Milwaukee To Hire Vision Zero Czar

The mayor’s office has created a new position responsible for leading the charge on the city’s efforts to eliminate roadway deaths.

1 minute read

November 11, 2022, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Two women waiting to cross street facing Milwaukee Public Market sign

Wendy van Overstreet / Milwaukee Public Market

Milwaukee will soon gets its own ‘Vision Zero czar,’ a position responsible for coordinating the city’s Vision Zero efforts and leading the charge on eliminating traffic deaths.

In an article in Urban Milwaukee, Jeramey Jannene writes, “The policy is designed to make streets safer for all users, including drivers and pedestrians, by reducing the number and severity of crashes.” The new position, based out of the mayor’s office, will “elevate the importance of the effort,” according to Public Works Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke and Alderman Michael Murphy.

“According to Wisconsin Department of Transportation statistics, 87 people were killed in traffic fatalities in Milwaukee County in 2021, 101 in 2020 and 74 in 2019. Eighty-six fatalities have been reported in 2022,” prompting the city to adopt a Vision Zero policy in June.

One alderwoman has suggested delaying the start date of the position to offer a higher salary than the currently budgeted $53,957, which could help the city recruit a higher-quality candidate.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 in Urban Milwaukee

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