Kenosha Mayor Calls on Governor’s Office, Members of the Community to Help the City Rebuild
Mayor Antaramian requests $30 million to help cover damages and revitalize the community
KENOSHA, Wis. – (August 30, 2020) – City of Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian announced that he has requested $30 million in state funding from Governor Tony Evers to help the City of Kenosha rebuild and heal after the week of violence and damage experienced particularly in the downtown, uptown and surrounding areas of the city.
“Kenosha is a safe community with hardworking individuals who are mourning and facing immense tragedy and devastation,” said Mayor John Antaramian, City of Kenosha. “We’re asking the state and community partners to help rebuild what was lost and to invest in programs and training for our young people.”
The damage caused by violent demonstrators and rioters, led largely by people from outside the city, destroyed dozens of businesses, homes, and city buildings. Sunday evening, rioting and looting led to burnt buildings, homes, car dealerships, city transit vehicles and more. The city is working with local business owners to estimate the total cost of damaged property.
The closure of businesses due to COVID-19 and then the protests have put immense financial strain on the community of Kenosha.
“The events that occurred in Kenosha this week are tragic and impacted our community emotionally and physically,” said Wisconsin State Representative Tod Ohnstad, 65th Assembly District. “Kenosha has lived through economic devastation before and the community will rebuild again.”
The City of Kenosha plans to use the state aid to help cover property damages, housing and business revitalization, initiatives that will encourage new businesses to invest in the area and costs incurred by the city during the recent violence.
“We are living through unprecedented times with compounding crises facing our communities,” said Wisconsin State Representative Tip McGuire, 64th Assembly District. “Our Kenosha community is resilient, and we’ve exemplified that over the last several days, but we need state funding to address the devastation in the community.”
The mayor has participated in several conversations with the governor’s office, business leaders, community advocates, clergy members and residents to discuss the community’s needs. Each stressed the importance of the city coming together. The mayor will continue these meetings into the coming weeks and work with the City of Kenosha Common Council toward the betterment of the community.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Shooting of Jacob Blake
- No Federal Charges For Officer That Shot Jacob Blake - Madeline Fox - Oct 8th, 2021
- Federal Officials Close Review of the Officer-Involved Shooting of Jacob Blake - U.S. Department of Justice - Oct 8th, 2021
- WisGOP Statement on One-Year Anniversary of Kenosha Violence - Republican Party of Wisconsin - Aug 24th, 2021
- One Year After Jacob Blake Shooting Kenosha Seeks Answers - Isiah Holmes and Henry Redman - Aug 23rd, 2021
- Gov. Evers Releases Statement One Year After Jacob Blake Shooting - Gov. Tony Evers - Aug 23rd, 2021
- Kenosha Activists Arrested During Protest of Jacob Blake - Henry Redman - May 6th, 2021
- Body Cameras Key To Charges Against Police - Corri Hess - May 4th, 2021
- Wisconsin Police Donated to Officer that Shot Jacob Blake - Jenny Peek and Corrinne Hess - Apr 16th, 2021
- Kenosha activists respond to tonight’s Officer Sheskey announcement - Leaders of Kenosha - Apr 13th, 2021
- Kenosha Police Department Statement on Officer Rusten Sheskey’s Return From Administrative Leave - Kenosha Police Department - Apr 13th, 2021
Read more about Shooting of Jacob Blake here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian
Mayor Antaramian Announces Action Steps for Moving Kenosha Forward
Sep 14th, 2020 by Kenosha Mayor John AntaramianUpcoming Community listening sessions, police body cameras, state and federal funding plans discussed
Kenosha Mayor Says City Has Sufficient Support in Advance of Presidential Visit
Aug 31st, 2020 by Kenosha Mayor John AntaramianLocal law enforcement and National Guard stand ready with additional aid on the ground to provide support
Kenosha Mayor Calls on Governor’s Office, Members of the Community to Help the City Rebuild
Aug 30th, 2020 by Kenosha Mayor John AntaramianMayor Antaramian requests $30 million to help cover damages and revitalize the community