News Summary
Milwaukee’s ambitious plan to reconstruct the 6th Street corridor, with an estimated budget of $36.6 million, is facing significant delays due to over $34 million in federal funding cuts. This setback, resulting from recent congressional decisions, impacts safety improvements and economic growth potential in the area. Mayor Johnson emphasized the project’s role in enhancing pedestrian safety while creating job opportunities. As the city seeks alternative funding sources, plans for a community-driven vision are also underway to revamp the corridor into a more pedestrian-friendly space.
Funding Cuts Delay Milwaukee’s 6th Street Corridor Reconstruction
The reconstruction project for the 6th Street corridor in Milwaukee, estimated at $36.6 million, has hit a major setback due to the cancellation of more than $34 million in federal funding. This news comes after a recent congressional spending bill was signed into law by the federal government, impacting essential infrastructure improvements in the city.
On July 7, 2025, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson confirmed that the funding cancellation was part of a broader spending reduction encapsulated within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The act specifically rescinded funds previously allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program, which aimed to support projects in underserved communities across the country, with over $3 billion originally earmarked for various initiatives.
The 6th Street corridor project focuses on enhancing safety along a high-injury traffic area while aiming to create over 450 jobs and stimulate local economic growth, with projected increases amounting to tens of millions. Spanning a 2.6-mile stretch of S. 6th Street between North and National Avenues, the reconstruction affects vital community sites, including the downtown campus of MATC, Fiserv Forum, and an in-progress public museum.
Initially, the federal government had awarded $36.6 million to cover planning, design, and construction costs for the project. However, only a small portion of this funding had been secured for design and engineering tasks, leaving $34.5 million meant for construction without prospects for recovery. Plans are in place for design and some engineering work to continue, yet additional funding will need to be sourced from either new federal grants or a combination of local and federal revenue.
The city intends to engage with local residents to gather feedback regarding their vision for the 6th Street corridor before moving forward with construction. The timeline for construction is not determined, as it now hinges on securing additional funding. Pending community input will help shape the project into a more pedestrian-friendly, economically vibrant space instead of a swift thoroughfare.
The conceptual design for the corridor is linked to the Connec+ing MKE: Downtown Plan 2040, which was established by the city in 2023. This initiative draws attention to the historical context of 6th Street, recognizing that its widening in the 1960s led to the displacement of residents and businesses in the Bronzeville neighborhood. The aim is to transform the area with safe infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users, along with green spaces and tree canopies.
The implications of these funding cuts were exacerbated by the political climate, as the One Big Beautiful Bill gained support primarily from Republicans in the Wisconsin congressional delegation. This bill, however, introduced various cuts related to climate initiatives and equity funding, along with the gradual elimination of clean energy tax benefits that have historically supported urban development projects.
While there is an expressed interest in revitalizing the 6th Street corridor into what was previously categorized as a “complete street,” the loss of crucial funding raises significant concerns regarding the future of the project. Former President Joe Biden had emphasized the significance of this grant for transforming the area into a multi-modal transportation corridor that includes safe spaces for all users.
As Milwaukee navigates these challenges, community leaders and residents remain hopeful for a resolution that can bring the 6th Street corridor reconstruction back on track, highlighting the need for enhanced infrastructure and community empowerment. Until new funding avenues are identified, the project remains on hold, underscoring broader issues of resource allocation in urban areas.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Reporter: Women in Construction Week 2025 Events
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee
- BizTimes: Nominations Sought for Notable Women in Construction
- Google Search: Milwaukee Reconstruction Projects
- UpNorth News: Opinion on Women in Construction Week
- Google Scholar: Urban Renewal in Milwaukee
- Fine Homebuilding: Functional Workwear for Women
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Infrastructure
- Daily Reporter: Building Sisterhood in Wisconsin Construction
- Google News: Women in Construction
