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| | 1. | | Call to Order
Minutes note: This meeting was called to order by Commission Chair Snell Rodriguez at 4:05 PM | | | |
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| | 3. | | Approval of Previous Minutes
Minutes note: Minutes approved unanimously with no edits. | | | |
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| | 4. | | Welcome from Chair
Minutes note: Chair Snell Rodriguez welcomed attendees
Annual Report Presentation
ERC presented its annual report to the Judiciary & Legislation Committee.
Discussion centered on 2025 accomplishments and 2026 priorities, especially housing.
Council members expressed strong interest in ERC’s upcoming housing work.
Citywide Sensory Inclusive Initiative:
Resolution passed Steering & Rules; scheduled for Common Council vote on April 21.
Mayor signing ceremony planned for April 21 at noon at City Hall .
Initiative partners with KultureCity to certify Milwaukee as a sensory-inclusive city.
Certification requires 50% of frontline staff trained within 90 days.
Discovery World Fiserv Forum and Mitchell Park Domes already participating.
Sensory rooms will be part of the rollout.
Milwaukee may become the first city in Wisconsin and possibly first in the Midwest to adopt this citywide.
Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS)
Presenter: Jeremy McGovern, Marketing & Communications Officer
Overview: DNS enforces building codes; programs include Compliance Loan Program & Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP); high volume of tenant complaints.
Complaint Process: Reports via app/alder/calls; interior inspections require tenant coordination; orders issued 24–72 hrs (life-safety) or up to 90 days (non-critical).
Rent Abatement/Withholding: Abatement via Community Advocates; withholding via DNS. Many tenants ineligible because they stop paying rent before applying.
Data: ~43k inspections (2025); 17,931 orders; solid-waste violations down; hotspots in 6th & 15th districts.
Illegal Dumping: Hidden cameras generating ~$100k in citations; exploring grants for neighborhood groups.
Placarding: Used only for severe hazards; temporary closure, not eviction; city may assist with emergency housing. | | | |
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| | 5. | | Communication from Committees
Minutes note: Governance
Updating the ERC Handbook.
Planning a strategic planning retreat once the Commission is fully seated.
Required trainings: Open Meetings, Open Records, Communications.
Commissioners reminded to use City email and complete cybersecurity training.
Conflict of Interest forms due annually in February.
LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee
First meeting scheduled for May 5.
Co-Chairs: Elle Halo and Richie T. Martin Jr.
Common Council and Mayor briefed on committee purpose.
Ad Hoc Housing Committee
Working with LRB to clarify source of income protections.
Reviewing whether housing vouchers fall under “public assistance.”
Considering a resolution directing Common Council to amend Chapter 109.
Two primary goals:
Clarify the definition of source of income.
Grant ERC authority to take and adjudicate housing discrimination complaints.
Committee will meet soon to finalize the LRB request.
Target introduction: before August recess.
International Human Rights Day Committee
Awaiting UN theme.
Planning a more interactive, international, celebratory event.
City ERGs will be invited to participate.
Venue options under review. | | | |
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| | 6. | | Communication from Staff
Minutes note: Ramona Ramos – Equal Rights Complaints Liaison
New Commissioner Madeline Miranda Navarro moving through appointment process.
ERC archives available.
May meeting moved to May 27.
Complaint intake system progressing; expected Q3 launch.
Earn & Learn internship application submitted.
City Hall tour planned for warmer weather. | | | |
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| | 7. | | Community Announcements
Minutes note: May 28 – City Vendor Fair : City Connect
April 18 – Citywide Job Fair at City Hall
April 16- Apprenticeship Day At City Hall
May – AAPI Heritage Month
May 3- Elevation Dinner w/ Marquette Law Dinner @ Ivy House
Native American Tourism Conference in June (Oneida) Golf Outing | | | |
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| | 8. | | Adjournment
Minutes note: Motion to adjourn. Approved.
Meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM | | | |
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