The Milwaukee County - City-County Advisory Board on Climate and Economic Equity convened on July 16, 2025, for a hybrid meeting focused on advancing sustainability initiatives and alternative fuel efforts. The meeting, held in Room 203-R and live-streamed for public access, featured discussions on various programs aimed at enhancing the region's environmental and economic equity.

The session began with an overview of the current staffing and initiatives within the city's sustainability team. The team, described as "small and mighty," includes an electric vehicle coordinator, a residential housing coordinator for green projects, and an outreach coordinator, among others. The team is dedicated to leveraging community partnerships to maximize impact across multiple programs.

Following this introduction, the board moved to discuss alternative fuel efforts within Milwaukee County's transit system. Although no representative from the transit department was available, updates were provided on the city's progress in transitioning to renewable vehicles. An ordinance passed last year mandates the procurement of low-emission vehicles when feasible. Currently, the city operates 35 electric vehicles and over 112 hybrid vehicles, with plans to expand this fleet further.

The discussion also highlighted the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation's pilot program for light-duty fleet vehicles and the exploration of alternative fuel shuttle buses at Mitchell Airport. Plans for facility upgrades to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure were also mentioned, emphasizing the county's commitment to sustainable transportation.

The meeting then shifted to an update on the collaborative efforts between the city and county regarding a grant for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The city has secured a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a public charging network. This initiative aims to increase accessibility for electric vehicle users, particularly those in multifamily housing without private charging options. The plan includes installing charging stations at 53 locations throughout the city, with a focus on public spaces to avoid complex leasing arrangements.

The board discussed the importance of expediting the construction phase of this project to ensure timely access to federal funds. The selected sites for charging stations include several Milwaukee County parks, which were chosen for their year-round appeal and accessibility. The initiative aims to encourage electric vehicle adoption by providing necessary infrastructure.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored Milwaukee's ongoing commitment to sustainability and economic equity through collaborative efforts in transportation and infrastructure development. The board plans to continue monitoring progress and engaging the community in future discussions about expanding electric vehicle charging options.