Number
240920
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. PEREZ
Title
Substitution resolution relating to the designation of Milwaukee as a Certified Sensory Inclusive City.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Department of Employee Relations to enter into an agreement with KultureCity to provide training and to develop and implement a citywide sensory inclusion plan.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee is committed to fostering a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive community for all residents, workers, and visitors, regardless of ability or disability; and
Whereas, Sensory needs are a common medical condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses, and common sounds, lights, crowds, and even certain smells may not only be overwhelming but also physically painful for impacted individuals; and
Whereas, Approximately 1 in 4 individuals in the United States has a sensory processing need, meaning a significant portion of Milwaukee's population, including residents, city employees, and visitors, may experience sensory challenges; and
Whereas, Sensory challenges are commonly experienced by individuals with autism, ADHD, PTSD, dementia, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, and other conditions, and affect people of all ages; and
Whereas, Sensory challenges can affect people of all ages; and
Whereas, KultureCity is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs; and
Whereas, KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive program has been implemented at locations across the United States and around the world, providing continuous training, sensory bags, signage, lap pads, app integration, and ongoing support; and
Whereas, KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive certification process includes staff training by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize individuals with sensory needs and how to respond to sensory overload situations, as well as the provision of sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee recognizes that achieving Sensory Inclusive certification will better position city departments, facilities, public spaces, and employees to ensure all residents and visitors feel welcomed, supported, and included in community life; and
Whereas, A partnership with KultureCity is consistent with Milwaukee's values of equity, accessibility, and belonging for all; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City of Milwaukee hereby commits to pursuing Sensory Inclusive City certification in partnership with KultureCity; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Employee Relations is authorized to enter into an agreement with KultureCity to provide training and to develop and implement a citywide sensory inclusion plan; and, be it
Further Resolved, That all departments and city agencies, are directed to cooperate with KultureCity in the development and implementation of a citywide sensory inclusion plan; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City of Milwaukee shall work toward continuous improvement of its sensory inclusive practices, including annual refresher training for city staff, and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Employee Relations shall report to the Common Council on progress toward certification within twelve (12) months of the adoption of this resolution.
Requestor
Drafter
Department of Employee Relations
Molly King
3/25/2026
LRB181537
Kathleen Brengosz
4/1/26