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.

View event photos here.

The event drew 60 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.

Our Speakers … And What they Spoke About

Joel Nilsesteun, Assistant Deputy Secretary of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, spoke about the State budget process and WisDOT's interest in transit funding and regional transit authorities. He updated attendees on the impact of the Federal funding freeze on projects in Wisconsin, and highlighted FlexRide Milwaukee as a success story in the emerging area of microtransit, and the need to explore ways to fund these kinds of services. 

Kevin Muhs from the City of Milwaukee and Dan Adams of Milwaukee County Transit System presented on the City and MCTS's partnership on developing transit priority corridors, where traffic lanes will be dedicated to transit in order to speed up buses and make streets safer for all users. View presentation slides here.

Cinthia Téllez of Michael Baker International, and a founding member of MobiliSE's Transit Advocacy Steering Committee, told of her own transit story and why she was motivated to help lead the charge for transit advocacy in SE Wisconsin. 

Montavius Jones of Narvarte Development facilitated a discussion in which participants envisioned a car-optional region and identified key policies that would get us there. 

What we Learned

Uncertainty reigns:

  • While we understand that transit 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.

  • MCTS, like many transit agencies across the US, faces a fiscal cliff in the years ahead that could force major reductions in service.

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

  • A partnership between the City of Milwaukee and MCTS promises to significantly improve on time performance and frequency of bus service along key corridors in the city.

  • FlexRide Milwaukee, which began as a pilot in 2022, has become an important part of the region’s transportation ecosystem, providing 4,500 rides per month, with plenty of unmet demand. But sustainable funding for this vital service is unclear beyond 2025.

Advocacy is more important than ever, but we must be strategic:

  • Our message needs to be clear - that transit choices matter and should be funded appropriately. And the message needs to be delivered by a diverse array of messengers, including transit riders and leaders in the non-transportation space.

  • A positive message, one framed around opportunity and forward looking, has a greater chance of breaking through.

  • MobiliSE has formed a Transit Advocacy Steering Committee to guide our advocacy strategy. This committee will advise on policy priorities, effective messaging and communication, will align our work with statewide efforts, and broaden the conversation beyond those already at the table.