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| | | | 1. Call to Order at 1:21 PM | | | |
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| | | | 2. Roll Call | | | |
Roll call
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| | | | 3. Approval of prior Meeting Minutes (June 25, 2026)
Minutes note: Ald. Stamper moved approval. there were no objections. | | | |
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| | | | 4. Approval of funding to be spent at the July 16 City Hall Engagement and Scavenger Hunt event
Minutes note: Ald. Stamper moved approval. | | | |
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| | | | 5. EYAAC Data Committee Update (approval of 2 grant applications: cross-agency data sharing and improving-use-of-research-evidence for public officials)
Minutes note: Ms. Christie provided an update on several grant opportunities. The first is a research grant for improving the use of research evidence, valued at $300,000 over three years, with a deadline of July 29th.
A second grant from the Spencer Foundation was discussed, offering $75,000 for an eight-month period. The letter of intent is due August 12th, with a potential full submission in September if invited.
She mentioned a third opportunity which is a cohort-based program for the Intelligence for Social Policy Learning Community, with an application deadline of August 17th.
Dr. Gabriel Velez from Marquette University will lead the application process for these opportunities.
The committee, on a motion from Mr. Mahan, approved the pursuit of these grant applications without any objections.
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| | | | 6. Approval of funding for travel related expenses relative to the D.C. StriveTogether June 10-12 Policy Summit
Minutes note: The committee reviewed the approval for funding related to travel expenses for the DC Strive Together Policy Summit. While the presentation on this topic had occurred in a previous month, the formal vote was delayed until this session. Alderman Stamper moved for approval; the motion passed, though Ms. Daniels officially abstained from the vote.
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| | | | 7. Approval of funding to support a pilot partnership between BID 32, EYAAC, and Mr. Trasus Wright's mentoring/workforce development program
Minutes note: Ms. Christie and Mr. Trasus Wright presented a pilot partnership between BID 32, the EAC, and the Wright Mentoring Workforce Development Program.
The program focuses on young people aged 16 to 24, employing them as community ambassadors to perform corridor work and build "essential skills" or soft skills.
Mr. Wright emphasized the importance of accountability and "third space" environments where youth can be connected to opportunities like GED programs or trade apprenticeships. He noted that he currently has young men showing up as early as 8:30 AM to demonstrate commitment before they are referred to other jobs.
The pilot is currently designed to serve 10 youth through September. Ms. Christie highlighted that the program aims to shift neighborhood mindsets by having local youth feel vested in their community.
The members expressed support for the "third space" concept and the leveraging of existing best practices from organizations like Walnut Way. The funding for this pilot program was moved by Mr. Mahan and approved.
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| | | | 8. Project Kindred/ Marquette Youth Root Cause Summit description and Presentation, including City Scavenger Hunt Impacts on their Root Cause question
Minutes note: Adriana Salerno Santiago, Experience Architect at Project Kindred, introduced a presentation regarding a four-day action summit held at Marquette University with 15 young "path makers."
The path makers worked with Dr. Teresa Ventura from the Marquette School of Education to learn participatory action research and identify community issues they felt passionate about solving.
Adriana explained that Project Kindred would be collecting data over the next three months to see if the recommendations made by the youth lead to actual meetings, referrals, or policy decisions by city power holders.
Alex Lewis, Pearl Vang, Ramya Gandham, Kaden Oxley, and Isaiah Morales presented their research on why residents often travel to distant parks rather than using neighborhood parks near their homes.
The team found that 65% of their survey respondents avoided local parks due to concerns regarding maintenance, safety, and a lack of advertised community events.
They highlighted the distinction between the 52 city-controlled neighborhood lots and the larger county-controlled parks, advocating for better funding and basic amenities for smaller urban green spaces.
The group chose the name "Yggdrasil," referencing Norse mythology's tree of life, to represent the vital connection between nature and community health.
EYAAC members questioned the team on whether certain park models should be replicated; the team responded that solutions must be tailored to the specific demographics of each neighborhood, such as providing more playgrounds for areas with young children.
Silva, Katie, Stella Smart, and Elena Thompson (Jay) presented on the challenges facing unhoused youth and young adults aged 18 to 30 in Milwaukee.
The group identified redlining and gerrymandering as systemic issues that limit access to sustainable housing for marginalized populations.
They noted a lack of visibility in city data for "hidden" unhoused youth who may be staying with friends or family rather than in shelters.
The team proposed several interventions, including renovating abandoned houses into group homes and creating "third spaces"—safe social hubs where youth can gather without the pressure of curfews or commercial costs.
They specifically requested that the city provide a stable platform for unhoused individuals to share their lived experiences and suggest policy improvements directly to decision-makers.
Gianna Cooks, Richard, and Karina Morales presented on the need for better mental health resources in inner-city schools to address student "lashing out" and behavioral crises.
The team argued that many students in low-income areas suffer from unchecked mental health issues caused by economic stress and unstable home environments.
They advocated for a shift from retributive punishments toward restorative practices and non-traditional therapies, such as art therapy, which can be less intimidating for young people.
Gianna pointed out that Milwaukee’s economy is structured so that wealth often flows out to the suburbs, leaving the inner city with a tight budget and limited mental health support.
The group suggested that breaking the cycle of poverty and violence requires preventative mental health work starting at a young age within the education system.
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| | | | 9. Announcements/ Next Meeting Date
Minutes note: A "Run Back to School" event is scheduled for August 22nd; proceeds will benefit youth athletics equipment and uniforms. Registration is available through Milwaukee Rec.
The Black Arts Festival will take place during the first week of August, and all were encouraged to attend to help the event expand in future years.
Chair said, that this committee will be off for the month of August, next meeting date for September to be determined.
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| | | | 10. Adjournment
Minutes note: Meeting adjourned at 2:42 PM
Joanna Urtiz
Staff Assistant | | | |
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| | | | In the event that Common Council members who are not members of this committee attend this meeting, this meeting may also simultaneously constitute a meeting of the Common Council or any of the following committees: Community and Economic Development, Finance and Personnel, Judiciary and Legislation, Licenses, Public Safety and Health, Public Works, Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development, and/or Steering and Rules. Whether a simultaneous meeting is occurring depends on whether the presence of one or more of the Common Council member results in a quorum of the Common Council or any of the above committees, and, if there is a quorum of another committee, whether any agenda items listed above involve matters within that committee’s realm of authority. In the event that a simultaneous meeting is occurring, no action other than information gathering will be taken at the simultaneous meeting.
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| | | | Upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities through sign language interpreters or auxiliary aids. For additional information or to request this service, contact the City Clerk's Office ADA Coordinator at 286-2998, (FAX)286-3456, (TDD)286-2025 or by writing to the Coordinator at Room 205, City Hall, 200 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. | | | |
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| | | | City Hall and the Zeidler Municipal Building are accessible by "The Hop" City Hall Stations, the MCTS Green Line, Connect 1, 14, 15, 18, 19, 30, 33, and 57 bus routes. Visit https://www.ridemcts.com/ for more information.
Bike racks are available on Water Street, Market Street, and Broadway, and a Bublr Bike Share station is located on the northeast corner of Kilbourn Avenue and Water Street.
Limited parking for persons attending meetings during normal business hours is available at reduced rates (5 hour limit) at the Associated Bank River Center on the southwest corner of Kilbourn Avenue and Water Street. You must present a copy of the meeting notice to the parking cashier. | | | |
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| | | | Persons engaged in lobbying as defined in s. 305-43-4 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances are required to register with the City Clerk's Office License Division. Registered lobbyists appearing before a Common Council committee are required to identify themselves as such. More information is available at http://city.milwaukee.gov/Lobbying. | | | |
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