Number
251707
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
THE COMMON COUNCIL
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of City Development to work with the Milwaukee Health Department and any other relevant agencies to create strategies for the retention and attraction of full-service grocery stores and pharmacies.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of City Development to work with the Health Department and other relevant agencies to develop strategies to support the retention and attraction of full-service grocery stores and pharmacies within the City of Milwaukee, particularly in areas with limited access to these essential services.
Body
Whereas, Access to full-service grocery stores and pharmacies is essential to public health, food security, medication access, and overall quality of life for Milwaukee residents; and
Whereas, The recent grocery store closures in multiple neighborhoods have reduced access to nutritious food and prescription medications, particularly for seniors, households without access to reliable transportation, and communities experiencing economic and health disparities; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee has an interest in proactively addressing these access gaps through coordinated economic development and public health strategies, including consideration of non-traditional and innovative service models such as mobile grocery delivery services, mobile or pop-up grocery markets, community-based distribution hubs, shared-use or temporary retail spaces, partnerships with local producers or cooperatives, technology-enabled ordering and delivery platforms, mobile pharmacy services, and other creative approaches that can serve residents in areas where permanent brick-and-mortar locations may not be immediately feasible; and
Whereas, The Department of City Development plays a central role in business attraction, redevelopment planning, site readiness, and coordination with private-sector partners; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Health Department provides critical data and expertise related to nutrition access, chronic disease prevention, and community health outcomes that are directly impacted by access to grocery stores and pharmacies; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee that the Department of City Development is directed to work with the Milwaukee Health Department and other relevant City departments or agencies to develop strategies to support the retention of existing and attraction of new full-service grocery stores and pharmacies within the City of Milwaukee; and, be it
Further Resolved, That within 60 days of the effective date, the Department of City Development and the Milwaukee Health Department shall provide a status update on implementation of this directive to the Common Council; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of City Development and the Health Department shall develop a coordinated strategy for alternative methods of delivery of fresh food, including mobile markets, community-based distribution systems, and coordinated delivery services, to improve access in underserved areas, and shall report their findings and recommendations to the Common Council within 60 days of adoption of this resolution.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB181394-3
Addis Zewdie
04/09/2026