The Milwaukee County Capital Improvements Committee convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss the county's bond and cash capital funding for the upcoming year. The meeting highlighted the financial framework for infrastructure projects, emphasizing the limitations imposed by federal and state regulations on the use of bond proceeds.

The county issues general obligation bonds to finance various infrastructure projects, but not all projects qualify for this funding. Those that do not must rely on cash sources, primarily tax levies and contributions from federal, state, or local governments. A bonding cap policy, adopted in 2003, restricts the issuance of bonds for non-airport capital projects to a maximum increase of 3% over the previous year's amount. For 2026, this cap is set at approximately $56.8 million, with an estimated cash goal of over $14.2 million, bringing the total available financing to around $71 million.

However, the county faces a significant shortfall in funding requests, totaling about $196 million, which results in an estimated deficit of $125 million. This shortfall includes approximately $63 million in bonding and $62 million in cash. The committee noted that ongoing projects account for about $61 million of the requests, while new projects total around $58.8 million. Among these, 16 projects are mandated or contractual, representing about $17.6 million.

Key projects discussed include the Woodknoll Golf project, which involves upgrades to irrigation and pathways, and the Washington Park Service Yard, which has been requested for construction for the second consecutive year. Other ongoing projects focus on lighting improvements in parks and transit facilities, as well as major deferred maintenance work at the courthouse and other facilities.

The committee also reviewed 45 new project requests, with 30 related to design and planning phases, amounting to about $41 million. Notably, the Bayview Revamp project, aimed at addressing shoreline conditions, is projected to cost $18 million, while a vehicle replacement program is estimated at $7 million. The Milwaukee County Transit System opted not to request bus replacements for 2026 due to new EPA mandates affecting engine designs, choosing instead to wait for improved reliability.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the challenges Milwaukee County faces in balancing its capital improvement needs with available funding, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and prioritization in addressing infrastructure demands. The committee will continue to monitor project statuses and funding agreements as they move forward.