Milwaukee History: Sewer Socialism Built a Cleaner City

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, holds a unique place in American political history as the only major city to elect three Socialist mayors. These leaders governed for nearly 40 years, beginning in 1910, during a period when the city’s identity was deeply tied to labor and public works.

The most visible result of that era is the Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility. The 101-year-old plant treats up to 400 million gallons of wastewater each day. Before its construction, untreated sewage flowed directly into local rivers and then into Lake Michigan, the city’s source of drinking water.

Kevin Shafer, executive director of Milwaukee’s sewer system, noted that private industry could have built the infrastructure, but the initial capital costs were too high. A public tax base funded the project instead. This approach defined the local brand of Socialism, often called "Sewer Socialism," which prioritized parks, public housing, and sanitation over ideological debates.

John Gurda, a historian specializing in Milwaukee, explained that voters supported these candidates because they addressed corruption and served a large working-class population. In 1910, 57% of the city’s males worked in manufacturing. Educated German immigrants also played a key role, gathering at Turner Hall for political discussions and community events.

Daniel Hoan, the second Socialist mayor, served for 24 years and oversaw the construction of the Jones Island facility. Under his leadership, Milwaukee repeatedly won national awards for being the safest and healthiest major city. Hoan also helped develop Milorganite, a fertilizer made from wastewater byproducts. The city still sells the product today, generating millions of dollars in annual revenue.

The Socialist era ended in 1960 when Frank Zeidler left office. By then, many progressive policies had been absorbed into the Democratic platform. The New Deal, for example, transformed Socialist ideas into federal programs like Social Security in 1935. Gurda noted that while the political label faded, the practical focus on improving working-class lives remained a core lesson from the period.

Today, the legacy persists in the functioning infrastructure and the continued sale of Milorganite. Gardeners and golf course managers use the product, keeping the revenue stream active for the city. The plant continues to operate without the need for private profit motives, a model that emerged from a specific political moment in the early 20th century.