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2013 — Lease & Management Agreement
Milwaukee County & MPM, Inc.
This agreement established the governance framework for the Milwaukee Public Museum and remains the baseline contract referenced in later actions.
It defines the museum’s collections, building, and site as public assets owned by Milwaukee County, with MPM, Inc. serving as steward and manager—not owner. The agreement limits asset disposition and clarifies that stewardship does not transfer ownership or control.
This document is central to understanding what was publicly protected prior to the current transition.
2021 — Motion 84
(LFB Paper #190)
State of Wisconsin
Motion 84 authorized $40 million in state funding for construction of a new museum facility, contingent on private fundraising benchmarks.
The motion secured a state ownership interest tied to its investment. While the State obtained an ownership stake, the motion did not establish a comparable ownership interest for Milwaukee County, despite the County remaining the largest public funder.
This action introduced a new ownership structure related to the museum’s future facility.
2022 — File No. 22-454
Milwaukee County
File No. 22-454 approved a contract committing $45 million in county funds toward the new museum project.
This agreement formalized the County’s financial obligation before final governance and asset classification under later agreements were fully defined. It is repeatedly cited as prior authorization for subsequent commitments.
This document is key to understanding how county funding was locked in during the transition.
2024 — Financial & Management Agreement (FMA)
Milwaukee County Executive & MPM / WNMC
The December 2024 Financial & Management Agreement is intended to replace the 2013 Lease & Management Agreement.
It commits Milwaukee County to an additional $20 million over 20 years and introduces revised definitions affecting asset classification, management, and disposition. The agreement cites File No. 22-454 as justification for its execution.
To public knowledge, this agreement was signed by the County Executive and not approved by the full Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.
This document governs the current and future structure of museum operations and obligations.
