Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting: September 30, 2026

On September 30, 2026, the Community & Economic Development Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council convened at 1:30 PM in City Hall Room 301-B, chaired by Ald. Russell W. Stamper, II. The committee unanimously recommended confirming appointments to several Business Improvement Districts, reviewed the 2025 Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative accomplishments, approved 2027 operating plans for various BIDs and NIDs (with one plan removed for separate consideration), designated August 7–14, 2027, as Bronzeville Week, and authorized up to $100,000 for the MKE Community Impact Committee. All votes were 5–0.

Appointments to Business Improvement Districts (Items 1–6)

• Item 1 (260593): Dr. Richard Lagerman was unanimously recommended for confirmation to BID #13. Dr. Lagerman, a physician with a 45‑year history in the area, expressed a desire to maintain a healthy neighborhood.
• Item 2 (260779): Aaron Berth was unanimously recommended for confirmation to BID #11. Mr. Berth, a resident and marketing expert, will focus on storytelling for Brady Street.
• Item 3 (260780): Nia Brittain (listed as Nia Brittain on the agenda; the minutes refer to Nia Britton) was initially held to the call of the chair when not present, then reconsidered and unanimously recommended for confirmation. Ms. Britton is a seven‑year resident with a Master’s in Public Health and expressed a desire to improve community health on Brady Street.
• Item 4 (260781): Stephanie Cash, a business attorney and seven‑year Brady Street resident, was unanimously recommended for confirmation to BID #11.
• Item 5 (260782): Ashley Pfaff, a ten‑year Brady Street resident planning a grassroots neighborhood watch campaign, was unanimously recommended for confirmation to BID #11.
• Item 6 (260783): Darice Bealin was unanimously recommended for reappointment to BID #27, with the committee noting his great attendance record.

Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative (Item 7 – 260655)

Angela Mitchell‑Reid (Department of City Development) presented the 2025 Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative accomplishments. The program provides matching grants up to $4,000 for physical improvements (signage, murals, community gardens) with the first $1,000 automatically reimbursed. In 2025, $87,200 was approved for 27 projects across seven aldermanic districts, involving 21 partnerships. The 2026 budget is $100,000. Ald. Chambers questioned the scope; Ms. Mitchell‑Reid clarified that equipment purchases (e.g., lawnmowers) are not funded but rented equipment and materials can be reimbursed. The communication was placed on file.

2027 Operating Plans for Business Improvement Districts and Neighborhood Improvement Districts (Item 8 – 260738)

Sally Svetic (DCD) presented an overview of the city’s 10 NIDs (collecting $1.1 million in 2026) and 30 active BIDs (collecting $12.5 million in 2026). The committee heard presentations from several BIDs and NIDs:

• Sherman Park NID 4: Chair Keante Shields reported that residents are assessed $50 annually; the NID has operated for 13 years, funding home repairs and community projects. The 2026 assessment was $204,500 (down from previous years).
• Washington Park NID 3: Adrian Spencer (Rooted and Rising) described home repairs, environmental services, and quality‑of‑life grants. In 2026, the NID received $160,882; $84,000 was allocated to home repairs.
• Harambe NID 7: Lakeisha Wilder and board members reported investing nearly $1 million since 2018, primarily in roofing and home improvements, and $20,000 to a school playground.
• East Side BID 20: Executive Director Ryan Lesigue highlighted plans to transform Ivanhoe Plaza from an interim to a permanent plaza, including ADA improvements and a community stage.
• Milwaukee Downtown BID 21: CEO Matt Dorner reported on public service ambassadors (removing over 3,000 graffiti tags in 2025), clean sweep teams (removing 420,000 gallons of trash), and signature events like the Holiday Lights Festival (Nov. 19). The bid is also redesigning Red Arrow Park.
• Haven Woods BID 31: Executive Director Stephanie Harling described non‑traditional programs, including an employer‑assisted homeownership program ($5,000 down payment assistance), a Lyft program for employee transportation (averaging $40,000/year), and a $650 new‑hire bonus (19 placements in three months). The bid also acquires and rehabilitates homes to disrupt out‑of‑state investor speculation.
• Center Street Marketplace BID 39: Dr. Jennifer Potts outlined efforts to expand the board from 7 to 11 members, pursue a business resource and training center at 3516 West Center Street, and continue business visibility grants ($250 each, 30 available).

The committee amended the resolution to remove the 2027 operating plan for BID 27 (to be reintroduced separately) and then unanimously approved the remaining operating plans.

Bronzeville Week Resolution (Item 9 – 260829)

Ald. Coggs presented highlights from the 16th annual Bronzeville Week (August 2026), calling it the most attended to date. Key to its success was the involvement of young creators (ages 17–26) who organized events such as natural hair shows, fashion shows, and a community movement experience. Alds. Stamper, Moore, and Jackson requested to be co‑sponsors. The resolution designating August 7–14, 2027, as Bronzeville Week was unanimously adopted.

MKE Community Impact Committee (Item 10 – 260808)

Ald. Coggs explained that the committee oversees participatory budgeting from the council‑led Transformational Fund. Of the $600,000 total allocation, $500,000 is reserved for public submissions for non‑police public safety projects, and $100,000 is authorized for technical assistance and consulting. The committee is drafting guidelines, expected to report recommendations in November 2026, with submissions potentially beginning before the end of 2027. Some project expenditures may carry into 2028. Alds. Stamper, Moore, and Jackson requested to be co‑sponsors. The substitute resolution authorizing the City Clerk to expend up to $100,000 was unanimously adopted.

Key Outcomes

• All six appointments (Items 1–6) were unanimously recommended for confirmation.
• The 2025 Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative communication (Item 7) was unanimously placed on file.
• The 2027 operating plans (Item 8) were amended to remove BID 27’s plan, then unanimously adopted for the remaining plans.
• The Bronzeville Week designation (Item 9) was unanimously adopted.
• The MKE Community Impact Committee funding resolution (Item 10) was unanimously adopted.
• The meeting adjourned at 3:40 PM.