City of Milwaukee - File #: 260352

• File #: 260352
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Passed
• File created: 6/23/2026
• In control: COMMON COUNCIL
• Final action: 7/31/2026
• Title: Resolution relating to the establishment of the Year 2027 Funding Allocation Plan.
• Sponsors: ALD. STAMPER
• Indexes: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS ADMINISTRATION

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
8/3/2026	0	MAYOR	SIGNED
7/31/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ADOPTED	Pass	15:0
7/22/2026	0	COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION; Minutes note: Appeared Mario Higgins (Director of Community Development Grants Administration) Mr. Higgins provided an update on the 2027 funding allocation plan following community meetings at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy and a virtual session held due to poor air quality. Funding Allocation plan presentation can be found on the City of Milwaukee Legistar and DCDG web site. The plan establishes the framework for allocations rather than specific dollar amounts for individual groups today, though city department allocations are included in the budget prep. Requests for Proposals are scheduled to be released on August 3rd, with a submission deadline of August 21st, 2027. Evaluation and scoring will take place in September, with results returning to the committee in October or November.	Pass	4:0
7/21/2026	0	COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR; Minutes note: Alderman Russell Stamper convened the Community Economic Development Public Hearing, held virtually due to air quality concerns and scheduling needs. The purpose of the hearing is to listen to community organizations and residents regarding ideas for community, youth, and economic development to help the city determine the allocation of resources and funds. Committee members present included Alderman Chambers and Alderwoman Moore. Director Mario Higgins of the Community Development Grants Administration (CDGA) presented the 2027 Funding Allocation Plan (FAP), noting that federal funding levels from Congress are still uncertain. The timeline for the funding process involves releasing Requests for Proposals in early August, with evaluations in September and award recommendations issued in late October or November. Mario Higgins, Community Block Grants Director, gave his PowerPoint presentation. Speakers: 1. Briget Whitaker, Executive Director of Safe and Sound, spoke about their work in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Historic Granville, emphasizing their role as "connectors" who help residents access existing resources through "front porch conversations" and wellness checks. Safe and Sound supports resident leader trainings and encourages the formation of block clubs and participation in crime and safety meetings. 2. Marco Morrison, Executive Director of College Possible, introduced his organization's 17 year history in Milwaukee, having served over 5,000 students with a 70% persistence rate from the first to second year of college. Morrison noted that College Possible is seeking city funding for the first time after losing significant AmeriCorps funding last year, which forced a shift from 27 AmeriCorps members to four full-time staff. 3. Giles Patterson, Career Pathway Coordinator for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), discussed the Department of Facilities and Maintenance’s apprenticeship program, which pairs students with mentors in trades like plumbing, electrical, and carpentry. Mr. Patterson highlighted that over 50% of their program's students successfully enter the trades, where they can earn over $100,000 annually. The program is also involved in building residential structures for the veterans' community. 4. Jorge Franco from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (HCCW) inquired about the "special economic development pool" and specific workforce development needs. Director Higgins clarified that "pools" are established when funds go un-requested and confirmed that the city is seeking training programs that lead directly to job placement and technical assistance for small business expansion. 5. Tim Back, CEO of Pathfinders, thanked the city for its investment in ending youth homelessness, noting that 318 young people are currently on the HUD-required homelessness prioritization list. In June alone, Pathfinders completed 53 housing assessments but could only prioritize 18 for available housing slots; Back urged continued investment in upstream housing stabilization. 6. Mr. Perkins from PWD Computers introduced a new computer lab and presentation space located at 38th and Vliet St., seeking resources to provide the community with technology training and resume-building classes. Chair Ald. Stamper and Alderwoman Moore emphasized the importance of making the funding opportunity widely accessible and encouraged all organizations, especially new applicants, to apply. Director Higgins confirmed that the presentation and meeting details will be made available on the city's Legistar website and the CDGA webpage. (https://city.milwaukee.gov/CDGA) Link to the slide deck: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/cityCDBG/2027-Proposed-FAP.pdf The committee remains open to receiving program ideas via email for those who were unable to speak during the hearing.	Pass	3:0
7/15/2026	0	COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR; Minutes note: Alderman Stamper opened the meeting at St. Augustine, introducing Vice Chair Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman DeAndre Jackson. The meeting focused on the 2027 funding allocation plan for community development. Director Mario Higgins of the Community Development Grants Administration explained that while the House passed funding bills at last year's levels, there is a proposed 60% cut to the HOME Investment Partnership program that the Senate may address. Mario Higgins, Community Block Grants Director, gave his PowerPoint presentation. Speakers: 1. Megan Wanke of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council advocated for continued funding for fair housing enforcement, especially as federal HUD funding remains uncertain. 2. Jake Weiler from Milwaukee Community Crossroads discussed infill housing projects on vacant lots in Metcalf Park, Amani, Lindsay Heights, and Clarke Square. The Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) remains a priority for helping long-term residents address critical repairs like roofs and porches to avoid eviction or displacement. 3. Austin Macy from the Cathedral Center noted that Milwaukee's 2025 point-in-time count identified over 900 individuals experiencing literal homelessness. 4. Emerson Sanchez spoke in support of the South Side Organizing Center (SOC) for its role in connecting neighbors to city resources and leadership opportunities. 5. Joanna Bausch from VIA CDC highlighted their recent project involving 20 housing units sold for $105,000 each to Black and Brown families, specifically early childhood educators. VIA CDC is breaking ground in August on a new $2 million town home project in the near South Side. 6. Patrick Shrank from Hope House emphasized that 94% of the 218 families they served last year reached sustainable housing, and 85% remained independent after five years. 7. Darryl Johnson from Riverworks Development Corporation shared the success of their financial literacy and legacy planning workshops, which help families prepare for the future and access down payment assistance ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. 8. Jenny Van Helms from the Salvation Army highlighted a rise in first time homelessness among older adults, sharing a story of a resident with dementia to illustrate the vulnerability of the population. 9. Diana Rico spoke in support of the South Side Organizing Center (SOC) for its role in connecting neighbors to city resources and leadership opportunities. 10. Youth leaders Alexis Scroggins, Julietta Sanchez, Isabelle Smith, Isai Ramirez, Leilani Coronado and Cesar Gomez Ortiz shared their experiences with SOC, including community cleanups, vote-a-thons, and reaching over 3,600 homes in target neighborhoods. The youth leaders expressed a goal of recruiting 100 youth ambassadors, aiming for one representative for every block on the South Side. Parents noted the positive impact of summer youth employment programs on building responsibility, punctuality, and self-confidence in their children. 11. Dana World Patterson of Foundations for Freedom discussed their work with survivors of sex trafficking, operating an eight-unit apartment in the 6th District and new units in the 15th District. Kristi Luzar from the Urban Economic Development Association (UEDA) announced an upcoming board development training series for the fall. The training will include three sessions focused on board recruitment strategies and helping organizations become certified as CBDOs to access more funding. The committee is holding a second public hearing at the Department of Public Works (DPW) location 3850 North 35th Street. Attendees were encouraged to download the full funding plan via QR codes provided at the meeting as well as to use the MKE Mobile app to report potholes and other neighborhood issues.	Pass	3:0
7/1/2026	0	COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR; Minutes note: Appeared Vanesa Carmona-Lewis (Associate Director DOA) Appeared Mario Higgins (Director of Community Development Grants Administration) Projected funding includes $14.8 million for CDBG, $4.3 million for HOME, $1.3 million for ESG, and $1.5 million for HOPWA, representing a slight decrease from previous years. Public hearings for the plan are scheduled for July 15th at St. Augustine's Preparatory Academy and July 16th at the DPW facility on 35th Street. Ald. Stamper encouraged his colleagues to check their emails to coordinate neighborhood outreach and promotion for these upcoming sessions.	Pass	5:0
6/23/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number

260352

Version

ORIGINAL

Reference

Sponsor

ALD STAMPER

Title

Resolution relating to the establishment of the Year 2027 Funding Allocation Plan.

Analysis

Body

Whereas, The Community and Economic Development Committee recommends approval of the Funding Allocation Plan of activities and funding recommendation for funding year 2027 as attached; and

Whereas, The City of Milwaukee appears to be eligible for community development entitlement funding for year 2027 estimated at $21,850,000 (CDBG funds $14,800,000; HOME funds, $4,300,000; ESG funds, $1,300,000; and HOPWA funds $1,450,000); now therefore, be it

Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the 2027 Funding Allocation Plan is approved as attached; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the authorization for the funding listed in the resolution is subject to the availability of the Year 2027 community development funding and the release of funds for this purpose by HUD; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Community Development Grants Administration is authorized to prepare and submit the Annual Action Plan for community development funding to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in accordance with the City’s Strategic Plan.

Requestor

Drafter

2027Funding Plan

Mario Higgins

06/22/26