Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr. – who has served as Milwaukee’s 15th District Alderman since 1996 and Council President since 2004 – announced today that he is resigning his seat on the council effective tomorrow, Feb. 1, 2014.
Ald. Hines will take a position at the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee and will begin his work there next week.
Hines currently serves as chair of the Housing Authority board and will vacate his position on the board.
At its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Common Council will vote to elect a new president. A special election will also eventually be held to fill the vacant council seat.
Hines grew up in the neighborhood he represents on the council, and frequented the Boys Club and the YMCA as a boy. He also lived for a time in public housing.
He dedicated much of his time in office to improving public safety and developing stronger urban neighborhoods.
Hines also sponsored legislation to secure $20 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish the City of Milwaukee’s Me2 Energy Efficiency Program, reducing energy expenditures for residents and businesses while creating jobs to implement energy-efficiency projects.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of the 15th District and all of the City of Milwaukee for the last 18 years," Hines said. "We have so much to be proud of and thankful for. After 10 years in the president’s chair, the time has come for a new challenge, and to let the next council member continue the work for the district."
