Lee Matz, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Milwaukee’s Rapid Transit plan outlined at public forum

Posted by Lee Matz | Apr 13, 2016 |

Milwaukee County and MCTS held the first of two public meetings this week to get input on the Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study. Milwaukee County officials asked for public input during their first presentation of a proposed transit system on April 12 at O’Donnell Park. The bus rapid transit (BRT) would initially be a seven-mile east-west corridor connecting downtown Milwaukee with the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC) and Milwaukee County Research Park (MCRP). The route connects a mix of commercial locations and residences. Currently in the feasibility study phase, a BRT would provide a faster public transportation system for...

Photo Essay: Review of Milwaukee’s proposed BRT line

Posted by Lee Matz | Apr 13, 2016 |

Milwaukee County and MCTS held the first of two public meetings this week to get input on the Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study.

Photo Essay: Political possibilities at Founders Day Gala

Posted by Lee Matz | Apr 4, 2016 |

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin (DWP) held its Founders Day Gala at the Wisconsin Center on April 2. The event was partly a celebration, and partly a last pitch by the two Democratic Presidential candidates before Wisconsin’s Spring Primary held on April 5. Many of those in attendance are running for various local and state-wide offices, to be decided this Tuesday. The Photo Essay captures a moment before the election when anything is still possible. “There is one campaign which has created an enormous amount of excitement and enthusiasm, and that is our campaign.” – Senator Bernie Sanders “Think about all...

Joel Brennan: Public service outside public office

Posted by Lee Matz | Mar 31, 2016 |

From working on election campaigns for Tom Barrett to his own bid for political office, Joel Brennan redirected his passion for public service to building a vibrant cultural community within Milwaukee to inspire a generation of children with the possibilities of science, and a transformative education that gives underprivileged youth the foundation to dream about future careers in water technology. | Q&A with Joel Brennan Milwaukee Independent: Who was your mentor growing-up, or the most influential person on your development? Joel Brennan: I grew up the second youngest of 11 kids, so I didn’t lack for mentors and influences in...

Joel Brennan: A journey of culture and discovery

Posted by Lee Matz | Mar 31, 2016 |

From working on election campaigns for Tom Barrett to his own bid for political office, Joel Brennan redirected his passion for public service to building a vibrant cultural community within Milwaukee.

White House Summit to spotlight Milwaukee for water innovation

Posted by Lee Matz | Mar 22, 2016 |

“Milwaukee is the Silicon Valley of water innovation right now.” – Ali Zaidi The Obama Administration will host the first-ever White House Water Summit during World Water Day to raise awareness of the national importance of water. As part of the March 22 meeting, the City of Milwaukee will announce that the International Water Association will be establishing its first North American regional office in Milwaukee. The city will also introduce a new partnership with the Water Council, the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and Marquette University. The aim of this collaboration will be to build or attract water-focused...