Playing with Public Money in Milwaukee

Public subsidies for sports stadiums, like Milwaukee's proposed Iron District, are often justified by promises of economic development, but decades of research show they rarely deliver significant local benefits. The report highlights how developers capitalize on public resources while offering unclear returns, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. To ensure genuine public value, Milwaukee policymakers must prioritize stronger community benefits agreements, learning from local successes like the Deer District. Investing in strategies that promote racial equity, economic opportunity, and public oversight will help maximize benefits and prevent public funds from disproportionately favoring private interests.