Milwaukee expected to increase parking citations in 2025
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's expecting to dole out a lot more parking tickets next year, anticipating that'll bring in an additional $2 million, but officials say it's not about the revenue, it's about evening out the playing field for all.
"Only two-hour parking on this side, but they're all parked here for their eight-hour-plus shift," one resident said on a video she took outside her house last week.
Residents at Fillmore and 51st are irritated. What used to be a quiet street's not that anymore.
"We've been here 23 years and 22 of them have been great, and this last year it's just been, it's been chaotic," said Jacob Flores, Milwaukee resident.
Flores says he's seen employees from a nearby business leave their cars just about anywhere they can find, or make a spot.
"So last week Thursday, they were a quarter way on the driveway, about to leave, and I couldn't even get out," said Flores.
Alderman Peter Burgelis, from the 11th District, says stories like these explain why there are parking rules in the first place.
"Parking regulations aren't just about making the city money, but having safe streets for pedestrians and for bikes and for cars," said Ald. Burgelis.
Milwaukee's handed out roughly 500,000 parking citations annually in the last three years, but starting next year, that'll go up as the Department of Public Works says they'll be fully staffed with parking checkers.
"Overnight parking is required. With fewer parking checkers in the last few years, you certainly might have gotten away with it," said Ald. Burgelis.
Multiple fines will also be going up for the first time since 2009. DPW says that's to stay in line with municipalities of a similar size.
Most parking tickets will be going up five or 10 dollars. The biggest jump's for illegally parking in a handicapped spot. Right now, that's a $200 fine. Next year it's $300.
"I think it's important to realize that the city, for the 2025 budget, is looking at every possible opportunity to save money and make the right investments and generate revenue that's appropriate for the city," said Ald. Burgelis.