2008

Annual Report

633 West Wisconsin AvenueSuite 406

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203phone: 414-276-8240

fax: 414-276-9962www.publicpolicyforum.org

From the chairman

Last year was highlighted by a record number of research reports and a return to the Forum’s roots as expressed in its founding mission statement in 1913: “…to promote

the adoption of scientifi c methods of managing and supervising municipal affairs…to cooperate with and facilitate the work of public offi cials…to collect, classify and analyze, correlate, interpret and publicize facts as to the administration of municipal governments and schools.”

When Rob Henken was hired a little more than a year ago as the Forum’s president, he told our board of trustees he wanted to tie more of our research to specifi c problems immediately before policymakers and the community. During Rob’s fi rst full year as president, the organization has made that shift, and its reputation of providing useful and productive guidance has been solidifi ed and enhanced. On such issues as transit, workforce development, parks and culture, the justice system, and city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County fi nances, the Forum has produced in-depth analysis and pos-sible courses of action to remediate fi nancial or structural problems.

All of this, of course, bodes well for keeping the Forum a vital and vibrant organization to which policymakers throughout southeastern Wisconsin can turn for nonpartisan research. That doesn’t mean, however, there aren’t challenges. The most signifi cant are the retention and addition of members, and the acquisition of funds for research. With a struggling economy, companies and organizations are assessing their involvement in the community beyond what is strictly needed to be a viable and profi table business.

That’s why the Forum’s aggressive research and event agenda, and its willingness to try new things, such as member-only events and partnerships with organizations that have similar policy interests, are so important. The Forum must maintain its relevancy in a time when every public and private expenditure is under intense scrutiny. Rob not only has an inclination for such innovation, but he has shown he can do it successfully.

After three years as chairman, I am stepping down…but not out of the organization. I want to thank Forum members and staff during the three years of my tenure, and presi-dents Jeff Browne and Rob Henken, for their steadfast support and work in making the Forum one of the premier non-partisan policy research organizations in the country.

Jim Barry III, a well-known and respected Milwaukee businessman, will become chair-man of an organization that is on a steady rise in productivity, integrity, and leadership. Jim’s involvement in civic affairs is signifi cant. Besides being a Forum vice chairman for the last several years, he is past president of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee and of the Milwaukee River Revitalization Foundation, as well as past chairman of the Greater Milwaukee Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Professionally, as president of Colliers Barry, Jim is intimately involved in the economic development of the region, having brokered hundreds of industrial, offi ce, and invest-ment transactions, and winning recognition from industry peers for his work.

I look forward to continuing my participation in the Forum as Jim guides it to even greater heights.

Cordially,

F. William Haberman Attorney, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Offi cers & trustees…

TRUSTEES

Chris AbeleArgosy Foundation

William R. Adams*William Adams Consulting

William G. Andrekopoulos*Milwaukee Public Schools

James T. Barry IIIColliers Barry, Inc.

Jeffrey M. BarthDeloitte Tax LLP

John P. BieverBadger Meter, Inc.

Bruce T. BlockReinhart, Boerner

Paul M. Bonaiuto*Journal Communications

Thomas A. BrophyMedical College of Wisconsin

Jeffrey C. Browne*Vietnomics

Tina M. ChangSysLogic, Inc.

Darnell E. Cole, Ph.D.Milwaukee Area Technical College

Richard A. Dieffenbach*Dieffenbach & Associates

Kathryn J. DunnHelen Bader Foundation

Allan E. Erickson, P.E.CH2M Hill

Susan F. FriebertMilw. Teacher Education Center

Michael G. GoodrichForest County Potawatomi

Community

Reed GroetheFoley & Lardner

F. William HabermanMichael Best & Friedrich

Michael HarriganEhlers & Associates, Inc.

Charles A. HarveyJohnson Controls, Inc.

Susan H. Hatch Hatch Staffi ng Services

Margaret J. Henningsen Legacy Bank

Edmund M. HenschelVirchow, Krause & Co

Kristine HinrichsMilwaukee Municipal Court

Thomas E. Hlavacek Alzheimer’s Assn. of SE WI

Christopher J. JaekelsDavis & Kuelthau, S.C.

Bruce A. Johnson Aon Corporation

Suzanne KelleyGE

Keith Kolb*Robert W. Baird & Co

Dennis J. KrakauAssociated Bank, N.A.

Warren L. Kreunen*North Shore Bank

James T. Kunz Earth Tech

Douglas M. MacNeil*MacNeil Associates, Ltd.

Paul MathewsMarcus Center for the

Performing Arts

David J. Mauer*

Daniel J. McCarthyTowne Investments

David G. Meissner*

James R. MillerM&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank

Charles C. Mulcahy*

Frederick A. Muth, Jr.*Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek

Karen OrdinansChildren’s Health Alliance

of Wisconsin

John J. Peterburs, Ph.D. Quarles & Brady LLP

Joan M. Prince, Ph.D.University of Wisconsin-

Milwaukee

Barbara A. Prindiville, Ph.D.Waukesha County Technical College

Kathleen Pritchard, Ph.D. Planning Council for Health

and Human Services, Inc.

Steven M. Radke Northwestern Mutual

Jeffrey J. Remsik*Bottom Line Marketing &

Public Relations

Lisa RobbinsJohnson Direct LLC

David J. RodgersBriggs & Stratton Corp.

Rachel RollerAurora Health Care

John Rumpf* Robert W. Baird & Co.

Mark SabljakThe Business Journal

Andrew Schiesl Quad/Graphics, Inc.

Roger H. Schroeder

Janet SlaterBloodCenter of Wisconsin

Art Smith*Keystone Travel Services

Richard A. Smith, M.S., P.E.R.A. Smith National, Inc.

Roger S. SmithA.O. Smith Corporation

Timothy W. SomersUS Bank

Howard A. Sosoff, CPABDO Seidman, LLP

Brian S. Swenson, P.E.HNTB Corporation

Julie SwiderskiWheaton Franciscan

Healthcare

Hermann Viets, Ph.D.Milwaukee School of Engineering

Richard L. Weiss

Rick White We Energies

Nicholas C. Wilson Jacobus Wealth Management

Mary Lou Young Rockwell Automation

Paul M. Ziehler City of West Allis

* Emeritus

ChairmanF. William Haberman

Vice ChairmanBrian S. Swenson

SecretarySusan H. Hatch

TreasurerRoger H. Schroeder

PresidentRobert E. Henken

Vice ChairmanJames T. Barry III

Vice ChairmanKristine Hinrichs

Our hope is for a southeastern Wisconsin that is socially and economically healthy and that deals decisively, responsibly, and in a timely manner with public issues. We will be the indispensable resource for objective research and analysis to guide and shape public policy.

We seek, discover, and disclose true and accurate information to enhance the effectiveness of government and public policy in southeastern Wisconsin, and we advocate for its use in the making of public policy.

Vision… Mission…

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Tax Increment Financing in Southeastern WisconsinTax Increment Financing (TIF) is southeastern Wisconsin’s largest eco-nomic development tool. With 176 TIF districts and $8.4 billion in prop-erty value, the collective tax base devoted to TIF districts in our region ranks behind only the city of Milwau-kee among the region’s largest tax bases. This Research Brief analyzes why TIF is used less in southeastern Wisconsin than the rest of the state and what it means to future growth.

Property value growth slows but still healthy in southeastern Wisconsin The annual Research Brief on south-eastern Wisconsin property values reveals growth of 6% in 2007, a relatively healthy rate but the slow-est since at least 2004, and for some counties, the past decade. The Brief

also discusses how proximity to northern Illinois may be a key factor in fueling strong growth.

Wisconsin’s Workforce Development SystemA resource map of Wisconsin’s workforce development system graphically depicts state and federal funding devoted to employment and training programs administered by the state. The accompanying Re-search Report warns of over-reliance on federal funds and suggests the need for restructuring and reform of the state’s workforce programming and funding.

EDUCATION/EARLY CHILDHOOD

Milwaukee voucher schools 2008-2009Directory of schools participating in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program.

Did compromise voucher law achieve intended purpose?In early 2006, Governor Doyle signed Act 125, codifying the legislative compromise that allowed the cap on enrollment in Milwaukee’s Parental Choice Program to be increased in exchange for greater accountability for the participating schools. This Research Brief reviews implementa-tion of accountability measures by Milwaukee’s choice schools.

Parents pleased with child care options and qualityA survey of 430 parents in south-eastern Wisconsin fi nds the majority are satisfi ed with the quality of their child care arrangements and their options for child care. A Research Brief discussing the survey results notes the contradiction between them and other research on child care quality in the region, which has found that the majority of providers are of mediocre quality.

Research…It’s what makes the Forum the Forum

MILWAUKEE

VOUCHER SCHOOLS

2008-2009

633 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 406

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203

www.publicpolicyforum.org (414) 276-8240

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In a direct reversal from last year, the 2007-08 achievement gap between schools in southeast Wisconsin and

those in the rest of the state, as measured by Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam (WKCE) standardized

test scores, narrowed in all subjects at all grade levels. Table 1 shows the percentages of those scoring

proficient and advanced, as well as the achievement gap between the region and the state for this year and

2006-07 expressed as a percentage point difference.Last year’s scores were the worst in four years in nearly all subject categories at all grade levels, as illustrated

in Chart 1, which shows 8th grade achievement gaps for the past four years. (In Chart 1, short bars indicate a

small achievement gap and tall bars indicate a large gap.) The 2007-08 scores at each grade level more closely

match the 2004-05 and 2005-06 scores. While the region lags the state in WKCE test scores and schools making adequate yearly progress, it exceeds the state in ACT scores and AP test scores.The region has worse truancy and dropout rates than

the state, matches the state in attendance, and exceeds the state in school spending.Many categories of analysis throughout this reportunderscore how districts facing urban poverty issues fare much worse on most measures than suburban and rural districts, though some smaller urban areas also face challenges. Southeast Wisconsin contains some of the most successful schools in the state, as well as some of the most distressed schools.

OCTOBER 2008

Public Policy Forum 633 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 406 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203 414.276.8240www.publicpolicyforum.org

Research and analysis: Jeffrey Schmidt, Researcher Samantha Leonard, Research Intern

Writing and editing: Melissa Kovach, Researcher Anneliese Dickman, Research Director Rob Henken, President

Table 1: WKCE test score gap in percentage proficient/advanced, region vs. state 2007-08

Chart 1: 8th grade score gap, region vs. state

Region’s schools narrow achievement gap with state

Research funded by:

Reading Math

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Grade 3rd 4th 8th 10th 4th 8th 10th 4th 8th 10th

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Rest of State 79.4% 81.5% 85.2% 75.7% 77.2% 76.9% 70.9% 76.1% 76.1% 74.1%

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Toward High Quality Early Childhood Education: An Imperative for the Regional EconomyThe general consensus among researchers is that high quality early childhood programs result in better school readiness and better long-term outcomes, including higher wages, lower crime, and healthier families. This Research Paper explains how a new approach may be needed that defi nes early childhood care as an economic development tool.

Child Care Provider Survey Reveals Cost Constrains QualityA survey of 414 child care providers in southeastern Wisconsin reveals that cost as well as low wages and lack of benefi ts for workers can con-strain providers from pursuing im-provements to child care quality. This Research Brief explains how lack of capacity to pursue quality improve-ments is relevant to the debate in Wisconsin regarding parent subsidies for child care.

2007-2008 southeastern Wisconsin school district rankingsPull-out poster providing rankings of k-12 school districts, according to enrollment, district fi nances, student participation, and student perform-ance measures.

Region’s schools narrow achievement gap with stateIn a reversal from last year, the 2007-2008 achievement gap between schools in southeastern Wisconsin and those in the rest of the state, as measured by Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam standardized test scores, narrowed in all subjects at all grade levels. This Research Brief discusses key fi ndings from the an-nual analysis of public schools data in southeastern Wisconsin. 11th annual comparative analysis of the Racine Unifi ed School District The Research Report on conditions affecting the Racine Unifi ed School District (RUSD) focuses on long-term historical trends and compares RUSD to nine peer school districts and the state. Key fi ndings include a sig-nifi cant increase in students eligible for free or reduced price lunches, a decrease in operations revenue, and improvement in truancy rates.

GOVERNMENT FINANCE/STRUCTURE

A capital and debt management tale of two local governmentsInfrastructure – in the case of roads and sew-ers – underlies the growth and develop-ment of cities and regions. This “Election Issues” report discusses and critiques the capital and debt management policies pursued by Milwaukee County and the city of Milwaukee.

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SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSINSCHOOL DISTRICT RANKINGS2007-2008

Research by:

633 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 406Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203

www.publicpolicyforum.org (414) 276-8240

Research sponsors:

3

Citizen Views on Government Structure

in Milwaukee County

Survey of Milwaukee County Residents

August 2008

Budget Brief: Mil-waukee County 2009 Executive BudgetAs in the past sev-

eral years, Milwaukee County faced a diffi cult budget in 2009. The Budget Brief points out that what is different in the county executive’s recommended budget is

a clear emphasis on privatization as the primary strategy for addressing the county’s structural shortfall.

Budget Brief: 2009 City of Milwaukee Proposed BudgetIn introducing his 2009 budget, May-or Tom Barrett called it “the toughest we have faced.” The Budget Brief describes why the mayor was not exaggerating, citing not only typical challenges such as increased wage and benefi ts costs and stagnant state aids, but also impacts generated by national economic conditions. The Brief commends the city for estab-lishing a strategic framework for addressing long-term challenges, but notes that actual solutions have yet to be identifi ed.

Milwaukee County Funded Parks and Cultural Institutions: A fi scal assess-ment 2000-2008 and beyond This Research Report describes how and why publicly-funded parks and cultural assets in Milwaukee County face signifi cant long-term fi scal chal-lenges and have experienced varying degrees of success in developing strategic plans and securing capital resources to address those challenges.

Milwaukee County’s Transit Crisis: How did we get here and what do we do now?This Research Report docu-ments and explains the circumstances that created the Milwaukee County Transit System’s (MCTS) funding crisis, including depletion of reserves, de-ferral of needed capital expenditures, and implementation of gradual ser-vice cuts and fare increases. The re-port also analyzes survey data collect-ed by MCTS from its riders, evaluates the effi ciency of MCTS operations, and discusses short- and long-term policy and funding options.

Citizen Views on Government Structure in Milwaukee CountyIn the wake of calls for the possible elimination of Milwaukee County government, a survey of 380 county residents reveals they have a favor-able view of services provided by county government, but a majority sees a need for some government restructuring. This Research Report also shows African-American and low-income respondents are less positive about county government.

Milwaukee County’s Transit Crisis:How did we get here and what do we do now?

May 2008

4

The health of

12th Annual Report Card on Charitable Giving for Metro Milwaukee

Executive Summary

Thanks to our 2008 Research sponsors:GENERAL POLICY RESEARCH

Corporate Views on Climate Change: A Survey of Wisconsin Business ExecutivesA survey of 340 business executives fi nds the state’s business commu-nity skeptical about climate change but generally receptive to many proposed solutions. This Research Report explains that while executives rank climate change a low priority issue, a majority support policies to promote energy effi ciency, renew-able energy, and nuclear power.

12th Annual Report Card on Charitable Giving in Milwaukee CountyThe Report Card tracks gifts made by individuals, businesses, and founda-tions to local bellwether organiza-tions, giving a yearly snapshot of the support for local nonprofi ts. The 2008 Report Card fi nds a general de-cline in contributions and increased pessimism about increased giving in the future.

THE BRICO FUND

DICK WEISS FAMILY FOUNDATION

Fleck Foundation

EVAN AND MARION HELFAER FOUNDATION

BUFFET EARLY CHILDHOOD FUND

5

6

With more than 35 public speaking appearances; more than 100 media hits, including newspaper/ra-dio/TV stories, op-eds, podcasts, etc.; and more than 80 blog posts in 2008, Forum researchers have been aggressive in making sure the results of their research receive as much attention as possible throughout the region…and the country.

JanuaryAnneliese Dickman • Wisconsin School Readiness Philan-thropy Group – Milwaukee

February Rob Henken • Intergovernmental Coordinating Council – Milwaukee

• Heartland Alliance Investors Retreat – Milwaukee

Ryan Horton• Great Lakes Urban Exchange – Buffalo

March Rob Henken• Fourth Street Forum – Milwaukee

AprilRob Henken• Historic Milwaukee, Inc. –Milwaukee

Anneliese Dickman• Economic Summit –Madison

Melissa Kovach• Summit on Economic Justice for Women – Atlanta

MayRob Henken• Milwaukee County Board Transportation, Public Works and Transit Committee

• Alliance for Downtown Park-ing and Transportation – Milwaukee

• Southeast Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority – Oak Creek

• Milwaukee Common Council Public Works Committee

JuneRob Henken• Johnson Foundation Wing-

spread – Racine

• Sunrise Rotary Club – Milwaukee

• Intergovernmental Coordinating Council – South Milwaukee

• North Shore Rotary – Bayside

• Urban Economic Development Asso-ciation Annual Community Development Summit – Milwaukee

Public education…Forum researchers get the word out

OctoberRob Henken• Make it Work Milwaukee – West Allis

• Rotary Club of Milwaukee

• Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee

• Johnson Foundation Wingspread – Racine

Ryan Horton• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning

NovemberRob Henken• Fourth Street Forum – Milwaukee

Ryan Horton• Milwaukee Area Workforce Funding Alliance

DecemberRob Henken/Anneliese Dickman/Vanessa Allen• Greater Milwaukee Foundation

Ryan Horton • Executive Committee of the Governor’s Council of Workforce Investment – DeForest

• North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board – Wisconsin Rapids

JulyRyan Horton• Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Development Board – Lake Geneva

AugustRyan Horton• Governmental Research Association’s annual con-ference – Boston

SeptemberRob Henken• Urban Economic Devel-opment Association – Milwaukee

• Fuel Milwaukee

Anneliese Dickman• Greater Milwaukee Literacy Coalition

Ryan Horton• Public Policy Forum Workforce Devel-opment Viewpoint – Milwaukee

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MAY 8Taking off on economic developmentPanel discussion on the future of Milwau-kee County’s Mitchell International Airport: Barry Bateman, director, Mitchell Interna-tional Airport; Scott Dickson, chief mar-keting offi cer, Midwest Airlines; and Ryan McCue, mayor, city of Cudahy.

JULY 23Here today, gone to-morrow?Panel discus-sion on the future of Mil-waukee County government: Richard Cox, former super-intendent, Mil-waukee House of Correction; Dan Finley, for-mer Wauke-sha County Executive; Ralph Hollmon, former

director, Milwaukee County Human Services; Chas. Mulcahy, former supervisor, Milwaukee County Board; Linda Seemeyer, former director, Milwaukee County Administrative Services; Michael Skwierawski, former chief judge, Milwaukee County. Moderated by Mike Gousha, of Marquette University

and WISN-TV.

AUGUST 18 Policy in a Pub (members only)President Rob Henken and Research Director Anneliese Dickman release fi nd-ings of the Forum’s Milwaukee County resident survey on county government structure.

Viewpoints

JANUARY 10Global wooingPanel discussion on southeastern Wisconsin’s global competitiveness: John Shiely, CEO, Briggs & Stratton; Tim Sul-livan, CEO, Bucyrus International; Jeff Joerres, CEO, Manpower; Paul Purcell, CEO, Rob-ert W. Baird & Co, Inc.; Rick Armbrust, CEO, The Oilgear Co. Moderated by Chuck Harvey, vice presi-dent of diversity and public affairs, Johnson Controls.

FEBRUARY 21Milwaukee County Execu-tive election debateIncumbent Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker debates State Senator Lena Taylor.

MARCH 6Milwaukee City At-torney and mayoral election debateIncumbent City Attorney Grant Langley debates State Representative Pedro Colon for the position of Milwaukee city attorney. Andrew Shaw, candidate for Milwaukee mayor, also speaks. Incum-bent Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett doesn’t attend.

Events…Viewpoints & Salute take on the issues

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director, Milwaukee County Human Services; Chas. Mulcahy, former supervisor, Milwaukee County Board; Linda Seemeyer, former director, Milwaukee County Administrative Services; Michael Skwierawski, former chief judge, Milwaukee County. Moderated by Mike Gousha, of Marquette University and WISN-TV.

SEPTEMBER 29Untangling Wis-consin’s workforce development pro-grams and fundingPanel discussion on Wiscon-sin’s workforce development programs and initiatives: Ryan Horton, senior re-searcher, Public Policy Forum; Roberta Gassman, secretary, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development; Phil Neuenfeldt, secre-tary/treasurer, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO; and Tim Sullivan, CEO, Bucyrus International. Moderated by Dan Bader, chairman, Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board.

DECEMBER 4The Long and Winding RoadPanel discussion on recommendations of the Southeastern Wis-consin Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and their importance to business: Karl Ostby, RTA chairman; Tim Sheehy, president, Met-ropolitan Milwaukee As-sociation of Commerce; Todd Battle, president, Kenosha Area Business Alliance; and Roger Caron, president, Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce. Moderated by Bruce Murphy, editor, Milwaukee Magazine.

Thanks to our 2008 Viewpoint sponsors:

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EXCELLENCE IN PROBLEM SOLVINGCity of Milw. - Dept. of City DevelopmentThe city of Milwaukee has reduced the overall permit processing time with the creation of the ePermit program. The new system is an online permit application process allowing contractors to apply and pay online for permits that do not require a plan review.

EFFECTIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGYMilwaukee County Treasurer’s Offi ceA number of changes in the treasurer’s offi ce resulted in improved quality of service and reduced operational costs. A one-stop real estate records center for the publicwas created by consolidating tax records with the register of deeds. In addition, the public now has access to on-line property tax records and an on-line electronic payment option.

MANAGING FOR RESULTSHamilton School DistrictThe district implemented a plan to improve academic achievement, address the issue of aging facilities, and increase community satisfaction. The plan included research-based instruction and assessment practices, collection and utilization of data in decision-making, promotion of community engagement, and prioritization of fi nancial resources.

JUNE 1916th Annual Salute to Local Government recipients

INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION Walworth County board of supervisors & the county’s school districtsWalworth County and its 15 school districts have made special needs education a priority. More than $17 million was spent to construct the Lakeland School in Elkhorn to provide special needs children throughout the county with fi rst-rate educational opportunities.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE COOPERATIONMilwaukee Center for Independence and Milwaukee Public SchoolsThe FUEL4U Breakfast Packaging Program

Thanks to our Salute sponsors:

is the result of collaboration between the Milwaukee Center for Independence and Mil-waukee Public Schools. It provides students with a nutritious meal to help them maintain positive attitudes, improve attention, and reduce absenteeism.

GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY/ETHICSSchool District of ElmbrookFollowing the defeat of a school construc-

tion/renovation referendum in 2007, the district worked with a team of “no” and “yes” voters to craft a revised plan based on more realistic specifi cations and greater openness regarding the needs of the district. Sig-nifi cant transparency efforts were initiated,

including a citizen analysis process, publicizing meetings on government access cable television, and open dialogue between the citizen team

and meeting attendees. In 2008, the re-vised plan was passed.

Leader of the Future AwardSteven J. Schaer, city planner, City of West Allis

Norman N. Gill AwardBarry Bateman, director, General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee County

James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement AwardJames R. Ryan (posthumously)

10

Robert E. Henken, M.J.P.A.president

Staff…

Finances…

Anneliese M. Dickman, J.D.research director

Jeffrey K. Schmidt

researcher

Melissa Kovach,M.P.P.researcher

Vanessa Allen,M.P.A. researcher

Catherine A. Crother

offi ce manager

Not pictured: John Kovari, Norman N. Gill fellow

Operating revenue – generated from membership dues, foundation and other grants, sponsorships, sales of literature, and fundraising events – totaled $736,777, compared to $616,343, last year.

2007

2008

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

800,000

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Administrators & Supervisors CouncilAnderson, Richard T.Aon CorporationA.O. Smith CorporationArgosy FoundationAssociated Bank, N.A.Associated General ContractorsAurora Health CareAvenues West AssociationBadger Meter, Inc.Bay Ridge ConsultingBDO Seidman L.L.P.Beth Foy & Associates, LLCBetter Business BureauBloodCenter of WisconsinBottom Line Marketing & Public RelationsBriggs & Stratton Corp.Buratto, Mary KayBusiness JournalCamp Dresser & McKeeCardinal Stritch UniversityCedarburg School DistrictCESA #1CH2M HillCharles D. Jacobus Family FoundationCity of CedarburgCity of FranklinCity of Greenfi eldCity of MilwaukeeCity of MuskegoCity of New BerlinCity of WaukeshaCity of West AllisColliers BarryConta & AssociatesCook & Franke, SCCounty of MilwaukeeCounty of WaukeshaDaily Reporter/Wisconsin Law JournalDavis & Kuelthau, S.C.Davis, Linda L.Deloitte & Touche LLPDickman Company, TheDieffenbach & AssociatesDonors Forum of WisconsinDubner, Eileen R.Earth TechEhlers & AssociatesElmbrook School DistrictEMCS Design GroupEngberg AndersonEvan and Marion Helfaer FoundationFoley & LardnerForest County Potawatomi CommunityFranklin Public SchoolsFroedtert HospitalGEGodfrey & Kahn, Inc.Gollmar, BillGonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLPGoodwill Industries of SE WisconsinGraef, Anhalt, Schloemer & AssociatesGreater Milwaukee Association of RealtorsGreater Milwaukee Committee

Greendale School DistrictHamilton School DistrictHatch Staffi ng ServicesHelen Bader FoundationHinshaw, EdHNTB CorporationHope House of Milwaukee, Inc.Hurtado ConsultingJenkins, William I.Johnson Controls, Inc.Johnson, Tracy K.J.P. Cullen & Sons, Inc.Keller, KitKettle Moraine School DistrictKeystone Travel ServicesKimball CommunicationsKnetzger, RussellLa Causa, Inc.Ladish CompanyLegacy BankLocal Initiatives Support Corp.Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan, Inc.The Lynne and Harry Bradley FoundationLynne Broydrick GroupM&I Marshall & Ilsley BankMacNeil & Associates, Ltd.Madigan, Daniel F. IIIManaged Health ServicesMarcus Center for the Performing ArtsMarcus CorporationMarquette UniversityMartin, Deidre A.Medical College of WisconsinMeissner, David G.Menomonee Falls School DistrictMessing, ReneeMetropolitan Milwaukee Association of CommerceMichael, Best & FriedrichMilwaukee Area Technical CollegeMilwaukee Area Workforce Investment BoardMilwaukee Center for IndependenceMilwaukee Downtown, Bid #21Milwaukee Journal SentinelMilwaukee MagazineMilwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage DistrictMilwaukee Municipal CourtMilwaukee Police AssociationMilwaukee Public LibraryMilwaukee Public SchoolsMilwaukee Regional Medical CenterMilwaukee School of EngineeringMilwaukee Teacher Education CenterMilwaukee Teachers’ Education AssociationMorgan&MyersMueller CommunicationsMultiple Listing Service

Murtaugh, JackNorth Shore BankNorthwestern MutualOgden & CompanyOgden DevelopmentO’Malley, RichardO’Neill, PriscillaPort Washington/Saukville SchoolsPublic Financial ManagementQuadGraphicsQuarles & Brady LLPR.A. Smith National, Inc.Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, S.C.Richard J. Podell & AssociatesRobert W. Baird & Co.Roberts, MaryRockwell AutomationRotary Club of MilwaukeeRuekert & Mielke, Inc.Sanders, Katherine M.School District of Brown DeerSchroeder, RogerShorewood School DistrictSocial Development CommissionSoutheastern Wisconsin Regional Planning CommissionStifel, Nicolaus & CompanySuper Steel ProductsSysLogic, Inc.Tall Pines ConservancyTowne Realty, Inc.Tyler, JeanUnited HealthcareUnited Performing Arts FundUnited WayUniversity of Wisconsin- MilwaukeeUS BankUWM-ExtensionVillage of BaysideVillage of Brown DeerVillage of Elm GroveVillage of Hales CornersVillage of JacksonVillage of SussexVillage of ThiensvilleVillage of Whitefi sh BayVirchow, Krause & Company, LLPVISIT MilwaukeeVJS Construction Services, Inc.von Briesen & RoperWaukesha County Action NetworkWaukesha County Technical CollegeWauwatosa Public LibraryWe EnergiesWeiss & Company, LLCWeiss, Richard L.Wesolowski, Reidenbach & Sajdak, S.C.West Allis/West Milwaukee School DistrictWhite, WallaceWhyte Hirschboeck Dudek

Wilson, NickWisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesWisconsin Physicians ServiceYWCA of Greater Milwaukee

Membership…

New 2008/2009 members…

Armstrong, KevinBlack & VeatchBrophy, Thomas A.CG SchmidtChildren’s Health Alliance of WisconsinChildren’s Hospital of WisconsinCity of CudahyCity of St. FrancisCommercial Association of Realtors WisconsinCounty of OzaukeeCounty of RacineCultural Alliance of Greater MilwaukeeDisability Rights WisconsinElls, DavidGateway to Milwaukee, TheGilbane Building CompanyHill, Christine B.Hill, James M.Johnson Direct LLCJoxel Group, TheKuettel, WadeLast Word, TheLiteracy Services of WisconsinMellowes, Linda T.Milwaukee Art MuseumPasch, SandraPenfi eld Children’s Center Inc.Penman, JuliePieper, ChipPlanning Council for Health and Human Services, Inc.Reese, Christine A.Regional Workforce AllianceStone, State Rep. JeffStrateVantage Communications LLCTapper, JoyVillage of MukwonagoVillage of West MilwaukeeWalker, Sean M., CPAWauwatosa School DistrictWheaton Franciscan HealthcareWisconsin Hospital AssociationZaferos, Bill

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Forun timeline

1913 mMilwaukee Citizens’ Bureau of Municipal Effi ciency established with 39 members to “promote mthe adoption of scientifi c methods of managing and supervising municipal affairs…to

cooperate with and facilitate the work of public offi cials…to collect, classify and analyze, correlate, interpret and publicize facts as to the administration of municipal governments and schools.”

1918 mCounty government becomes new focus of Bureau study; Bureau develops issue agenda mto counter what was believed to be an “attempt

by the state to put a disproportional share of maintaining state government upon the cities.”

1921 mOrganization becomes Citizens’ Bureau of Milwaukee; staff tired of being called “the

effi ciency boys.”

1933 mBureau seeks ways to cut government mexpenditures as unemployment/relief costs

soar; criticizes Milwaukee County for funding local relief through politically expedient, but more expensive, long-term bonding rather than more painful pay-as-you-go methods; Bureau also monitors federal relief programs, calling for tracking of who gets what.

1945 mNorman N. Gill appointed bureau director.

1946 mOrganization renamed Citizens’ Governmental mResearch Bureau; refl ects being considered

research staff for newly formed community organizations.

1950 mBureau provides technical assistance for mreport assessing effi ciency of city of Milwaukee

government; more than 1,000 recommendations.

1963 mBureau researcher Paula Lynagh retires after 41 years of writing hundreds of reports

and serving on dozens of committees; Milwaukee Sentinel writes, “…one of the country’s top women researchers is an unsung heroine in the community to which she has contributed so much…she epitomizes why the Bureau enjoys such confi dence and therefore infl uence among public offi cials.”

1976 mBureau initiates series on area school districts; mschooling data used by both plaintiffs and

defendants in Milwaukee’s 10-year school desegregation lawsuit.

1984 mGill retires after 39 years; legendary for his passion for good government and championing professionalism in government.

1987 mOrganization renamed Public Policy Forum: Researching Community Issues; better mrefl ects community dialogue and discussion.

2003 mYale University Press publishes book, “School Choice and the Question of Accountability: The mMilwaukee Experience,” by Emily Van Dunk (then a Forum researcher) and Anneliese Dickman

(currently Forum director of research); culmination of fi ve years of research into school choice program.

2005 mOrganization renamed Public Policy Forum: Moving the Region Forward; focus on regional issues mand cooperation.

2007 mForum blog, Milwaukee Talkie, debuts.

2009 mForum enters 96th year.

Forum timeline…