Matt McGovern
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mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Matt McGovern
@mattmcgovern.bsky.social
780 followers 1.2K following 1.3K posts
I post a lot about climate and clean energy, and Wisconsin sports. Marathon runner, husband, dad, Village Trustee and attorney. Pro-democracy. Let’s build safer streets, more homes and a greener Shorewood. Personal account.
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mattmcgovern.bsky.social
new housing helps fight rent inflation by adding to the housing supply. Everyone deserves safe, affordable housing, and one reason that the Village Board voted unanimously in 2021 to set aside $2 million in TID funds for affordable housing is to address the legacy of unfair housing discrimination.
map of Shorewood subdivision with racially restrictive covenants
November 10, 2025 at 10:58 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
I never noticed that the Wilco (The Album) album cover photo was taken at Mader's. radiomilwaukee.org/discover-mus...
camel in back of Mader's Restaurant
November 7, 2025 at 6:32 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
There are still lots of great deals on EV leases even though there is no longer a federal tax credit.
honda prologue lease for $300
November 7, 2025 at 5:24 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
I’m very happy about the Democrats winning big statewide races in Virginia, Georgia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and glad the affordable housing candidate beat the sex pest in the New York City mayor’s race!
Mayoral election results showing Mamdani winning big
November 5, 2025 at 3:55 AM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
So true!
DEFEND THE HOMELAND ICE Agent, 7-Year-Old Both Wearing Same 'Military Commando' Halloween Costume O the ONION -
October 31, 2025 at 9:09 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Some facts and context about the proposal for 19 affordable apartments in Shorewood, which I support
6:344 < Matt McGovern for Shorewood Village Tru... Matt McGovern for Shorewood Village Trustee 6m • Facebook posts that make people angry get more attention, so Facebook highlights things that make you angry in the algorithm they use to decide what posts to show you. It's always a good idea to check the accuracy of social media posts about current events, and ask yourself if something really sensational is true or not. If you have spent much time on the Facebook pages Shorewood Is Talking About (SITA) or Shorewood Families since August, you may have seen a series of posts about the proposal for 19 affordable apartments on the site of the Village-owned parking lot on the 4400 block of Oakland Avenue, many of which focus on the value of the lot. I would like to provide some facts and context about this proposal. On May 30, 2025, the accounting firm Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors (BTMA) presented its financial analysis of the proposed development to the Shorewood Community Development Authority (CDA) in which it estimated the value of the lot at $549,708. See p. 97 https://www.villageofshorewood.org/ AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05302025-2468 It was not a formal appraisal because there are not many comparable properties limited by municipal ordinance to use as subsidized parking or subsidized housing, but it is the best estimate completed by a well-qualified accounting firm in the business of providing accurate numbers to municipal governments like Shorewood. On August 7, the first in a series of posts appeared on SITA referring to the parking lot as "a $1 asset." On August 10, the second post in this series said the lot was really worth $1.5 million. I know inflation is bad, but do you really tink the lot mentar in value by 6:34 A : ÷ 53) < Matt McGovern for Shorewood Village Tru... On August 7, the first in a series of posts appeared on SITA referring to the parking lot as "a $1 asset." On August 10, the second post in this series said the lot was really worth $1.5 million. I know inflation is bad, but do you really think the lot went up in value by $500,000 in three days? Another post on August 22 stated the value as $1.3-1.5 million. A post today claims the lot is worth $1.6 million. On August 4, the Shorewood Village Board voted 5-1 to approve the offer to purchase the parking lot by Spoerl Commercial LLC for the purpose of building affordable housing, for $333,731. See p. 244 https:// www.villageofshorewood.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/ Agenda/_09032025-2511. At the direction of the Village Board, the offer to purchase was amended to make it contingent upon Spoerl being awarded WHEDA funds for the proposal, and the execution of a development agreement that commits Spoerl to building affordable apartments. This revised offer to purchase was ratified by a 4-1 vote of the board on September 15, 2025. See p. 89 https:// www.villageofshorewood.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/ Agenda/_10062025-2528. No affordable housing is ever built without subsidies, and the board sold this lot below market value as part of the subsidy package. Shorewood residents have identified affordable housing as a top priority, and the plan to set aside one year of TID extension funds in the amount of $2 million from a closed TIF in 2021 to support developments like this passed with a 7-0 vote with broad community support. I share the goals of project opponents who say they want Shorewood to be affordable. I am one of just two trustees (along with Trustee Eric Couto) to vote against the 7% property tax hike passed last year for the 2025 budget, and I pay property taxes and all of the various fees for living here like everyone else. 6:344 ‹ Matt McGovern for Shorewood Village Tru... I share the goals of project opponents who say they want Shorewood to be affordable. I am one of just two trustees (along with Trustee Eric Couto) to vote against the 7% property tax hike passed last year for the 2025 budget, and I pay property taxes and all of the various fees for living here like everyone else. I support the proposed affordable apartments because too many people struggle to pay the rent, building new housing supply benefits all renters by limiting rent inflation, the new building will add to our tax base and increase property values nearby, and its two and three bedroom apartments could be nice new homes for parents who want to send their kids to Shorewood schools. Keep in mind that trustees are available by email to answer questions about this proposal, or anything related to Shorewood government, and I'm always happy to meet with Shorewood residents so you do not have to rely on Facebook posts to get information about your local government. 3 shares d Like • Comment Share CONCLUSION *TIF assistance for property assembly costs will not be provided in an amount exceeding 10% of the fair market value of the property. The fair market value will be determined by an independent appraiser contracted by the Village with cost of appraisal paid for by developer. This limitation may be waived upon recommendation of the CDA and approval by the Board." The Applicant's pro forma shows an acquisition cost of $333,731 which equates to approximately $22.25 PSF. Village administration stated that the proposed purchase price was provided by the Applicant and that no further discussions have taken place between the Applicant and the Village. An official appraisal was not available at the time of writing this Report. As discussed in our analysis of the acquisition costs, the purchase price of $22.25 PS is well below the market average. BTMA's preliminary estimate of the estimated land cost is approximately $549,708 … 1 of 2 .. CONCLUSION *TIF assistance for property assembly costs will not be provided in an amount exceeding 10% of the fair market value of the property. The fair market value will be determined by an independent appraiser contracted by the Village with cost of appraisal paid for by developer. This limitation may be waived upon recommendation of the CDA and approval by the Board." The Applicant's pro forma shows an acquisition cost of $333,731 which equates to approximately $22.25 PSF. Village administration stated that the proposed purchase price was provided by the Applicant and that no further discussions have taken place between the Applicant and the Village. An official appraisal was not available at the time of writing this Report. As discussed in our analysis of the acquisition costs, the purchase price of $22.25 PS is well below the market average. BMA's preliminary estimate of the estimated land cost is approximately $549,708 which means that Village Policy would restrict reimbursing the Applicant for costs in excess of $604,678.35. The Applicant's purchase price is well below the cap and is therefore in compliance with Village policy. Final Summary it is the opinion of BTMA that the Project would likely not proceed without the requested TIF assistance. Additionally, BTMA has conducted a preliminary review of whether the Project conforms with Village TIF policy as specified in Policy 40. The Project appears to align with Village goals to promote the development of affordable housing in the Village of Shorewood. Additionally, the Project's pro forma is largely in compliance with the policy statements in section 4; however, there may be some special considerations necessary given the nature of affordable
October 23, 2025 at 11:46 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
What an honor it was to attend a White House Christmas Party in 2009. You think of all the history when you’re there, and it was so cool to see the grounds lit up for the holidays. Can’t believe this is just rubble now because of an insurrectionist who should have been impeached January 7, 2021.
East wing at night with Christmas lights
October 23, 2025 at 1:59 AM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Just passed Resolution in Support of the US Constitution & the Rule of Law: “RESOLVED, that the Village of Shorewood rejects any effort—by act or by rhetoric-eroding our constitutional checks and balances, undermining free elections, or elevating any individual above the laws” @simonwdc.bsky.social
Resolution 2025-15 A Resolution in Support of the US Constitution and the Rule of Law WHEREAS, the United States was founded on the principle that no person is above the law, and that government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed; and WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States establishes a system of checks and balances designed to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch of government or in any single individual; and WHEREAS, the rule of law is fundamental to the protection of individual rights, the fair administration of justice, and the preservation of democracy; and WHEREAS, the Framers of our Constitution rejected monarchy and tyranny, affirming instead that leadership in this nation must always remain accountable to the people; and WHEREAS, the "No Kings" movement affirms that fidelity to constitutional principles—not loyalty to any one leader-remains the cornerstone of our Republic; and WHEREAS, at times of division and uncertainty, it is vital for citizens and public institutions alike to reaffirm their commitment to the Constitution and to equal application of the law to all persons; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Shorewood rejects any effort—by act or by rhetoric-eroding our constitutional checks and balances, undermining free elections, or elevating any individual above the laws, and call upon of our residents, regardless of political affiliation, to renew their shared commitment to liberty, equality, and justice. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Village Board of the Village of Shorewood, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, this 20" day of October, 2025. Ann McKaig, Village President Countersigned: Toya Harrell, Village Clerk
October 21, 2025 at 10:26 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Glad to see a big crowd at the Shorewood No Kings event today!
October 18, 2025 at 10:43 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Who wore it better? #itysl #ThisIsMyCrew
Tyler Glasnow I think you should leave poodle hair
October 16, 2025 at 11:07 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Big day for the Dodgers.
Imperial Star Destroyer
October 15, 2025 at 3:16 AM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Go Brewers! #ThisIsMyCrew
Selfie
October 14, 2025 at 1:33 AM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Lots of No Kings events coming up in Wisconsin on October 18. Find one near you!
No Kings map
October 11, 2025 at 3:50 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Still no grid emergency in the Midwest despite Trump’s so- called emergency order to keep an old coal-fired power plant open in Michigan. It cost us $29 million in the first five weeks of the order. #energysky
MISO screenshot showing normal grid conditions
October 9, 2025 at 4:18 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
This used to be a parking lot and now it’s a great place to watch the game. Hope the Brewers can come back! #ThisIsMyCrew
Crowd at Davidson Park watching the Brewers
October 8, 2025 at 10:29 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
It's gotta be Charles Koch, right? #energysky
text of article on arrest of suspect in Palisades fire who has not been identified yet
October 8, 2025 at 4:36 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
From the independent who got six percent of the vote when Kristi Noem won her Congressional seat by two points in 2010.
Headline from Mitchell Daily News. Marking: Noem was third best candidate
October 8, 2025 at 2:50 AM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Still no grid emergency in the Midwest. The MISO website will be down for maintenance though.
MISO screenshot showing normal grid conditions today
October 7, 2025 at 10:32 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Best argument yet for keeping the federal government closed until 2029.
Details of Trump coin to be shared when federal government reopens
October 4, 2025 at 10:52 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
What a beautiful sunrise this morning in Shorewood.
Sunrise at Atwater Beach
October 4, 2025 at 1:43 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Unusually hot and humid in Milwaukee today for October. Electricity grid conditions are still normal in the Midwest despite Trump’s “emergency” order to keep an old coal-fired power plant open in Michigan, costing us $29 million in higher electric bills in five weeks. #energysky
MISO screenshot showing normal grid conditions
October 3, 2025 at 9:03 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
GOP Maintains Solid Hold On Youth That Already Look Like Old Men
October 3, 2025 at 7:09 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
William Contreras in the Players Tribune.
This team, it’s so special. And for the first time since I won a ring, I’m really feeling that feeling again. I’m really looking around our locker room, our ballpark, and it’s that same unidad. It’s funny … I still have a little regret, years later, for being rude to my agent about the trade. “MILWAUKEE?!” Wow. What a wrong way to react. Now, I hope I spend my whole career here — and I hope to be on the first World Series winner in Brewers history. It’ll happen, I bet. It’s like Bob always said: “No one better than you.” Well actually, Bob, probably some are better than me! I’m not the best. None of our group is. But if you’re telling me another team is the best??? Man, I swear. I haven’t seen them. No one better than Milwaukee right now. No one better than US.
October 3, 2025 at 5:34 PM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
Let’s get our money back while the government is shut down! #energysky
Announcing $625 million from DOE to bailout the coal industry
October 2, 2025 at 1:41 AM
mattmcgovern.bsky.social
It was great to meet Andrea Beaty, one of my all time favorite children’s book authors, at the Shorewood Public Library today.
Group photo with Andrea Beaty Group photo with Andrea Beaty
October 2, 2025 at 1:01 AM