Wisconsin Metropolitan Municipalities

The discussion of how to improve the state-local partnership in Wisconsin has been lacking an important component: a level of government that can realize greater economies of scale than existing local governments, but recognizes the regional nature of Wisconsin’s economy and the various social and economic problems with which neither the state nor local governments can adequately cope.

A federated metropolitan government that took on regional responsibilities, but allowed local governments to continue to perform purely local functions, could allow Wisconsin communities to retain their individual flavor but still offer their taxpayers the benefits of more efficient government.

The Metropolitan Municipality, for example, would provide a mechanism for the effective regional planning that Wisconsin sorely needs, but would allow local zoning decisions to continue to be made locally.

Most important, regional decisions, like local decisions, would be made by elected officials acting on behalf of their constituents. Each Metropolitan Municipality could assume different responsibilities depending on local desires. Powers could be assumed based on regional reeferendums, and services could be financed differently depending on how the governing body chose to raise revenue.

PRECEDENT

Portland Metro is the nation’s only elected regional government. Portland Metro provides a wide range of services to 1.3 million residents in three counties and 24 cities.

According to a home-rule charter approved by voters in 1992, Metro has primary responsibility for regional land-use and transportation planning, and is further empowered to address any other issue of "metropolitan concern." This grant of authority underscores the Portland metropolitan region's commitment to maintain and enhance the livability of the region.

When formed in 1979, Portland Metro had land-use and transportation planning responsibilities, planned solid waste disposal and operated a metropolitan zoo., but it also had the potential for taking on other responsibilities. In 1980, Metro became responsible for regional solid waste disposal; in 1986, voters approved general obligation bond funding for the Oregon Convention Center, built and operated by Metro. In 1990, Metro assumed management responsibility for the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Portland Civic Stadium and Portland Memorial Coliseum. In 1994, Metro assumed management responsibility for the Multnomah County parks system and Expo Center.