Forward Thinking – City of Racine

#2 – City of Racine – Embracing Commuter Rail

A map of the draft KRM commuter rail line that connects Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee along with more stops in between.
A KRM commuter rail route map based on 2006 Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission plan.

Racine’s City Council remains committed to the Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee (KRM) commuter rail line more than a decade after efforts were ended by the legislature. The City of Racine recognizes that climate change is a growing threat to their Lake Michigan fronting community and that commuter rail could help reduce transportation emissions and better connect the region. Looking at the opportunities for passenger rail in the new federal infrastructure bill, Racine’s Common Council voted 15-0 to approve Alder Trevor Jung’s resolution of support for the construction of KRM commuter rail line.

Racine’s Common Council recognizes that commuter rail is more than a climate solution, it’s a generational investment in its community. “This is about jobs, this is about opportunity, and this is about equity,” said Alder Trevor Jung. 1000 Friends salutes the City of Racine’s forward thinking to build a more sustainable and equitable transportation system in tandem. Their ongoing commitment to the KRM line will support local economic growth and have positive climate impacts. Wisconsin needs more innovative leaders, like Racine’s Common Council who strive to meet both local needs and address climate change. Three cheers to the City of Racine!

Check out our previous entries in the Forward Thinking series:

#1 – Bayfield County – Fixing Local Roads and Building Electric Vehicle Infrastructure in Rural Wisconsin