COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 2026-03-11
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Community & Economic Development Committee meeting on 2026-03-11 was primarily procedural, focusing on board appointments and resolutions. Key actions included confirming Marcus Hawkins to the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council, approving multiple Business Improvement District appointments, designating August 2026 as Bronzeville Week, and establishing the Fifth District Movie Night Fund as an official city event. An ordinance removing council confirmation requirements for ex officio members of the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council was also passed.
Key Decisions (13)
Appointment of Marcus Hawkins to Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council
Marcus Hawkins, health strategy director from the Health Department, was confirmed to the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council. He has experience in youth programming and has two children ages 22 and 17.
Appointment of Roy Suez Del Rio III to July 4 Commission
Roy Suez Del Rio III, president of Wilson Park Fourth of July parade, was confirmed to the July 4 Commission. He has two children ages 15 and 12.
Appointment of David Knuston to Business Improvement District Number 20
David Knuston was confirmed to Business Improvement District Number 20. He has lived in the North And Farwell area around the Eastside Business Improvement District for approximately 13-14 years and has served on the economic development committee. He mentioned possibilities around the Pop Plaza project.
Appointment of Beth Handel to Business Improvement District Number 51
Beth Handel's appointment to BID 51 was held at the call of the chair due to her unavailability.
Appointment of Brandon Strand to Business Improvement District Number 51
Brandon Strand, government affairs director for the Wallback Group (a family of construction companies based in Waukesha), was confirmed to BID 51. The Wallback Group has property in the Harbor District and has been there for 25 years, making improvements to their property, adjacent properties, streets and bridges.
Reappointment of John Roseto to Business Improvement District Number 51
John Roseto's reappointment to BID 51 was held at the call of the chair due to his unavailability.
Reappointment of Dave Stageman to Business Improvement District Number 51
Dave Stageman's reappointment to BID 51 was held at the call of the chair due to his unavailability.
Reappointment of Colleen Chaney Troinski to Business Improvement District Number 51
Colleen Chaney Troinski's reappointment to BID 51 was held at the call of the chair due to her unavailability.
Resolution Designating August 2026 as Bronzeville Week
Resolution designating August 2026 as Bronzeville Week in the city of Milwaukee was adopted. This will be the 16th annual Bronzeville celebration. The week kicks off Saturday, August 1 with the Harambee 5K walk/run, followed by the festival on Sunday featuring over 130 vendors and live entertainment.
Fifth District Movie Night Fund Established as Official City Event
Resolution establishing the Fifth District Movie Night Fund as an official city event was adopted, authorizing acceptance and expenditure of contributions. The event will partner with Milwaukee County and take place at Cooper Park in conjunction with the county's beer garden and live music. The movie will be Mrs. Doubtfire.
Community Development Grants Administration Fund Balance Report
Communication from the Department of Administration regarding current fund balance and status of previous appropriations was held at the call of the chair at Alderwoman Dimitrijevich's request for more time.
Historic Milwaukee Neighborhood Poster Sales Annual Report
The 2025 annual report on Historic Milwaukee Incorporated's sales of neighborhood posters and merchandise was presented. Total revenue was approximately $619,000, with poster/merchandise sales representing about 1.2% ($7,790) of their total budget. The Doors Open Milwaukee event was highlighted, with Milwaukee City Hall being the top visited site.
Ordinance Modifying Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council Ex Officio Confirmation Requirements
Ordinance removing the council confirmation requirement for ex officio members of the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council was passed, aligning it with most other plural bodies where ex officio members typically do not require council confirmation.
Development Activity (2)
Pop Plaza Project
Referenced as having 'possibilities' by David Knuston during his BID 20 appointment confirmation. No specific details provided.
Wallback Group Harbor District Property Improvements
Family of construction companies based in Waukesha has made improvements to their property, adjacent properties, streets and bridges over 25 years. Interested in maintaining a mixed-use Harbor District.
Market Signals (3)
Commercial Demand
The Harbor District is being developed as a mixed-use area with interest from construction companies like Wallback Group in maintaining business community and residential balance.
Sentiment
Doors Open Milwaukee survey shows 82% of participants feel proud to be in Milwaukee, and 64% visited neighborhoods they were previously unfamiliar with, indicating strong neighborhood exploration interest.
Housing Demand
Doors Open Milwaukee attracts visitors across all income levels with 42% living within the city of Milwaukee, suggesting broad community engagement with neighborhood development.