A Farewell from Mayor Reilly
DearWaukeshaResidents,
ServingasyourMayorforthepast12yearshasbeenagreathonor AsIpreparetoleaveoffice,Idosowithdeepgratitude, immensepride,andgreatconfidenceinthefutureofourcommunity
Together,wehavefacedchallenges,celebratedmilestones,andmademeaningfulprogressthatwillbenefitWaukeshafor generationstocome AmongtheaccomplishmentsIammostproudofareourtransitiontoLakeMichiganwatertoensuresafe, reliabledrinkingwaterforthefuture,thecontinuedrevitalizationofourDowntown,andthestrengthandunityourcommunity showedinthewakeoftheparadetragedy.
Overthepastdecade,wehaveinvestedininfrastructure,strengthenedpublicsafety,supportedlocalbusinesses,expanded recreationalopportunities,andremainedcommittedtobeingfiscallyresponsibleandforward-thinking.Noneofthese achievementsbelongtoonepersonalone.TheyaretheresultofcollaborationamongdedicatedCitystaff,electedofficials, communitypartners,volunteers,andengagedresidentswhocaredeeplyaboutwheretheylive Ihavebeencontinuallyinspiredbythepeopleofthiscommunity.Timeandagain,Ihaveseenneighborscometogetherindifficult moments,volunteersstepuptohelpothers,andlocalleadersworktirelesslybehindthescenestomakeourCitystronger That spiritofpride,resilience,andcompassioniswhattrulydefinesWaukesha
WhilemytimeasMayoriscomingtoanend,myloveforthiscommunityisnot IlookforwardtowatchingWaukeshacontinueto growandsucceedundernewleadership,confidentthatthefoundationwehavebuilttogetherwillsupportabrightandpromising future
Withwarmregards,
CityofWaukesha
Connected for Important Updates
Sprinkling Ordinance in Effect
TheCity’sannualsprinklingordinanceisineffect fromMay1toOctober1.Warningswillbegivenfor thefirstwateringviolation Subsequentoffenseswill resultinfinesasperordinance Violationsmaybe reportedanonymouslyat1-262-521-5272
Didyouknow,it’snotnecessarytowaterthelawn? Itisnaturalforthelawntoturnbrowninthe summer Itdoesn’tdie,itjustgoesdormant The greenlawnwillreturnwiththeautumnrain
TheCityofWaukeshaiscommittedto makinginformed,fiscallyresponsible decisionsthatreflecttheneedsand prioritiesofourresidents.Werecently completedseveralcommunity engagementinitiativestogatherbroad andmeaningfulinputfromresidentsto helpshapefutureCitypriorities,services, andfinancialplanning.
NationalCommunitySurvey
Earlierthisyear,theCityparticipatedinthe NationalCommunitySurvey(NCS),a statisticallyvalidsurveythatmeasures communitylivabilityandqualityoflife. Randomlyselectedhouseholdsreceived mailedinvitationstoparticipate,andan additionalsurveyopportunitywasmade availabletothebroadercommunityonline
DevelopedbytheNationalResearch CenteratPolco,thesurveyprovides valuableinsightintoresidentperspectives onCityservices,strengths,andareasfor improvement
Shaping Waukesha’s Future—Together
Making informed, fiscally-responsible decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of residents.
In-PersonFocusGroups
TheCityalsohostedaseriesofin-person focusgroups Thesesessionsbrought residentstogetherinsmallgroupsettings todiscusstheprograms,services,and prioritiesthatmattermosttothe community.Participantsshared thoughtfulfeedbackandperspectivesto helpCityleadersbetterunderstand communityneedsandexpectations
OnlineBudgetingandPriorityTools
Residentsarefurtherinvitedtoengage throughaninteractiveonlinebudgeting andprioritizationtool.Thisplatform allowsparticipantstoexplorerealfinancial data,considerthechallengesofbalancing limitedresources,andprovideinputon howfundingshouldbeallocatedacross variouscommunitypriorities.Residents canalsoviewthebreakdownofhowthe Cityportionoftheirpropertytaxbill supportsCityservices
YoucanparticipatebyfollowingtheQR codetotheright.
NextSteps
Theinformationgatheredthroughthe survey,focusgroups,andonlinetoolswill becompiledandanalyzed.Oncecomplete, theresultswillbesharedwiththeCity Councilandwillhelpinformfuturebudget discussionsandlong-termplanning efforts
TheCityappreciatesthetimeandinput providedbyresidentswhoparticipatedin theseengagementopportunities Your involvementplaysanimportantrolein guidingWaukesha’sfuture
StayUptoDate
Theeasiestwaytostay uptodate,stayengaged, andcontinuetobeapart ofthisprocessisby visitingourwebsiteat: waukesha-wigov/plantogether
Upgrade Your Home, Save Water, and Get Some Money
TheCity’sconservationprogramincludes incentivesandrebatestoencourage reducingwaterusage.
WaterSoftenerRemoval
AspartofthetransitiontoLakeMichigan water,theCityhasanobligationtoreduce theamountofsaltreturnedbacktothe lake.LakeMichiganwateris60%softer thanthepreviousgroundwatersupply Ifyouremoveyourwatersoftener,not onlywillyoueliminatethehandling andcostofsalt,butyouwillalsosave moneybynothavingtopayforthewater usedwhenthesoftenerregenerates
AspartoftheCity’swaterconservation requirements,theCleanWaterPlant,in partnershipwiththeWaukeshaWater Utility,isofferinga$150rebatetoqualified customerswhoremoveanddisposeof theirwatersoftener.Learnmoreat: waukesha-wigov/watersoftener
ResidentialToiletRebate
Replaceatoilet(from1993orolderwith 35gallonsperflushormore)witha WaterSense-labeledtoilettogetupto$100 pertoilet!
ShowerHeadRebate
Replaceashowerhead(from1992orolder withaflowrateof2.5gallonsperminute), withaWaterSense-labeledshowerheadto getuptoa$25rebate.
RainBarrelRebate
Rainbarrelsareagreatwaytocollect rainwateranduseittowaterlawnsand gardenswithoutimpactingyourwaterbill
Rainbarrelscansavehomeownersabout 1,300gallonsofwaterduringthesummer Ifyoupurchaseanew,50-gallonorlarger rainbarrelyoucangetupto$20inrebates perrainbarrel(limit2).
Formoreinformationabouttheserebates visit:waukesha-watercom/rebates
Overthepastdecade,theCityof Waukeshahasmadesignificant investmentstoreducefloodingand strengthenstormwaterinfrastructure acrossthecommunity In2014,theCitycompleteda comprehensiveStormWaterManagement Planthatidentified10areaswithknown floodingconcerns.Sincethen,theCityhas beensystematicallyadvancingtheflood mitigationprojectsoutlinedinthatplan, focusingonimprovementsthatprovide long-termprotectionforneighborhoods, roadways,andpublicspaces.
KeyFloodMitigationProjects
Severalmajorprojectshavealreadybeen completedaspartofthisongoingeffort: GreenmeadowDrive/NorthHighSchool Area
Thisprojectmarksthefinalphaseofflood mitigationimprovementsintheareaand willbecompletedthisspring Work included:
Upsizingstormsewerpipesalong GreenmeadowDr andSherrylLn Installinganewstormsewerbehind thegrandstandandsouthofthe footballfieldatNorthHighSchool Regradingandwideningtheopen channelatNorthHighSchool, increasingitscapacityfrom approximately10feetwideatthe bottomand20feetatthetopto15feet wideatthebottomand40feetatthe top
Theseimprovementsbuildonearlier stormwaterupgradescompletedalong SummitAvenuein2019andalong MichiganAvenuein2022 Together,the projectsweredesignedtoreduceflooding alongSummitAvenuenearSylvanTerrace andMorganAvenue,aswellasalong GreenmeadowDrive.
Flood Mitigation Efforts Making a Difference
improvewaterflow.
Replacingandupsizingsevenculverts withlargeboxculverts,some measuringupto10feetwideby4feet high
Theseupgradesweretargetedtoaddress repeatedfloodingissuesreportedalong
AspartofthereconstructionofE
MorelandBoulevardin2015–2016,theCity installedanew66-inchdiameterstorm sewerextendingnearly5,900feetfromthe LesPaulParkway/WolfRoadintersection westtotheFoxRiver.
Thismajorimprovementwasdesignedto eliminatefrequentroadwayfloodingjust westofWolfRoadandtoreduce downstreamfloodingimpactsalong GreenwayTerraceandOscarStreet
AMajorCommunityInvestment
Since2014,theCityhasinvested approximately$191millioninflood mitigationandstormwaterinfrastructure improvements Theseprojectsrepresenta long-termcommitmenttoprotecting residents,property,andcritical transportationroutes
MeasuringtheImpactDuring MajorStorms
Recentrainfalleventshighlightboththe challengesofextremeweatherandthe importanceoftheseinvestments
June7–12,2008:Approximately9.2 inchesofrainfelloverseveraldays August9–10,2025:Rainfalltotals rangedfromabout45to63inches acrossthecity,howevermuchofitfell injustfivehours.
TheAugust9-10stormhasanAnnual ExceedanceProbability(AEP)of0.1%to 05%,meaningthereisonlya01%to05% chanceofsuchaneventoccurringinany givenyear roughlyequivalenttoa200 to1,000-yearstorm Thisplacesthe2025 storminasimilarcategoryofseverityas thehistoric2008event
Whilenostormwatersystemcan completelypreventfloodingduringevery event,Waukesha’srecentexperience suggeststhattheCity’sinvestmentsare makingameaningfuldifference During theAugust2025storm,someareasdid experienceflooding,butthenumberof affectedlocationsandtheseverityof impactswerereducedcomparedtopast majorstorms
ContinuingtheWork
Floodmitigationisanongoingeffort As weatherpatternscontinuetoproduce intenserainfallevents,theCityremains committedtoimprovinginfrastructure, maintainingwaterways,andimplementing projectsthatreduceriskandincrease resiliencefortheentirecommunity.
Why Do Some Properties Stay Vacant So Long?
WhatRoleDoestheCityPlay?
TheCityofWaukesha’sCommunity Developmentteamactivelyworksto encouragereinvestmentinvacantand underusedproperties.Theirfocus includes:
Supportingprojectsthatfitthe surroundingneighborhood Ensuringpropertiesaresafeand properlymaintained. Helpingguideredevelopmentthrough planningandzoningprocesses. However,redevelopmentisn’talwaysas simpleasitmightseem.
WhenPropertiesArePrivatelyOwned Manyvacantbuildingsandlotsare privatelyowned.Inthosecases,theCity’s authorityislimited
WhiletheCitycanrequireownersto maintainbasicsafetystandards,it generallycannotforcesomeonetosell, redevelop,orupgradetheirproperty. Propertyownersareallowedtochoose whattheywanttobuildaslongasit followszoningregulationsandplanning requirements Sowhileneighborsmight hopeforacaféorshop,theownermay pursueadifferenttypeofallowed development.
WhentheCityOwnstheProperty
EvenwhentheCityownsaproperty, redevelopmenttakestime
Successfulprojectsrequire:
Therightdeveloper. Afeasibleplan Financingandconstruction resources
Sometimesyoumayseeapro approvedbutnoticenoconst happeningyet.Delayscanha manyreasons,including: Risingconstructioncosts. Financingchallenges Supplychainissues. Marketconditions.
Thesefactorsareoutsidethe controlbutcansignificantlyimp projecttimelines
Talkin’ Waukesha Podcast
DoyouwanttolearnmoreabouttheinsandoutsoftheCityofWaukesha?
TheBottomLine
TheCityiscommittedtosupporting thoughtfuldevelopmentthatstrengthens neighborhoodsandmakesgooduseof property.Butredevelopmentdependson propertyowners,marketconditions,and privateinvestmentandthosefactorsdon’t alwayscometogetherquickly
Ifyouhaveanyquestions,youcanfollow upwithourCommunityDevelopment Departmentviaemailat commdev@waukesha-wi.govorcallusat 1-262-524-3750
Wehaveamonthlypodcastthattalksaboutevents,importanttopics,andkeyissues residentscareabout YoucaneasilystayinformedaboutthingsgoingoninWaukesha! ListenonyourfavoritepodcastplatformorstreamtheepisodesontheCity’swebsite: waukesha-wi.gov/podcast
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 two elections already and two more 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. With so much at stake, 2026 is an important year to stay engaged, informed, and ready to vote.
Upcoming Election Dates:
Partisan Primary: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
RegisteringtoVote
Youcanregistertovoteonlineupto20 daysbeforeanelectionatmyvotewigov Ifyoumissthatdeadline,youcanstill registertovoteattheCityofWaukesha Clerk’sofficein-personuntil5:00p.m.on theFridaybeforetheelectiondayorinpersononthedayoftheelectionatyour pollingplace.
Ifyou’renotsureifyou’reregisteredto voteorifyouneedtoupdateyourhome addressornameonyourregistration,you candosoonlineatmyvote.wi.gov/registerto-vote.
What’sonMyBallot
Beinganinformedvoterisakeypartof yourdutiesasavoter,andthatstartswith knowingwhatwillbeonyourballot Visit myvote.wi.gov/my-ballotandenteryour addressandyouwillbeabletoviewa sampleballot.
Sampleballotsbecomeavailableonline typically47daysbeforeanelectionfor federalcontestsand21daysbeforestate andlocalcontests
New This Year
Waukesha is utilizing Badger Books, an electronic poll book to check-in voters, issue voters numbers, and more! Learn more about Badger Books in our Talkin’ Waukesha Podcast episode with the Clerk’s Office staff.
waukesha-wi.gov/podcast
Where Do I Vote?
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, 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.
WanttoVoteAbsentee?
Youhaveacoupleoptionsavailable
RequestanAbsenteeBallot
Wisconsinvoterscanreceivetheir absenteeballotbymail,butyoumust requestthembytheThursdaypriortothe electionday Youmustrequestan absenteeballotforeachelectionorfor eachyear,unlessyouareunabletogetto yourpollingplaceonElectionDaydueto age,illness,disability,orinfirmity Inthose cases,pleaseselect“indefinitelyconfined elector”whenrequestinganabsentee ballotandyourballotwillmailedtoyoufor eachelectionautomatically.Youcan requestanabsenteeballotbymailat myvotewigov
VoteIn-PersonEarly
Voterscanvotein-personatWaukeshaCity HallbeginningtwoweeksbeforeElection Day In-personabsenteevotinghoursare publishedonourwebsiteatwaukeshawi.gov/voting.
Property Tax Installment Reminder
Ifyoupayyourpropertytaxesin installments,thefinalinstallmentis dueMay31,2026.
Youcanpayonline(Waukeshawi.gov/taxes),atanyWaukeshaState Bankbranchlocation,bymail(201 DelafieldSt.,Waukesha,WI53188),at thedrop-boxattheWaukeshaPublic Library(locatedinthebookdrop l ) tW k h Cit H ll(201
Upcoming Scheduled City Office Closures
TheCityofWaukeshaCityOfficesare typicallyopenfrom8:00am to4:30 p.m.onMondaysthroughFridays.
Duringtheupcomingfollowing holidays,CityOfficeswillbeclosed:
MemorialDay Monday,May25,2026
IndependenceDay Friday,July3,2026
LaborDay Monday,September7,2026
Thankstoourfirstresponderswho willbeworkingovertheholidays!
Upcoming Projects
As part of the approved 2026 CIP, there are a number of important projects that you will see taking shape this year!
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 disruptions along the way, the overall goal is simple: to make everyday spaces a little easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.
UpcomingRoadConstructionProjects
In2026theCityhasbudgetedforworkon streetrepairs,bridges,sidewalks,lighting andmore
MinorStreetReconstruction&Utility Improvements
Throughthisproject,residentialstreetsare reconstructed.Inaddition,utilitiessuchas sewer,waterandgasareupdated,as needed In2026workisexpectedtotake placeontheseroads:
ProspectAve (DelafieldSt toendof road).
StartDate:March2026
BidwellAve (DelafieldSt toendof road).
StartDate:March2026
DavidsonRd.(MainStreettoHillcrest).
StartDate:June2026
EndRd..;MapletonCt..;CherryCt.; EmeraldCt;RoyalCt
ProjectedStartDate: Spring/Summer2026
ConcretePavementRehabilitation
Wherecompletereconstructionisnot necessary,substantialreplacementof deterioratedslabsofconcretepavedroad canextendtheusefullifeoftheroadfor another25years.Streetsplannedfor2026: S PrairieAvenue(PhilipDr toCity Limits)
MainSt (ManhattantoSTH318) CavalierDr
ProjectedStartDate: J /J l 2026
Alleyreconstructionisplannedfor:
Alley#41(BorderedbyWabash,Scott, FrameandGrand)
Alley#34(BorderedbyGrand,Wilson, Scott,Harrison)
ProjectedStartDate: May2026
TrafficSignalUpgrade
TheCityownsandmaintains69traffic signals Everyyear,theCitytriesto upgradeatleastonetrafficsignalwhich canincludereplacingunderground conduits,wiring,controllerunitsandmore In2026workisplannedfor: TrafficSignalatN MorelandBlvd and MichiganAve.
ProjectedStartDate: June2026
New Sludge Dryer at Clean Water Plant
Thisyear,theCitywillbegin constructionofanewsludgedryerat theCleanWaterPlant,animportant investmentinefficient,sustainable wastewatertreatment.
Thesludgedryerwillremove additionalmoisturefromtreated solids,convertingthemintoClassA biosolids,thehighestsafety standard.Thisprocessallowsfor beneficialreuseofthematerialasa fertilizer.
Bydryingthematerial,theCitywill reducehaulinganddisposalcosts, lowerenvironmentalrisks,and improvelong-termoperational efficiency.
Summer Safety Tips from Waukesha Public Safety
Asthetemperaturesrise,theWaukeshaPoliceandFire Departmentswanttoensurethateveryonehasasafeand enjoyablesummer Herearesomeessentialsafetytipstokeep inmind:
Pedestrian&BicycleSafety
Usecrosswalksandobeytrafficsignals whenwalking Wearahelmetandbrightclothing whencycling.
Stayondesignatedbikepathsand alwaysbeawareofyoursurroundings CrimePrevention
Lockdoorsandwindowsathomeand inyourvehicletopreventtheft.
Becautiouswhenpostingvacation plansonsocialmediatoavoidalerting burglars.
Reportanysuspiciousactivitytolaw enforcementimmediately
Online&PhoneSafety
Bewareofsummervacationscamsoffering“free”tripsor dealsthatseemtoogoodtobetrue
OpenFires
Neversharepersonalinformationoverthephone,unless youinitiatedthecall
Watchoutforfraudulentrentallistingsifbookingvacation staysonline.
Police Special Needs Form
Weknowwarmerweatherhasmanyofusanxioustogetoutside Inresidentialareas,openfiresarepermittedbetweenthehoursof 3:00p.m.andmidnightprovidedthatcertainrequirementsaremet suchas:
Notconductedlessthan25feetfromanystructure,tree,shrub, bush,fenceorcombustiblematerial
Conductedinabelow-groundfirepitorinanoutdoorfireplace. Notpermittedwhenthewindspeedsexceed10milesperhour. YoucanreadthefullcodeontheCity’swebsiteat: waukesha-wi.gov/codebook.
GrillingSafety
Readytofireupthegrill?OurFireDepartmentremindsyouof thesesafetytipssoyoucanenjoyyourcookout:
Keepthegrillatasafedistancefromyourhome,deckrailings, andoverhangingbranches
Neverleaveyourgrillunattended.
Cleanthegrillaftereachusetoavoidflare-upsfromgrease build-up
Keepchildrenandpetsatleastthreefeetawayfromthegrill area
Let'smakethissummerall aboutgoodfoodandgreat times,withouttheemergency calls!
Staysafe,andhappygrilling!
WewanttohighlightatoolthathelpsourPoliceofficersbettersupportindividualswith memoryloss,cognitiveconditions,orotherspecialneeds.
OurSpecialNeedsFormallowsfamiliesandcaregiverstosharehelpfulinformationwith theWaukeshaPoliceDepartmentincluding:
Triggersorsensorysensitivities Communicationpreferences EmergencyContactInformation
Havingthisinformationaheadoftimecanmakeabigdifferenceduringaninteraction, helpingofficersrespondinacalm,informed,andsupportiveway
Ifyouoralovedonecouldbenefit,weencourageyoutocompletetheformonour websiteathttps://waukesha.readyop.com/fs/4cjQ/a110orbyscanningtheQRcode.
PleasenotethatthisisonlyforresidentsoftheCityofWaukesha
WaukeshaFireDepartment,Police Department,andPublicLibrary! Experiencevehicletours,dronedemos, CPRtraining,K-9appearances,and morefunactivities!
FramePark:Thurs,June25,2026
GrandviewPark:Wed.,July22,2026
BethesdaPark:Tues.,August11,2026
Proper Disposal Matters
Making assumptions on how to dispose of items can lead to excess in landfills and possible pollution. Don’t just assume, learn the correct methods with our Disposal Guide.
Doing some cleaning? Need to get rid of some items but not sure where to start? Check out our online disposal guide at waukeshawi.gov/disposalguide to help you dispose of various household products. We have put some common summer items below. Please note, only City of Waukesha residents may dispose of yard material or accepted landfill trash materials at the Drop-Off Center (and these materials must come from within the City of Waukesha).
PropaneTanks
Neverplacepropanetanksinyour curbsiderecyclingortrashbins
Evenifthey'reempty,thesecontainers poseserioussafetyrisksforcollection crewsandrecyclingfacilities Whattodo instead? Returnthemtoalocalretailstore orbringemptytankstotheCity’sDrop-Off Center(750SentryDr.).
Landscape Plastic Containers & Trays
Plastic pots, containers, and trays are contaminated with dirt and debris, even when rinsed. Residents are encouraged to check with their local nursery or garden store to see if a take-back program is offered. Containers should be disposed of in their trash containers if reuse is not an option.
Sometimesweforgetthatthetoiletisnotatrashcan Allwipesanddisposablecleaning productsbelonginthetrash.Flushingwipesandotherproductsdownthetoiletcan causeproblemsintheCity’ssewersystem Eventhoughsomeproductsarelabeled “flushable”theyshouldnotgodownthetoiletastheycanclogthesewersystem, contributingtocostlycleanupsandbasementbackups
CommonOffenders(needtogointhetrashcantodispose)
Disinfecting wipes
Paper towels
Shop towels/rags
Baby wipes
Swiffer mop refills
Toss-in toilet bowl wands
Towelettes
Shampoos (and other personal care products)
2026 E-Waste Recycling Schedule
Certainelectronics(includingTVs)arebannedfromthelandfill byWisconsinstatelawandshouldnotbeplacedinthegarbage orrecyclingcart TheCityholdsspeciale-wasterecyclingevents forresidentstobringthesematerialsforproperrecycling. The2026DropoffEventswillbeheldfrom9:00a.m.tonoon. Entertheeventat600SentryDrive
Saturday,April25
Saturday,July25
Saturday,October24
Thereisacostof$25perTVand$10percomputermonitor.All otheraccepteditemsarecollectedfornocharge Youcanview thelistofaccepteditemsontheCity’swebsite: waukesha-wigov/ewaste
Garden Hoses
Hoses can tangle around recycling sorting equipment and cause damage or endanger workers. Residents should dispose of old hoses in their trash containers.
Check out our online disposal guide at waukeshawi.gov/disposalguide
Garbage & Recycling Reminders
Allcontainersmustbeoutby6:00a.m.onpickupday.Ifthe materialsarenotoutontime,thegarbageand/orrecyclingtrucks willnotreturnforalatesetout
Holiday Garbage & Recycling Delays
MemorialDay-Monday,May25,2026
NopickupswilltakeplaceonMemorialDay.Allgarbageand recyclingpickupsarepushedbackonedaywiththenormal FridaycollectionstakingplaceonSaturday,May30,2026 Forupdatesandpickupschedulesvisit: waukesha-wi.gov/garbage
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