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| | | | Meeting convened: 6:11 PM | | | |
Roll call
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260352
| 0 | | Resolution | Resolution relating to the establishment of the Year 2027 Funding Allocation Plan.
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.
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 3:0 |
Action details
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| | | | Meeting adjourned: 7:16 PM
Carmen Roman
Staff Assistant | | | |
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