At Mueller Communications, relationships are the heart of everything we do — and nowhere is that more evident than in our public affairs work.
Public affairs is where strategy meets community, where storytelling meets policy, and where collaboration shapes real-world outcomes that make Wisconsin stronger.
What Public Affairs Really Means
Unlike traditional public relations, public affairs almost always involves an ask — a request for action from a government or decision-making body.
That could mean advocating for a policy change, securing funding, gaining project approval, or helping government agencies engage residents and build public trust as they consider a potential action.
But it’s not just about making the ask — it’s about the relationships behind it. Successful public affairs requires listening, finding common ground, and helping communities and governments move forward together.
Relationships First, Strategy Always
At Mueller, relationships are everything.
We’ve spent decades building trust with elected officials, community leaders, organizations, and residents across Milwaukee and Wisconsin. These deep connections allow us to bring people together, open doors, and create opportunities for collaboration.
Our process always begins with listening — identifying the issue, understanding who’s affected, and mapping the stakeholders. Then we develop a strategic communication and engagement plan that ensures, by the time a proposal reaches decision-makers, stakeholders’ input has been collected, considered, and, where appropriate, incorporated, laying the groundwork for productive discussions.
Public Affairs in Action: Shaping Policy and Place
Our work spans state and local projects that show how relationship-driven strategy can move communities forward.
Driving Historic Legislative Change at the Capitol
When Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee faced a fiscal crisis, the solution required more than lobbying — it called for a comprehensive public affairs campaign to reframe decades of strained relationships between state and local leaders.
Through the Move Forward MKE coalition, Mueller joined forces with the Greater Milwaukee Committee, MMAC, and civic and business leaders to craft a compelling, data-driven message.
We deployed that message through digital advertising, earned media, community presentations, and targeted person-to-person outreach, helping lawmakers see Milwaukee’s challenges — and potential — in a new light.
The result: the Wisconsin Legislature approved a historic shared revenue increase and local sales tax authority, ensuring a more sustainable financial future for Milwaukee.
The Couture, a landmark development from Barrett Lo Visionary Development (BLVD), faced over a decade of legal, financial, and political hurdles. Mueller helped BLVD navigate that complexity with a strategic public affairs and communications campaign grounded in transparency and collaboration.
We worked hand-in-hand with developers, elected officials, and community partners to:
- Build coalitions of supporters across industries, labor, and culture.
- Reinforce public trust through consistent, open communication.
- Highlight the project’s community and economic value.
- Build coalitions of supporters across industries, labor, and culture.
Our work helped secure governmental approvals, a record-breaking HUD loan, and the realization of a transformative project that’s now reshaped Milwaukee’s skyline.
The Mueller Method: Listen. Communicate. Engage. Adapt.
Our public affairs playbook blends communication expertise with strategic insight. Across every project, we:
- Listen first – understand challenges, stakeholders, and desired outcomes.
- Communicate clearly – simplify complex topics through compelling narratives.
- Engage broadly – build trust and coalitions that expand support.
- Adapt quickly – navigate evolving political or public priorities with agility.
This approach doesn’t just influence opinion — it shapes outcomes that make a difference.
Building a Better Wisconsin, Together
Public affairs is about more than politics — it’s about building stronger communities. Whether helping clients advocate for change, facilitate dialogue, or engage residents, Mueller Communications is proud to play a role in creating a better Wisconsin for all.
If your organization is navigating a public or political challenge, we’re ready to help you build the relationships and strategies that lead to results. Let’s start a conversation.
