Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services presents 2026 budget, highlights short‑term rental crackdown, illegal‑dumping cameras and staffing shifts

The Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) presented its proposed 2026 executive budget to the Finance & Personnel Committee on Oct. 13, 2025, offering small net reductions in positions and salary costs while identifying enforcement priorities and technology upgrades.

DNS reported a total proposed operating figure of roughly $25.9 million and described operational gains in permit processing and complaint response. The department also told the committee it has identified about 1,300 short‑term rental listings that currently lack city licensing and intends to issue advisory letters with a 30‑day compliance window before formal enforcement.

DNS budget and staffing

Budget analyst Shaquita Winters told the committee the department’s 2026 proposed levy‑funded budget is $25,881,545, a roughly 1% decrease from the prior adopted budget, with salary costs reported at $14,927,619 (a 2% decrease). The 2026 proposal shows 254.5 FTEs and 290 total positions, a reduction of 1 FTE tied to a reorganization in special enforcement and other internal changes.

Commissioner Hesa Mila Arroyo Vega…