COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 2026-01-07
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Community & Economic Development Committee meeting on January 7, 2026 focused primarily on board appointments and administrative resolutions. Key actions included confirming multiple appointments to Business Improvement Districts 2, 8, 16, and 48, accepting $1.1 million in HUD Continuum of Care planning grant funding for homeless services, and approving a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Vibrant Spaces grant application for a community art park project at 5151 North 35th Street in Old North Milwaukee.
Key Decisions (12)
Reappointment of Tasha Freeman to BID #8
Tasha Freeman reappointed to Business Improvement District Number 8 board of directors, serving the Bronzeville area with focus on arts development.
Reappointment of Sharon Grinker to BID #8
Sharon Grinker reappointed to Business Improvement District Number 8, working on street furniture expansion and art initiatives along King Drive.
Appointment of Katie Clennard to BID #16
Katie Clennard appointed to Business Improvement District Number 16. She purchased Mick Bob's restaurant and building approximately two years ago and seeks community involvement.
Appointment of Nicole Hagen to BID #48
Nicole Hagen appointed to Business Improvement District Number 48. She serves as W-2 director for the Northwest Area off Brown Deer Road and resides in the neighborhood.
Reappointment of Michael DeChelle to BID #2
Michael DeChelle reappointed to Business Improvement District Number 2 (Third Ward). He has served for 20 years and also sits on the Artillery Review Board. Noted Foxtown Landing development expected in 2026.
HUD Continuum of Care Planning Grant Acceptance
Resolution accepting $1.1 million planning grant from HUD's fiscal year 2024 Continuum of Care program. City serves as collaborative applicant for $16 million total in COC grants. Funds support COC board initiatives, training, technical assistance, and stipends for persons with lived experience. 80% of total funds go to permanent supportive housing rent assistance.
WEDC Vibrant Spaces Grant Application for North Milwaukee Art Park
Resolution authorizing application for Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Vibrant Spaces grant up to $50,000 on behalf of Quasimondo Physical Theater nonprofit. Project is North Milwaukee Art Park at 5151 North 35th Street in Old North Milwaukee, half block off Villard. Total project budget $120,000 for community gathering space with parking, landscaping, green infrastructure, public art, and small stage for concerts. Villard Avenue BID partnership.
City Employment Promotion Events Resolution
Resolution encouraging city departments to create events promoting city employment, modeled after DPW's successful Big Truck Days which attracted several thousand attendees at the airport. Budget footnote from 2026 budget amendment.
Internship and Apprenticeship Promotion Resolution
Resolution directing promotion of city internship and apprenticeship opportunities in partnership with the Youth Council. Follows 2024 footnote requiring departments to identify existing and potential internship/apprenticeship programs.
Milwaukee Public Library Quarterly Metrics Reporting
Resolution directing Milwaukee Public Library director to report quarterly to common council on library metrics including visits, programming, circulation numbers, and internet usage. Follows budget footnote and new library openings at Martin Luther King and Mitchell locations in 2026.
Business Development and Training Center Feasibility Study
Resolution held at call of chair by sponsor Alderman Stanford for further work.
MKE Community Excellence Fund Expenditure Authorization
Resolution authorizing up to $83,300 from MKE Community Excellence Fund held for special meeting on January 20, 2026 at 8:45 AM to finalize sponsorships and allocations before Black History Month.
Development Activity (5)
Foxtown Landing
Major development expected to occur in 2026 according to BID #2 board member Michael DeChelle
North Milwaukee Art Park
Community gathering space on formerly vacant lot with parking, landscaping, green infrastructure, public art, and small performance stage. Total budget $120,000. Applying for $50,000 WEDC Vibrant Spaces grant with one-to-one match. Working with Merrick Landscaping on green infrastructure. Previously received grants from MMSD and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Art Work Play Area
Arts center currently under construction in Bronzeville area
Martin Luther King Jr. Library
New library opening in 2026, described as newest and gorgeous facility with makerspace and 3D printers
Mitchell Library
New library opening in 2026 in area showing economic need
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
City accepting $16 million in HUD Continuum of Care grants with 80% directed to permanent supportive housing rent assistance, indicating continued demand for affordable housing solutions.
Commercial Demand
Third Ward BID #2 board member cited Foxtown Landing as major 2026 development, signaling continued commercial investment in established downtown-adjacent district.
Infrastructure
Two new public libraries (Martin Luther King Jr. and Mitchell) opening in 2026 in areas with economic need, indicating public investment in underserved neighborhoods.
Sentiment
Multiple Business Improvement Districts actively expanding with street furniture, public art, and programming investments, particularly along King Drive and Villard Avenue corridors.
Other
WEDC Vibrant Spaces grant program has $1.5 million statewide for small public gathering spaces with $50,000 maximum per project and one-to-one match requirement - first come first served basis.