A Message from Mayor Reilly
DearWaukeshaResidents,
I’mproudtointroduceTheWaukeshaCurrent anewwayto stayconnectedtoyourcity Thispublicationisdesignedtokeep youinformedabouttheservices,projects,andinitiativesthat shapedailylifehereinWaukesha
TheWaukeshaCurrentwillbringyouupdatesonpublicsafety, infrastructureimprovements,communityprograms,andother cityinitiativesallinonetrustedsource Ifyouwereusedto lookingforsomeinformationinTheWorksSpace,orthrough pagesoftheActivityGuide,youwillnowfindithere,alongwith otherCityinformation.Ourgoalissimple:toensurethatevery residentcaneasilyaccessaccurate,timelyinformationabout what’shappeningintheirlocalgovernment
Stay Connected for Important Updates
Follow @CityOfWaukesha on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates on news, events, and so much more! waukesha-wi.gov/connect
Waukeshacontinuestogrowandevolve,andsodoestheway wecommunicatewithyou.Whetherit’snewsfromCityHall, progressoncapitalprojects,orimportantsafetyinformation, thismagazinereflectsourcommitmenttotransparency, collaboration,andconnection
Iinviteyoutoexplorethesepages,learnmoreaboutthe peopleandprojectsshapingourfuture,andshareinthepride ofcallingWaukeshahome
Withwarmregards
Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to get news and updates right to your inbox! waukesha-wi.gov/newsletter
Planning Home Remodeling or Improvements?
Spring and summer are ideal times to enhance your property with projects like installing a swimming pool, building a new deck, or repaving your driveway. However, before you begin, it's crucial to understand the local regulations and obtain the necessary permits to ensure your project is safe, legal, and up to code.
SwimmingPools
Ifyou'reconsideringaddingaprivate swimmingpool,beawarethattheCityof Waukesharequiresallswimmingpoolsto beenclosedbyadetachedwallorfence.
Forinformation,visit: waukesha-wi.gov/residentialpools
Driveways
Planningtorepaveorinstallanewdriveway? Since2002,alldrivewaysinWaukeshamust besurfacedwithconcrete,asphalt,orbricks designatedfordriveways
Forinformation,visit: waukesha-wi.gov/driveways
nd
Decks
Buildinganewdeckrequiresadherence totheWisconsinUniformDwellingCode andlocalzoningrules Abuildingpermit isrequired,alongwithdetailedplansand asitesurvey.
Formoreinformation,visit: waukesha-wigov/decks
If you have questions or need guidance on how to get your project started properly, the Community Development Department is here to help. You can visit them on the 2 Floor of City Hall, located at 201 Delafield Street or call them at 1-262-524-3530 on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Becausethelevylimitrulespreventthe Cityfromraisingadditionalpropertytax revenuetocovertheseincreased expenses,achangeisnecessary.
Beginningwiththeupcomingtaxbills, residentsreceivingcity-contractedsolid wasteservicewillseeaseparatecharge forgarbageandrecyclingservicesof $160.Thischargeisnotanadditional “new”cost,butratherarestructuringof howtheserviceisfunded.Previously, garbageandrecyclingwerepaidfor throughthepropertytaxlevy Bymoving thisexpenseoutsideofthelevylimit,the Cityisabletopreservefundingforother essentialservicessuchaspolice,fire,and publicworks
Thenewchargewillappearasalineon yourtaxbill,ensuringtransparencyin howtheservicesarefunded
Understanding Budget Challenges
Garbage & Recycling Charge
Likemanymunicipalitiesacross Wisconsin,theCityofWaukesha continuestofacebudgetchallengesdue tostate-imposedlevylimits.Levylimits arerestrictionssetbytheStateof Wisconsinthatcaphowmuchacitycan increasepropertytaxcollectionsfrom yeartoyear Whiletheselimitsare intendedtoprovidepredictabilityfor taxpayers,theyhavenotaccountedfor risingcostsofservices,inflation,ornew communityneeds
Overthelastseveralyears,theCityhas workedhardtomanagewithinthese constraintsbyfindingefficiencies, pursuinggrants,andcarefully prioritizingservices However,costs continuetoriseinareaswecannot control suchasfuel,labor,and contractualobligations
Tax Bills Will Be Mailed Soon
Taxbillsaremailedbymid-December. Thefullpaymentorfirstinstallmentis duebyJanuary31,2026.
Therearemanywaystopay:
1.PayOnline Visittax.waukeshacounty.gov.Youcan paywitheCheck,DebitorCreditCard (somefeesapply).
2.PayatanyWaukeshaStateBank
Bringyourtaxbillorpaymentstubto anyWaukeshaStateBankbranch locationduringbusinesshours.Hours andbranchlocationscanbefound onlineat:waukeshabank.com/aboutus/hours-locations Youdonotneedto beacustomerofthebanktopayyour taxesatWaukeshaStateBank.
Allchecksshouldbe madepayableto: CityofWaukesha
3.PayByMail
Paymentshouldbepostmarkedpriorto theduedateandcanbemailedto: Pleaseincludeanaddressedand stampedenvelopeifyouwouldlikea receiptorvisittax.waukeshacounty.gov andenteryouraddressortaxkeytoget yourreceipt.
Waukesha City Hall
Attn: Clerk/Treasurer Office 201 Delafield Street, Waukesha, WI 53188
4.24/7DropBoxes
TheCityofWaukeshahastwodrop boxesthatareavailable24/7.Oneis locatedatCityHall(201DelafieldStreet) totheleftofthefrontentrance.The otherislocatedatWaukeshaPublic Library(321WisconsinAvenue)inthe bookdrop-offlane.Paymentsdeposited inthedropboxeswillbeprocessedthe nextbusinessday.Pleaseencloseyour taxbillpaymentstubalongwithyour payment.
ThisapproachallowstheCitytomaintain high-qualitygarbageandrecycling serviceswhilekeepingcriticalpublic safetyandinfrastructureservicesfully funded
TheCityrecognizesthatanychangein feesissignificanttoresidents,andthis decisionwasmadeonlyaftercareful considerationoflimitedoptions.We remaincommittedtobeingresponsible stewardsoftaxpayerdollars, maintainingessentialservices,and planningforthefutureofour community.
FormoreinformationontheCity’s budgetandthegarbage/recycling specialcharge,pleasevisit waukesha-wi.gov/specialcharge.
5.PayIn-PersonatWaukeshaCityHall from8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.Monday-Friday(office willbeclosedonDec.24,Dec.25,Dec.31,and Jan.1).Cash,checkorcreditcard(feesapply) areaccepted.
Afewtipstoremember:
Ifyouareexpectingyourmortgage companytosendpayment,pleaseconfirm thatanddeterminetheanticipateddateof paymentwiththem.
Allchecksshouldbemadepayabletothe CityofWaukesha.Mortgageescrowchecks mustbeendorsedbyallparties.Ifyour nameisincludedasthepayee,besureto signthebackoftheescrowcheck. Youwillnotreceiveanysubsequenttaxbill mailingsafteryourtaxbill.Keepthe installmentcouponsincludedwiththebillto returnwithinstallmentpayments. Ifyoumailordrop-offyourpaymentand wantareceipt,visittax.waukeshacounty.gov orincludeaself-addressed,stamped envelopewithyourpayment.
Be in the know when it starts to snow!
With winter just around the corner it is important to know how the City goes about clearing streets and what is expected of you as a resident.
The City of Waukesha Streets Division is ready to clear the roads when the snow falls. The plowing plan varies depending on the snowfall, but generally it includes 41 routes with one truck assigned to each route.
Road Clearing Priority Order
1.Firstpriorityaremajorroadways, hospitalroutes,busroutes,hills,school areasandrailroadcrossings
2.Next,operatorsattendtosecond-tier streetsincludingneighborhoods.
3.Lastly,cul-de-sacsandalleysare serviced.Remember,theCityhasnearly 300cul-de-sacsandover100alleysinthe City,soitdoestakesometimebeforeall areasarecleared
Forsnoweventsof3"orless,ittakes approximately6hourstomake1pass throughtheentireroute Foreventsof over3"ofsnow,timescanvarydrastically basedontheevent
TheCitystrivestokeepallroadwaysas clearandsafelynavigableaspossible.We appreciateyourpatienceandcooperation!
Snow Emergencies
IftheCityissuesasnowemergency, novehicleswillbeallowedtoparkon aCitystreet.Duringasnow emergency,ifyourequireovernight parking,youwillbeabletoutilizethe followingparkingramps:
TransitCenterParkingRamp (212ESt.PaulAve.)
SouthStreetParkingRamp (241SouthStreet)
Havingcarsofftheroadallowsthe Citycrewstofullycleartheroadsand makesuretheyarepassable, especiallyforemergencyvehicles Ifa snowemergencyisdeclared,theCity willposttheinformationontheCity websiteandCitysocialmedia channels.Localmediawillalsobe alertedsoyoushouldseeitinthe areastheydisplayclosures.
Your Role When it Snows
ObserveOvernightParkingRulesVehiclesmayonlybeparkedonCity streetsfrom2am to5am withnight parkingpermits.
Vehicleswithovernight-parkingpermits shouldparkontheeven-numberedside ofthestreetontheeven-numbereddays andontheodd-numberedsideofthe streetonodd-numbereddays,excepton streetswhereparkingispermittedon onlyonesideatanytime Thedateat2 a.m.to5a.m.shalldeterminetheevenor theoddnumberoftheday Ifyoudonot needtoparkintheroad,pleaseavoid doingso
ClearSnow&IceFromYourSidewalksAllsnowandiceneedstoberemoved fromsidewalkswithin12hoursafterthe snowhasstoppedfalling.
ClearSnowAwayfromHydrantsRemembertoclearthesnowaround yourfirehydrantsocrewscaneasily accessitifneededinanemergency. Withover3,555hydrantsintheCity,we relyonresidentstohelpkeepthem clearaftereachsnow.
Save Water, Save the Environment, Save Money: Rebates Available
DuetonewDNRregulations,theCitymustlowerchloridelevelsinwastewater.The mainsourceofchlorideissaltfromwatersofteners.Allhouseholdsandbusinesses musteitherremovetheirsoftenerorhaveitprofessionallyoptimized—homeowners cannotdothisthemselves.
Removeyoursoftenerandgeta$150rebate Keepyoursoftenerandhaveitfullyoptimizedbyanapprovedcompanyfor yoursoftener’sbrand.
Forquestionsortoapplyfortherebate,visitwaukesha-wi.gov/softener. YoumayalsoqualifyforotherrebatesfromtheWaukeshaWaterUtility:
RebatesforResidentialcustomers:
$100forreplacingold,water-wastingtoiletsthatare1993orolder $25forreplacingoldshowerheadsthatare1992orolder $20forpurchasingandinstallingarainbarrel
RebatesforlargeMulti-Families,Commercial,Public,andIndustrialcustomers: $100forreplacingold,water-wastingtoiletsthatare1993orolder Incentivesforcustomizableprojectsthatimprovewater-useefficiency Fundingislimitedsotakeadvantageoftheseincentiveswhiletheylast! Visitwaukesha-water.com/rebatesforadditionalinformation.
Holiday Clean-Up
With extra parties, gifts, and decorations, knowing the best way to dispose of them in a responsible and sustainable way is important!
The holidays bring joy, celebration, and—let’s be honest—a lot of extra trash. From wrapping paper and shipping boxes to Christmas trees and string lights, it can be tricky to know what belongs in the recycling bin, what should go out for collection, and what needs special disposal. By recycling and disposing of holiday items properly, City of Waukesha residents can help keep our neighborhoods clean, reduce landfill waste, and give the season’s leftovers a new life. Here’s what you need to know:
Christmas Tree Disposal
Weallwanttorecyclethingstherightway,butsometimesfall intothetrapof“wish-cycling”orputtingitemsintothe recyclingthatwehopewillgetrecycled
We’vetriedtomakeiteasieronyouandhavemadealistof whattorecycleandwhattothrowoutorre-use!
PutintheRecycleBin
Emptycardboardandpaperboxes
Catalogs&salesads
Papergreetingcards(noelectronics)
Cartons(eggnog,creamer,whippedcream,etc)
Wrappingpapertubes
Normalrecyclables(plastics,cans,glass,&paper)
PutintheGarbage
Bubblewrap
Styrofoam
ReuseorPutintheGarbage
Iftheyhaven’tbeendestroyed,considersavingwrapping paper,bows,andribbonsandreusingthemagainnextyear Iftheyareunusable,thenputtheminthegarbagefor disposal
BringtotheDrop-OffCenter
Foodwaste(forcomposting)
ChristmasLights(scrapmetalrecycling)
City of
Recycling Right
CurbsideTreePickup
TheCityofWaukeshaDepartmentofPublicWorkswillpickup ChristmastreessetoutatthecurbinthemonthofJanuary. PleasesetoutyourChristmastreesontheterracearea(grassy areabetweenthesidewalkandroad)onthesamedayasyour garbagecollectionday Crewswillpickthemupastheyare ableto-plowingandotherprojectsmaytakepriority.
ThisserviceisofferedduringthemonthofJanuaryonly Any treeleftontheterraceafterJanuary31,2026willneedtobe removedbythepropertyowner.
TreePickupRules
1 ResidentsmaysetoutrealChristmasTreesONLY-no wreathsorartificialtrees
2.TreesMUSTbefreeoflighting,decorations,treestandsor anyotherobjects
3.TreesshouldNOTbeinbags,twineornetting.
Drop-OffCenter
ResidentsmayalsobringtheirtreestotheDrop-OffCenter (750SentryDrive)duringpublichours(Saturdays8:00a.m.4:00pm)fornochargeduringthemonthofJanuary
Garbage & Recycling Reminders
Garbage and recycling both occur on the same day of the week. Garbage is collected weekly and recycling is collected every other week The schedule for 2026 is now available online!
Learn More at: waukesha-wi gov/garbage
Reminder: All containers must be out by 6:00 a.m. on pickup day. If the materials are not out on time, the garbage and/or recycling trucks will not return for a late set out
Holiday Garbage & Recycling Delays
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Standard schedule for 12/22-24; No pickups on 12/25/25
Thursday & Friday pickups are each delayed by a day with normal Friday collections occurring on Saturday 12/27.
New Year’s Day
Standard schedule for 12/29-31; No pickup on 1/1/2026
Thursday & Friday pickups are each delayed by a day with normal Friday collections occurring on Saturday 1/3/2026.
Waukesha
2026 Garbage & Recycling Schedule
Plastic bags
2026 Elections
Make your plan—confirm your voter registration and find your polling location for the 2026 elections today.
The 2026 elections are shaping up to be a big year for Waukesha. With as many as four possible elections scheduled throughout the year, residents will have the chance to help shape leadership at nearly every level of government. Key offices on the ballot include the U.S. House of Representatives, Wisconsin’s Governor, State Senate and State Assembly, as well as seats on the State Supreme Court. Closer to home, Waukesha voters will also decide on important local leadership positions, including the Mayor and members of the Common Council (Alderpeople). With so much at stake, 2026 is an important year to stay engaged, informed, and ready to vote.
Upcoming Election Dates:
Spring Primary: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (if needed)
Spring Election: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Youcanregistertovoteonlineupto20daysbeforeanelection atmyvotewigov Ifyoumissthatdeadline,youcanstill registertovoteattheCityofWaukeshaClerk’sofficein-person until5:00pm ontheFridaybeforetheelectiondayorinpersononthedayoftheelectionatyourpollingplace. Ifyou’renotsureifyou’reregisteredtovoteorifyouneedto updateyourhomeaddressornameonyourregistration,you candosoonlineatmyvote.wi.gov/register-to-vote.
Partisan Primary: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Registering to Vote
Beinganinformedvoterisakeypartofyourdutiesasavoter, andthatstartswithknowingwhatwillbeonyourballot.Visit myvote.wi.gov/my-ballotandenteryouraddressandyouwill beabletoviewasampleballot.
Sampleballotsbecomeavailableonlinetypically47daysbefore anelectionwithfederalcontestsand21daysbeforestateand localcontests.
What’s on My Ballot
Once you’ve confirmed your voter registration, reviewed your ballot, and are ready to cast your vote, the final step is simply knowing where to go! Visit myvote.wi.gov/find-my-polling-place and enter your address and it will provide you with your polling location and polling hours. Please note there are updated polling locations so verify your polling location before you head out to vote.
Where Do I Vote?
Want to Vote Absentee?
Youhaveacoupleoptionsavailable RequestanAbsenteeBallot
Wisconsinvoterscanreceivetheirabsenteeballotbymail,but youmustrequestthembytheThursdaypriortotheelection day Youmustrequestanabsenteeballotforeachelectionor foreachyear,unlessyouareunabletogettoyourpolling placeonElectionDayduetoage,illness,disability,orinfirmity. Inthosecases,pleaseselect“indefinitelyconfinedelector” whenrequestinganabsenteeballotandyourballotwillmailed toyouforeachelectionautomatically Youcanrequestan absenteeballotbymailatmyvote.wi.gov.
VoteIn-PersonEarly
Voterscanvotein-personatWaukeshaCityHallbeginningtwo weeksbeforeElectionDay In personabsenteevotinghours
Interested in Running for Office?
ThisSpringtherewillbeelectionsfortheMayor,City Attorney,Judge,andthefollowingAldermanicDistricts: 2,3,6,7,10,and13
Anyinterestedcandidatescanpickupapacketof informationattheClerk'sOfficeorviewthematerials online.ThedeadlineforfilingCampaignRegistration Statements,DeclarationsofCandidacyandNomination papersis5:00p.m.onTuesday,January6,2026.
LearnMoreat: waukesha-wi.gov/runningforoffice -orCalltheClerk’sOfficeat262-524-3550
Upcoming Projects
As part of the approved 2026 CIP, there are a number of important projects that you will see taking shape this year!
GreenwayTerracePlayground
Theplayground,builtin1997,isworn andoutdated Abrand-newplayground willbeinstalledin2026toservethe neighborhoodandcommunity.
In 2026, residents will notice local improvements taking shape through the Community Investment Program (CIP). These updates include work on roads, parks and playgrounds, and other revitalization projects. While some projects may cause minor disruptions along the way, the overall goal is simple: to make everyday spaces a little easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.
Road Construction
In2026theCityhasbudgetedforworkon streetrepairs,bridges,sidewalks,lighting andmore.
Someofthelargerprojectsinclude:
MinorStreetReconstruction&Utility Improvements
Throughthisproject,residentialstreets arereconstructed.Inaddition,utilities suchassewer,waterandgasare updated,asneeded.In2026workis expectedtotakeplaceontheseroads:
ProspectAve.(DelafieldSt.toNW Barstow
BidwellAve (DelafieldSt toNW Barstow)
DavidsonRd (HillcrestDr toCity limits)
WilliamsSt (MapleAve toGrandAve)
AsphaltStreetResurfacing
Asphaltstreetresurfacingisacosteffectivemeansofprolongingthelifeof theCity’sexistingstreets.Portionsofthe followingroadswillberesurfacedthis year:
N PorterAve;HillsideDr;HarrisDr; PebbleValleyRd;WoodburnRd; WillowoodDr.;EasySt.;Cherrywood Dr;OaklawnAve;NortonAve;West EndRd..;MapletonCt..;CherryCt.; EmeraldCt;RoyalCt
ConcretePavementRehabilitation
Wherecompletereconstructionisnot necessary,substantialreplacementof deterioratedslabsofconcretepavedroad canextendtheusefullifeoftheroadfor another25years.Streetsplannedfor 2026: AirportRoad(MorelandBlvd to NorthviewRd.)
LeeCourt(RobertaAve toend) PearlStreet(FrederickSt.to CommerceSt)
PrairieTennisCourts
AlleyReconstruction
Alleyreconstructionisplannedfor:
Alley#41(BorderedbyWabash,Scott, FrameandGrand)
Alley#34(BoardedbyGrand,Wilson, Scott,Harrison)
TrafficSignalUpgrade
TheCityownsandmaintains69traffic signals.Everyyear,theCitytriesto upgradeatleastonetrafficsignalwhich canincludereplacingunderground conduits,wiring,controllerunitsand more In2026workisplannedfor: TrafficSignalatN.MorelandBlvd.and MichiganAve
Downtown Waukesha
FriedmanAlleyImprovements
ThisispartoftheFriedmanAlley placemakingplanwhichhasworkstarting in2025andcontinuinginto2026. Theplan includesnewsignage,lighting,and displaystructuresthatwillenhancethis Downtownspace,makingitbrighter, safer,andmoreartistic.
lightingenhancementsandsignage.
Parks & Playgrounds
Reconstructionofthecourts&conversion ofsomecourtstoPickleballcourts
MindiolaRestrooms&Pavilion
AnewbuildingattheMindiolaSports Complexwillproviderestrooms, concessions,andarentableindoorspace. Thecomplexcurrentlyonlyhasportable restrooms.
Pedestrian Bridge Study
Using a federal RAISE planning grant, the City will study two potential pedestrian or multi-use trail bridges across the Waukesha Bypass: one near Fox River Parkway and another near the New Berlin Trail crossing (between Pearl St. and Lincoln Ave.). The study will include feasibility, environmental review, & design. The grant covers 80% of the cost, with the City’s share included in the 2026 CIP.
Prepare Your Home for Winter
A few tips, tricks, and recommendations to keep you and your home safe this winter.
Winterbringsshorterdays,lowlight,andsnowyconditions, makingitharderfordriverstoseepedestrians.Whetheryou’re waitingfortheschoolbusorclearingyourdriveway,staying visibleiskeytosafety
As winter approaches, keeping your home safe and comfortable becomes a top priority. These practical insights and safety precautions are designed to help you navigate the colder months with confidence and ease.
Stay Safe From Carbon Monoxide
Cooler weather is here and we will be cozied up indoors. It's also the season when carbon monoxide (CO) risks increase.
Stay Visible, Stay Safe
TheCityofWaukeshapublicsafetydepartmentshave recommendationstostaysafeduringthewintermonths: Wearbrightjackets,hats,andglovesorconsideradding reflectivestripsoraccessoriestoincreasevisibilityto drivers
Usesidewalksandclearedpathwayswheneverpossible.If walkingalongroads,stayontheshoulderandwalkagainst traffictoseeapproachingvehicles.
Whenitcomestohomesafety,thelittlethingsoftenmattermost. Oneoftheeasiestwaystomakeadifferenceinanemergency? Keepyourhousenumbersclearlyvisible.
Emergencyresponderscanlosepreciousminuteshuntingforthe rightaddressifnumbersarehidden,faded,orblockedbyplants orsnow.Thatdelaycanbecritical.
Easy to Spot, Quick to Help
Ittakesasmallefforttokeepyouraddressnumbersilluminated visible.Inanemergency,thosefewextrasecondscouldsave lives!
Keep Pipes from Freezing
Winterbringsbeauty,snow,andunfortunately,theriskof frozenpipes Frozenpipescanburst,leadingtocostlywater damageandrepairs.Thankfully,afewproactivemeasurescan keepyourplumbingsafeduringthecoldmonths
1.InsulateExposedPipes
Pipesinbasements,attics,garages,orcrawlspacesare particularlyvulnerable Usingfoampipeinsulationorheattape toprotecttheseareas.EvenasimpleDIYinsulationcan significantlyreducetheriskoffreezing
2.SealGapsandCracks
Coldaircanenterthroughcracksaroundwindows,doors,and foundations Usecaulkorweatherstrippingtosealthesegaps, keepingcoldairawayfromvulnerablepipes.
3.DisconnectOutdoorHoses Drainandstorehosesindoors.Shutoffexteriorwatervalvesto preventfrozenoutdoorspigotsandconnectedpipes
Byfollowingthesesimpleprecautions,youcanminimizethe riskoffrozenpipesandenjoyaworry-freewinter.Alittle preparationnowcansavealotoftroublelater Ifyouneed additionalinformation,contacttheCustomerService DepartmentoftheWaukeshaWaterUtilityat262-521-5272
Many Legacies, One Celebration:
In 2026, City of Waukesha is celebrating our 130 anniversary of incorporation as a City.
th
ThisyearmarksaremarkablemomentinWaukesha’shistory! 130yearssincetheCity’sincorporation.Alongsidethismilestone, severalcornerstonedepartmentsarealsocelebratingmajor anniversaries:130yearsoftheWaukeshaPublicLibraryandthe WaukeshaPoliceDepartment,100yearsofboththefullypaidFire DepartmentandtheestablishmentofthefirstParks,Recreation andForestryBoard,and45yearsoftheWaukeshaMetroTransit. EachofthesemilestonestellspartofWaukesha’sstory oneof growth,service,andcommunity Formorethanacentury,theCity hasworkedtobalanceprogresswithconnection,ensuringthat publicsafety,lifelonglearning,recreation,andaccesstogreen spacesremainattheheartofdailylife.
Fromitsearliestdaystotoday,Waukeshahascontinuedtoevolve whilestayingtruetoitsroots.Acitybuiltoncommitment,care, andcommunitypride.
130 Years as the City of Waukesha
1896:Waukeshaofficiallybecomesacity.JohnBrehmiselected asthefirstMayor.
TheWaukeshaPoliceDepartmentandWaukeshaPublicLibrary arealsoestablished.
1902:Cityacquireditsfirstpark,CutlerPark
1904:OnJanuary6,1904,openingceremonieswereheldforthe AndrewCarnegie–fundedlibrarybuildinginCutlerPark
WeinviteyoutocelebratetheCity’sanniversarywithusatthe SpringCitySoiree,hostedattheWaukeshaCountyHistorical SocietyandMuseum,onFebruary4,2026from5:00pm to7:00 p.m.Therewillalsobeadditionalwaystocelebratethroughoutthe year
1926:ThefirstParksBoardwasestablishedonJune1,1926and waschairedbyCharlesF Schuetze(namesakeoftheSchuetze building) Theywere taskedwithhelpingtherapidlygrowing CityofWaukeshaprovidesuitableplaygroundsandparksspace TheVolunteerWaukeshaFireDepartmentwasdisbanded The CommonCouncilorderedafullypaidDepartmentof16men, plustheFireChief
1930:TheformerWaukeshaMunicipalHospitalisrepurposedto serveasCityHall
1934:WaukeshacelebratestheCentennialanniversaryofits founding(firstsettlerswereMorrisandAlonzoCutlerin1834)
1937:WaukeshaPoliceDepartmentmovesintotheirbuildingat 130DelafieldSt
1975:TheFireDepartmentestablishesthefirstparamedicUnit Alpha10 Thishelpedbringtheexpertiseoftheemergency roomdirectlytothescene
1981:WaukeshaMetroTransitisestablished NewFireStations #2,#3,#4wereopened
1991:WaukeshaPoliceDepartmentmovesintotheircurrent buildingat1901DelafieldSt
2018:NewFireStation#3openedonLesPaulParkwayand includesaPolicesub-station
2021:AnewCityHallopensduringWaukesha's125th anniversary,symbolizingthecity'sgrowthandcommitmentto servingitsresidentseffectively
2022:TheWaukeshaPublicLibraryhostsaribboncuttingafter theirfirst-floorrenovation.TheWaukeshaPoliceDepartment completedaremodelofthePoliceStation
Today:TheCityofWaukeshahas72,000+residents,50parks,an activeLibrary,andexcellentPoliceandFireservices.
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