Milwaukee City Bulletin: Health Advisories and Infrastructure Updates

Urgent Health Advisory: Measles Exposure at Mitchell International Airport

The City of Milwaukee Health Department, in coordination with state health officials, has issued a public health advisory following a confirmed measles exposure at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. An infectious traveler arrived on Southwest Airlines Flight WN 266 from Phoenix on January 29, 2026, at 10:31 PM. Individuals who were on this flight or present at the airport between 10:31 PM and 12:31 AM are advised to verify their MMR vaccination status immediately. Symptoms, which include high fever, cough, and a distinctive red rash, may appear through February 19, 2026. Residents experiencing symptoms are urged to contact their healthcare provider by phone before visiting a clinic to prevent further spread.

Public Works: 27th Street Viaduct Long-Term Closure

The Department of Public Works reminds commuters that the 27th Street Viaduct is now closed for a significant reconstruction project. The closure, which began on Monday, February 2, affects all vehicle traffic for a lengthy stretch of the thoroughfare. Motorists are encouraged to use 16th Street or 35th Street as primary north-south alternatives. Additionally, the city has scheduled a public involvement meeting for February 12 regarding the future reconstruction of S. 1st Street; however, current detours for the 27th Street project remain the priority for weekend travel planning.

Common Council: Grocery and Pharmacy Access Initiative

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs has introduced Council File #251707, a strategic legislative effort to address recent closures of essential retail in the city. The proposal directs the Department of City Development and the Milwaukee Health Department to collaborate on new strategies to attract and retain grocery stores and pharmacies, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. The legislation emphasizes the critical need for food security and medication access for seniors and residents without reliable transportation. Further discussion is expected during upcoming committee hearings this month.

Public Safety and Community Notices

• Facial Recognition Moratorium: Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman has announced a formal moratorium on the use of facial recognition technology within the department. This policy change follows significant public testimony and ensures that no new surveillance software of this type will be acquired or utilized for the foreseeable future.
• Fiscal Accountability: A new ordinance proposed by Alderman Peter Burgelis is currently under review. If passed, city departments will be required to notify the Common Council of any account deficits or surpluses exceeding $100,000 or 5% of their budget to ensure greater financial transparency.
• Mayor’s Masked Ball: Mayor Cavalier Johnson will host the annual Mayor’s Masked Ball tonight, Saturday, February 7, at the Pfister Hotel. The event serves as a major fundraiser for local students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).