Ashanti Hamilton

Milwaukee’s bid preference questioned

A Milwaukee lobbyist is accusing the city of violating the spirit of a new state law that bans local bid preferences.

Local preference alive in Milwaukee market

Milwaukee officials plan to continue enforcing local bid preferences on some contracts despite a new state law that bans the policy.

State budget threatens local contracting laws

By James Briggs The 2011-13 state budget has cast uncertainty over Milwaukee ordinances that subject some public works projects to prevailing wage and geographical bid preference requirements. The budget, signed […]

State budget targets Milwaukee prevailing wage, local preference laws

When Gov. Scott Walker signs the 2011-13 state budget into law Sunday in Green Bay, it may contain a repeal of Milwaukee‘s law requiring prevailing wages on private projects that […]

Alderman considers leaving commission over Marriott debate

By Marie Rohde Notably absent from last week‘s special meeting on the future of the Milwaukee‘s Historic Preservation Commission was Alderman Robert Bauman, the commission’s most outspoken member. The alderman […]

Contractor quick pay: Will it compute?

By Marie Rohde

staff writer

Everybody wants to be paid promptly. For some subcontractors, especially smaller businesses, it can be a life or death issue.

Milwaukee may force primes to pay faster (UPDATE)

By Marie Rohde Milwaukee can take its first step toward race and gender equity on projects simply by requiring prime contractors pay subcontractors more quickly, according to an alderman backing […]

Milwaukee preps for minority contracting preference

By Marie Rohde Milwaukee is cautiously building toward a law that would direct more public contract money toward women- and minority-owned companies. The caution stems from a 1989 U.S. Supreme […]

Flood-damaged Milwaukee hospital ready for wrecking ball (UPDATE)

By Marie Rohde Faced with damaged property and no potential buyers, the nonprofit owner of the vacant St. Michael Hospital on Milwaukee‘s north side has decided to tear down the […]

Milwaukee alderman fed up with sewer backups

By Marie Rohde A Milwaukee alderman wants answers from the sewerage district after a $6.1 million pump station failed to prevent backups in a north side neighborhood after the July […]

Governor’s office says no decision made on individual flood assistance

By Joe Lanane The office of Gov. Jim Doyle clarified Thursday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has not yet ruled on whether to offer individual assistance to disaster victims […]

City faces local preference criticism (UPDATE)

By Sean Ryan A Milwaukee alderman is defending the city’s preference for local bidders against criticism from Milwaukee 7, a group formed to promote regional cooperation. “It seems any type […]