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Residents urge prevention‑focused public safety investments, not larger police budget
Summary
Youth advocates and residents told the council to redefine public safety away from enforcement toward prevention—calling for youth programs, housing stability and services instead of bigger police budgets.
Youth leaders, advocacy groups and residents told the Milwaukee Common Council that public safety should prioritize prevention, services and housing over expanded policing in the 2026 budget.
Cristabel Martinez, a staff member with Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT), said the organization’s door‑to‑door work found public safety described by residents as ‘‘stability, opportunity, and care’’ rather than only enforcement. ‘‘Public safety as prevention, equity, and care,’’ Martinez said, urging the council to adopt a budget that ‘‘invests in people, strengthens our neighborhoods, and reflects the voices of Milwaukee’s Black, Brown, and working class communities.’’
Several young leaders from LIT and partner groups expanded on that theme. Markel Crawford, vice president of the Pathfinders Youth Action Board, told the council ‘‘safety doesn’t come from fear. It comes from opportunity’’ and urged more spending on mentorship, apprenticeships and youth development programs rather than responding after harm occurs.
Speakers argued that Milwaukee currently spends a large share of general fund dollars on public safety response while only a small fraction goes to prevention. ‘‘That means we’re spending the most on responding to harm after it happens, instead of preventing it in the first place,’’ Crawford said.
Other commentators urged investments in election administration, environmental health services and flood resilience as elements of a prevention‑oriented safety strategy. Selena Cruz of LIT recommended increased funding for the Milwaukee Elections Commission and environmental health services, citing ballot shortages during a spring election and recent flood damage in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Opposing voices at the hearing called for reduced police spending and greater investment in community services. Ron Jansen criticized what he called ‘‘infinite money on police’’ and said resources should be redirected to housing, health services and jobs programs.
No formal budget votes were taken during the hearing; speakers' recommendations will be considered during the budget review process.
