Citizen Action Weekend ’24 Newsletter, Friday, November 15th
Friday, November 15th
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BIG WIN for Milwaukee County Climate Planning and Funding
We’re thrilled to announce that Citizen Action, alongside our committed members and allies, achieved a major victory in the Milwaukee County Budget with the passage of a $100,000 allocation for an IRA Contractor. This funding will support the County’s sustainability goals, allowing us to bring in an expert to maximize the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) within Milwaukee.
Over 50 passionate members and community allies joined us in signing a petition, and many showed up to make their voices heard at the County Budget Listening session. Our collective commitment demonstrates the power of community-led action and advocacy.
The passage of this funding was the culmination of extensive collaboration with Milwaukee County, and we’re grateful for the unwavering support from County Executive David Crowley (who appeared on a recent Battleground Wisconsin Podcast to discuss the effort). This position will equip Milwaukee County to secure significant federal dollars, advancing projects in solar energy, green infrastructure, and other essential sustainability initiatives. Together, we are ensuring that Milwaukee leverages every opportunity available under the IRA, taking bold steps toward carbon neutrality while creating good-paying green jobs for our community.
This win is a testament to the strength and dedication of our Citizen Action members, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the County prioritizes climate action. By securing this funding, we are not only investing in a more sustainable Milwaukee but also reinforcing the importance of local government and community organizations working hand-in-hand to create meaningful change. With this contractor role in place, Milwaukee is better positioned to lead the state toward a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future.
Attend Healthcare Action Team Meeting, November 27th, 7pm
Southeast Wisconsin Needs to Prioritize Sustainability and Public Transit
The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) has released the Draft 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and it’s critical to push for investments that prioritize environmental enhancements, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and transit expansion. Currently, the budget heavily favors highway preservation and improvement, with only limited funds allocated to green infrastructure, pedestrian pathways, and public transit expansion. Currently over 70% of the budget is dedicated to highway preservation and improvements.
We are asking members to demand funding for environmental enhancements, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and transit expansion. Help us advocate for a more sustainable, equitable transportation system that serves all communities. Comments are due by November 21st.
Questions? Email Kat Klawes at [email protected].
Work for Citizen Action of Wisconsin
- Green Bay Area Organizer
- La Crosse Area Organizer
Citizen Action in the News
Robert Kraig was on the Earl Ingram Show for the full hour to access the aftermath of the 2024 election disaster, and the identity of the Democratic Party.
Listen to “Old School Organizing” Battleground Wisconsin Podcast
Senator Chris Larson joins us to commemorate the life of a major figure in Democratic politics who passed this week, former State Representative and Judge Fred Kessler. Fred was one of the great political organizers of his generation, and left behind a legacy of young progressive leaders he mentored and helped elect to office.
We next turn to a deep dive into rural organizing with leaders of Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin (GROWW). Joining us are Executive Director Jenelle Ludwig Krauss and Organizing Director Bill Hogseth. We discuss a deeper organizing approach to reaching rural voters, and the crisis in affordable housing in rural Wisconsin. What are the implications for the path forward from the 2024 election?
Social media post of the week
