Regional Planning News

Draft 2027-2030 TIP Available for Public Review 

Comment Through September 24, 2026

The Commission is currently seeking public comment on the draft 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) listing all arterial highway, public transit, and other transportation improvement projects proposed to be carried out by State and local governments over the next four years in the Southeastern Wisconsin Region. Projects with federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation must be listed in the TIP, and projects in the TIP are required to be consistent with VISION 2050, the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The Commission receives proposed TIP projects from local governments, the State, and transit agencies. 

Following the public comment period, the draft TIP and any comments received will be considered by the Commission’s Advisory Committees for Transportation System Planning and Programming and the Commission for adoption and submittal to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for inclusion in the Statewide TIP. More information on the draft TIP, listed projects and online comment form can be found on the TIP website.

VISION 2060 Moves Forward

The VISION 2060 Committee met on September 2 to review and discuss inventory reports on land use, natural resources, and transportation infrastructure and services, providing a basis for understanding current conditions across the Region. These two reports, along with a report examining how recommendations from the current regional plan (VISION 2050) have been implemented, will be available soon for public review. Visit the VISION 2060 website to learn more, find upcoming events near you, and share your ideas through our brief online survey before October 31.

New Economic Development Strategy Underway

The Commission is continuing a regional collaboration with M7 (Milwaukee 7), M7’s Regional Economic Partnership (REP), and other stakeholders to prepare a new CEDS for Southeastern Wisconsin. The CEDS planning process brings together both public and business interests to develop a strategic plan for strengthening the regional economy and a plan of action to carry out the strategies. 

Once adopted, the 2027-2032 CEDS will supplant the 2021-2025 CEDS and will allow for communities and organizations in the Region to remain eligible for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding. Stay tuned for opportunities to provide input on the 2027-2032 CEDS later in 2026.

Welcome Commissioners Grossman and Holyoke

Congratulations to our new Commissioners, Mary Grossman, who was appointed to the Commission by the Governor’s office, and Rob Holyoke, who was appointed by the Ozaukee County Board.

Commission Updates Rock Lake Aquatic Plant Management Plan

We’ve just completed the Aquatic Plant Management Plan for Rock Lake in Kenosha County! The Commission updated this aquatic plant inventory and management study on behalf of the Rock Lake Restoration Association. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will use the study recommendations to evaluate the Lake’s aquatic plant community and draft an updated Aquatic Plant Control permit.

Draft Chloride Impact Study Report Presents Major Findings

Commission staff, with support from the Study technical advisory committee, recently completed the first six draft chapters of Chloride Impact Study Planning Report No. 57, that presents the major findings from the Study. These chapters cover topics ranging from the sources and impacts of chloride to a summary of chloride levels in our water resources and standards for streams, lakes, and groundwater. The remaining four chapters will cover options to manage chloride, monitoring techniques, future chloride conditions, and Study recommendations. Public comments can be submitted now on the completed draft chapters.

WUWM Spotlights Commission’s Work at Seminary Woods 

Senior Specialist-Biologist Zach Kron shared insights on the Commission’s long history of surveying the St. Francis Seminary Woods in Milwaukee County on WUWM’s recent Bubbler Talk.