SustainLane 2006 US City Sustainability Ranking

Milwaukee: From Beer to Biomass

When it comes to sustainability, Wisconsin's largest city often gets overshadowed by Madison, which besides also having a University of Wisconsin campus, has a reputation for being forward-thinking and eco-friendly. But Milwaukee has stately Lake Michigan, a major public transportation system with ridership of 10 percent of the city's commuters, low sprawl, and great potential for urban redevelopment.

Milwaukee is also taking advantage of its easy access to water recreation, an asset that was surprisingly neglected until the 1990s. Lake Michigan has been reimagined with parks and museums, and the Milwaukee River has been gussied up with walkways, benches, and hangout spots for pedestrians and cyclists. You can cruise the waterways in a kayak or canoe, stopping along the way at a small business to browse books, eat lunch, or have a beer.

A new Milwaukee Green Team advisory committee appointed by Mayor Tom Barrett appears to be making headway on coordinating more action in the area of sustainability planning and management. The team consists of business leaders, academics, and government and community organization representatives. As part of their recommendations, the city and Mayor Barrett are working with the nonpartisan Apollo Alliance to jump-start clean-tech industry efforts recommended by the Green Team. The mayor is also set in 2006 to appoint a sustainability department director and support staff.