MKE on the QT

As I approach my eighth anniversary of living in Milwaukee, I feel fortunate to have landed in this very special place. Whether it was divine intervention or dumb luck, I’ll never know.

I had never been to Milwaukee prior to coming to interview for this job. During my 36-hour stay, I conducted an unscientific poll, asking anyone I encountered if they liked living here. The results were unanimous: People love this city. I even recall getting a few blank stares in response, as if to say, “What on Earth are you talking about? This is Milwaukee. Of course I like it here!”

I joined the ranks of the passionate almost right away, which was a new experience for me. In New York City, my former home, it’s mostly visitors who express unadulterated love for the city. Residents are more ambivalent – sure, I loved many aspects of life in New York, but my warm and fuzzy feelings were tempered by the tough slog of day-to-day life.

Once I settled into Milwaukee, something else became apparent: The citizens of our city are unusually civic-minded. Upon reflection, it makes sense. If you love a place, it follows that you would want to care for it and do what you can to make it better.

In this issue, we spotlight a number of people who are uber-passionate about this place we call home and are working hard to bring about positive change. These are the 2024 Unity Award honorees, each of whom is doing something unique to help improve the lives of different groups of people, knowing that a rising tide lifts all boats. Learn more about them starting on page 54.

And in our cover feature, we profile the mayor and the county executive, and hear how this current regime marks a sea change for our city.

A few months back, I had the opportunity to sit down with Mayor Johnson for a get-to-know-you session. I took advantage of this opportunity to discuss his plan to grow our population to a million. Sure, more people would certainly boost the economy, among other things. But Milwaukee is so nice the way it is, I told him. Not too crowded. Not too much traffic. In contrast to the tough slog of New York, Milwaukee is so easy and chill. Maybe, I suggested, our city motto should be: “Milwaukee – Shhh, don’t tell anybody!”

The mayor smiled. Then he shook his head no. And he’s right, of course. Our city is too good to keep it a secret.