Reclaiming Milwaukee: John Norquist on the Politics of Urbanism

In the second part of this Streetsblog interview, CNU President John Norquist discusses his tenure as mayor of Milwaukee and the politics behind making cities more transit-oriented and walkable.

1 minute read

April 2, 2009, 11:00 AM PDT

By Ben Fried


"As mayor of Milwaukee from 1988 to 2004, CNU President John Norquist made street life and urbanism top priorities. Some of his most notable achievements centered on the redevelopment of highway corridors with street grids and infill, culminating with the demolition of the Park East Freeway in 2002 -- one of the largest voluntary highway removal projects undertaken in America. Other projects, like the introduction of a light rail system, never reached fruition.

In this Q&A, Norquist discusses these victories and setbacks, and how federal policy can help cities and towns develop along a more urban path."

Monday, March 30, 2009 in Streetsblog

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