The Milwaukee County - City-County Advisory Board on Climate and Economic Equity convened on July 16, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding emissions reductions and the impact of recent federal legislation on local climate initiatives. The hybrid meeting, held in Room 203-R and live-streamed for public access, featured significant discussions on the county's progress in reducing emissions and the challenges posed by changes in federal funding.

One of the main topics addressed was the county's reported 50% reduction in emissions, primarily attributed to the disposal of older buildings. Committee member Linda raised concerns that this figure does not reflect actual emissions reductions within the community, as it merely indicates a decrease in the county's operational emissions. County representatives acknowledged this point, clarifying that while operational emissions have decreased, the overall community emissions remain unchanged.

The meeting also highlighted the potential repercussions of the recent "big beautiful bill," which has clawed back funding for carbon reduction initiatives. Supervisor Shea inquired about the implications for Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee. County officials expressed uncertainty about the full impact but noted that reduced federal tax credits and funding could hinder local sustainability efforts. They emphasized the importance of continuing to embed sustainable decision-making in local projects despite these setbacks.

Additionally, discussions included the county's strategy for alternative energy sources beyond coal and gas. Officials outlined their commitment to collaborating with local utilities to achieve decarbonization goals, stressing that the transition to electrified building equipment must align with the sourcing of green energy.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency, as officials confirmed that presentation slides would be made available to the public. They also expressed a desire to engage with community partners to further their climate goals, indicating a proactive approach to addressing both local and federal challenges in climate action.

Overall, the meeting underscored Milwaukee County's ongoing efforts to address climate change while navigating the complexities of federal policy changes and their implications for local sustainability initiatives.