transit policy and community conversation

On June 5, 2025, MobiliSE hosted its spring summit, “Transit Policy and Community Conversation” at Uplifting Mansion on Milwaukee’s Near West Side.

The event drew 60 plus participants, including transit riders, advocates, and civic and business leaders from throughout the SE Wisconsin region.

The purpose of the event was to hear an update on the current state of transit funding and transit projects in light of the rapidly-changing political and funding environment, to hear about promising trends in transit, and to discuss the specific policies that advocates should prioritize to create the transportation future we seek.

What we Learned

Uncertainty reigns:

• While we understand that transportation funding is more vital than ever, the future of transit funding in SE Wisconsin, and nationally, is more uncertain than ever.

• The rapid pace of change at the national level, and the uncertainty it brings, has ramifications for local and state funding for transit services and transit projects.

Promising innovations are changing transit, but reliable funding is needed:

Advocacy is more important than ever