Mayor Johnson touts Milwaukee accomplishments, acknowledges ongoing challenges in State of the City address

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson delivered the annual State of the City address Monday afternoon, June 26, as he called for bold action to continue city growth and momentum.

Hundreds of people braved the wind to gather at the Summerfest grounds, where for more than a half-hour Mayor Johnson balanced celebrating the city's accomplishments of the past year with acknowledging the challenges that still need to be addressed.

Mayor Johnson told the crowd, "Today, the state of the city is promising."

It was a cautious endorsement Monday as Johnson delivered his State of the City address.

After it was over, he met with reporters and said, "The response, I think, has been really great. I think having a central point where everyone can rally around -one Milwaukee- is powerful."

Early and often, he ticked off a host of citywide accomplishments, saying, "Overall, our economy is strong."

But he also addressed ongoing concerns, like "some particularly glaring issues relate to the disparities affecting Black and Hispanic residents in Milwaukee."

He cited infant mortality rates, lead poisoning data, and health insurance coverage rates for minority residents.

And another theme was ongoing concerns with crime. Johnson said, "There is no magic solution to urban crime and violence. The causes are complex. The solutions are, too."

He spoke about reckless driving: "I'm sure you've seen our work. We are constricting lanes and adding crosswalk bump-outs."

And gun violence and access: "Today, again, I call on state and federal elected officials to start making the changes in gun laws that people in Milwaukee need."

Johnson said he supported implementing a 2% city sales tax to generate revenue, and in the address signaled support for legal challenges to the shared revenue law that puts restrictions solely on Milwaukee.

He told the crowd, "Milwaukee will not defy the law. However, we will find ways to follow through on our principles."

But he was evasive when later asked directly about the city filing suit against the state. "My goal, this whole time, much like in the state Capitol, just like it is on the Common Council, is to build compromise."

Throughout the day, Johnson consistently pushed his theme of "One Milwaukee," one city with a common goal to move forward. "Yes, it's ambitious. But let's be ambitious. Because Milwaukee's destiny is in our hands."

The State of the City address is usually delivered in February. But Mayor Johnson said it's not a requirement, so they started making plans to hold it during a warmer time of year at a venue that would help show off the city.