COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 2026-04-29
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Community & Economic Development Committee approved several board appointments and a $1.3 million USDA Regional Food System Partnership Program Grant targeting food access in zip codes 53205, 53206, and 53208. The committee also approved adding two youth members to the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council. One appointment (Marissa to the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council) was held at the call of the chair.
Key Decisions (9)
Youth Membership Addition to Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council
Substitute ordinance approved to add two youth members (likely high school graduates) to the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council with shortened two-year terms. Motion by Alderman Chambers.
Appointment of Beth Handel to BID 51
Beth Handel, owner of Milwaukee Kayak Company in the Harbor District (14 years in operation), appointed to Business Improvement District number 51. Motion by Alderwoman Moore.
Reappointment of John Rossito to BID 51
John Rossito reappointed to Business Improvement District number 51. Has perfect attendance. Motion by Alderwoman Dimitrievich.
Reappointment of David Stegman to BID 51
David Stegman of Michaels Corporation reappointed to Business Improvement District number 51 in the 14th Aldermanic District. Located at River One. Motion by Alderman Dimitrievich.
Reappointment of Colleen Chaney-Towinski to BID 51
Colleen Chaney-Towinski reappointed to Business Improvement District number 51 in the 14th Aldermanic District. Works as bridge between Harbor District and Lincoln Village. Motion by Alderman Dimitrievich.
Appointment of Erin Francesca to Milwaukee Arts Board
Erin Francesca, manager of after-school arts and humanity programming for Milwaukee Recreation, appointed to Milwaukee Arts Board. Motion by Alderman Jackson.
Appointment of Melissa Mueller to Milwaukee Arts Board
Melissa Mueller, fund development consultant and organizer of Washington Park Wednesdays free concert series, appointed to Milwaukee Arts Board. Motion by Alderman Moore.
Appointment of Marissa to Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council
Appointment held at the call of the chair because appointee was not present. Motion by Alderman Chambers.
USDA Regional Food System Partnership Program Grant Acceptance
Resolution approved accepting approximately $1 million USDA grant plus city match (totaling approximately $1.3 million) over three years for regional food system development. Grant targets zip codes 53205, 53206, and 53208. City of Milwaukee serves as fiscal agent partnering with Dane County and Brown County. Includes $300,000 for mini grants to local organizations, $290,000 for contracted project coordinator, and partial funding for grant compliance manager. Motion by Alderman Chambers.
Development Activity (1)
Harbor District Development
Michaels Corporation investment described as starting a chain reaction of positive energy and continued growth in the Harbor District area
Market Signals (4)
Commercial Demand
Harbor District BID 51 experiencing continued growth with multiple board reappointments and new appointments indicating sustained business investment interest.
Housing Demand
Food access infrastructure investment targeting distressed communities in zip codes 53205, 53206, and 53208 suggests ongoing challenges in these areas that may affect residential development viability.
Infrastructure
City investing in regional food system infrastructure including cold storage equipment and food recovery/composting systems to address grocery store departures in underserved communities.
Sentiment
Committee expressed concern about grocery store departures in the community, with the USDA grant designed to provide technical assistance to food enterprises to increase their survival rate.