

A rendering of the Utah City master planned, mixed-use development.

700-Acre Master-Planned Community Planned in Utah

A massive development plan is taking shape for lakefront property in Vineyard, Utah—on the site of a former U.S. Steel Geneva Works facility.

August 31 - Daily Herald

A line of cars wait at the drive-thru window of a starbucks.

More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus

Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.

August 31 - The Denver Post

Air pollution is visible in the air around high-rise buildings in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Air Pollution World’s Worst Public Health Threat, Report Says

Air pollution is more likely to take years life off the lifespan of the average human than any other external factor, according to a recent report out of the University of Chicago.

August 31 - Phys.org