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| | | | Meeting convened: 2:06 pm | | | |
Roll call
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260352
| 0 | 1. | Resolution | Resolution relating to the establishment of the Year 2027 Funding Allocation Plan.
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.
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 3:0 |
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| | | | Meeting adjourned: 3:03 PM
Carmen Roman
Staff Assistant | | | |
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