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West Allis committee discusses idea of a single ZIP code; no formal action taken
Summary
Members of the Administration Committee held an informational discussion about whether West Allis should seek a single, exclusive ZIP code. Committee members and staff raised potential costs for businesses, delivery and insurance impacts and said there was not broad public demand at this time.
The Administration Committee of the West Allis Common Council discussed an informational item on establishing an exclusive ZIP code for the city, but took no formal action.
A councilmember summarized contacts with federal lawmakers and residents, saying a ZIP code bill introduced in another state prompted local interest: "So short of it is about within the last year, a congresswoman from Colorado had introduced a ZIP code bill that changed a lot of communities," the councilmember said. The member said they had heard directly from only one or two residents so far and that they had raised questions about costs to businesses to update addresses and how long forwarding would last.
Committee members and other aldermen said they had seen limited local demand. One alderwoman, speaking as both a resident and the alderman for her district, said delivery services and websites often default to Milwaukee: "My address is Milwaukee no matter what. If I try to put in West Allis, it tells me your package may not get to you," she said, noting practical delivery problems residents experience. Members also raised possible effects on auto insurance rates and earlier confusion tied to a regional sales-tax change and state Department of Revenue (DOR) interactions.
Officials noted that neighboring municipalities such as Greenfield and Glendale have also pursued single ZIP codes, and that West Allis has multiple ZIP codes in use. Committee members said they added the topic as an informational discussion to gauge interest; none voiced support for immediate action and several highlighted likely costs to businesses for reprinting materials and updating online information.
The committee did not direct staff to pursue a ZIP-code petition or other formal action. Members said they might revisit the item if more residents request exploration.
Background: speakers during the discussion referenced contacts with Congresswoman Moore and Congressman Fitzgerald about ZIP-code consolidation. The conversation was framed as an initial public-info discussion rather than a policy decision.
