MPS Referendum FAQs
When can I vote on the $252 million Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) referendum?
Residents can vote in person from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at their polling place on election day – Tuesday, April 2. In-person early voting is also an option through Saturday, March 30, at several area locations. To find your polling place, learn more about early voting opportunities or absentee voting by mail, visit the city of Milwaukee’s website.
Is this referendum a one-time funding request?
No. This referendum would permanently raise the MPS levy limit by $252 million annually when fully phased in. This increase will be funded, in large part, through property tax hikes.
How much will this referendum impact my property taxes?
The MPS portion of your property tax bill will increase by nearly 30 percent. This means the owner of a $200,000 property would pay an additional $432 annually.
Will renters have to pay for this referendum?
Yes. In a recent poll conducted by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), 50 property managers were surveyed and 90 percent said they would be increasing rents on tenants should this measure pass.
What other impacts will this referendum have on Milwaukee?
Milwaukee’s property taxes and housing costs are already high when compared to other Midwestern cities. A near 30 percent hike will only make our cost of living higher and paralyze growth within our community.
Does the ballot question indicate the referendum will be funded through property taxes?
No. The ballot question neglects to mention a 26 percent increase in residents’ property taxes. It simply asks voters for permission to raise the district levy limits incrementally through the 2027-28 school year and then permanently after that. This is why it’s important to educate family, friends, neighbors and other voters about the impact of this costly measure.
What is the exact language you will see on the ballot?
"Shall the Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee and Washington Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $140 million for the 2024-2025 school year; by an additional $51 million for the 2025-2026 school year; by an additional $47 million for the 2026-2027 school year; and by an additional $14 million (for a total of $252 million) for the 2027-2028 school year and thereafter, for the recurring purposes of sustaining educational programming, including offering career and technical education programs, attracting and retaining certified educators, and further improving art, music, physical education and language programs?”
Why is the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) opposing this referendum?
Without a clear and concise plan to improve academic outcomes for our community’s children, this $252 million measure is far too costly and will put further strain on family budgets already stretched thin.
Does the MMAC’s position on the referendum reflect its views on MPS schools?
MPS represents an integral part of region’s educational ecosystem, with more than 50 percent of students in Milwaukee attending one of its schools. A successful MPS is vital to the success of the region. Regardless of the referendum’s outcome, MMAC remains committed to partnering with MPS and all publicly funded school operators to ensure every child in Milwaukee receives a high-quality education.
