ADVOCACY

MobiliSE is SE Wisconsin’s leading voice for transportation choices. We are broad-based, nonpartisan coalition of businesses, civic and neighborhood groups and employment agencies and other partners who understand the importance of a robust array of ways to get around our region. As a part of regional efforts to reform local funding for transit and other priorities, we are putting transit and transportation at the heart of the conversation about our region’s future.

Our Advocacy Agenda

Every year, MobiliSE’s board of directors approves an advocacy agenda to guide our efforts.

Our priorities include:

  • Sustainable funding for transit operations. MobiliSE has long supported efforts to bring sustainable funding sources to transit, including a county sales tax. We seek to educate stakeholders and leaders about the critical importance of funding transit operations.

  • New fixed route services such as Bus Rapid Transit and an expanded Downtown Streetcar. MobiliSE played a key advocacy role in the development of the East-West Bus Rapid Transit route, which began service in 2023. We are leading efforts to develop advocates for BRT and safe streets along the 27th Street Corridor. And we are supportive of finding a sustainable solution for expanding downtown Milwaukee’s Streetcar to adjacent neighborhoods so that more Milwaukeeans can access the jobs and entertainment opportunities of our region’s downtown heart.

  • Safe streets for all Transit riders and pedestrians, first and foremost. Streets that are not safe for pedestrians deter people from riding the transit services that already exist and present a significant barrier for people seeking to access jobs and other opportunities throughout our region. We support regional Complete Streets efforts that seek to make our streets safe for all users, whether they walk, take the bus, bike, or drive.

  • Encourage the Growth of innovative services like FlexRide Milwaukee. FlexRide Milwaukee rose out of regional conversations convened by MobiliSE that focused on seeking innovative solutions for our region’s transportation gaps. Expanded under a $4.2 million Workforce Innovation Grant from the State of Wisconsin, and another $1.3 million in ARPA funding through Milwaukee County, MobiliSE now operates FlexRide Milwaukee and is leading efforts to sustain the program in the future.

How We Advocate

Developing grassroots advocacy. In partnership with AARP Wisconsin and M-Pact, a national transit advocacy network, we are working to develop the capacity of local leaders to advocate for transit and safe streets along the 27th Street Corridor.

Organizing support for key projects and initiatives. Our coalition has stood for action to address potential budget shortfalls for Milwaukee County Transit, and has advised both Milwaukee County and City of Milwaukee officials on sales tax proposals that would sustain critical transportation infrastructure.

Advising key projects and helping shape public policy. MobiliSE has a seat at the table, serving in an advisory capacity to shape public policy statewide, and drive transformational projects regionally and locally. Our involvement includes:

  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation Non Driver Advisory Committee

  • Bluemound Road Transit Enhancement Study Advisory Committee

  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation 94 East West Transit Technical Advisory Committee

  • City of Milwaukee Complete Streets Community Advisory Committee

  • Community Advisory Committee for Milwaukee County North South Transit Enhancement Project

For more information on how to get involved or support our efforts, click here.