MILWAUKEE — In response to repeated catastrophic flooding across Milwaukee County communities, the Milwaukee County Board today unanimously adopted legislation authored by Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell that calls for a more proactive, coordinated, and community-centered approach to flood prevention, emergency response, and public communication.
The resolution comes in response to repeated severe flooding events across the region, including the devastating floods of August 2025 and April 2026, that left homes damaged, streets impassable, businesses disrupted, and families facing significant financial hardship.
Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell thanked her colleagues for recognizing the urgency of the issue and supporting a more forward-looking regional response to flooding and climate-related emergencies.
“I appreciate my colleagues for recognizing that this issue requires a more coordinated and proactive approach moving forward,” said Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell. “Communities across Milwaukee County are dealing with the real and growing impacts of severe flooding, and residents deserve to know that local governments are working together to improve preparedness, communication, and emergency response before the next disaster occurs. This resolution helps position us to better support residents, strengthen regional coordination, and begin addressing these challenges with the seriousness they demand.”
Nicholson-Bovell emphasized that Milwaukee County’s Office of Emergency Management and municipal partners already play an important role during emergencies, but said recent flooding events revealed the need for stronger coordination, clearer public communication, and a more unified regional strategy moving forward.
The legislation calls for Milwaukee County’s Office of Emergency Management to work collaboratively with municipal and regional partners to strengthen flood preparedness, improve public communication, and better coordinate emergency response efforts across the region.
In line with the Governor’s request today for relief, the resolution also urges stronger federal investment in critical infrastructure, flood prevention, and disaster recovery after Wisconsin’s request for federal disaster aid following the August 2025 floods was denied, leaving local communities and taxpayers to absorb the costs.
“Flooding events continue to take a toll on our residential and public spaces,” Nicholson-Bovell said. “Communities are experiencing these disasters more frequently, and local governments cannot continue carrying these costs alone. Long-term infrastructure investment and regional coordination will be essential as we prepare for future emergencies.”
