Any thoughts on the ending of Milwaukee residency rule?

[Dan C.]

Any Milwaukee investors have a prediction on the impact of ending the City's residency requirements? (for the question assume Mayor Barret's attempts to fight the state law fail).

[Jason V.]

The problem with the movement out of Milwaukee is the overall abysmal school system. Unfortunately, most of the schools have poor performance ratings. Reading scores for children rate fourth from the bottom in the nation. Most MPS teachers raise their children in private schools. I raised my family in Milwaukee until my kids were about to attend school. My wife and I left because it was cheaper to move to an affluent suburb with good schools than continue to live in Milwaukee and have to send kids to private schools nearby. I just wasn't seeing a value on tax dollars. I am not saying that all Milwaukee schools are bad, but a large portion of them are. I think single employees will continue to live in Milwaukee, but it does not make financial sense to stay in Milwaukee if you are a city employee with a large family. I have talked to many city employees and I believe about 30 percent plan to move out as soon as possible. Milwaukee does have a lot to offer and I hope things will turn out well for the city, but I am skeptical.