VIA CDC Celebrates 30 Years at Silver City Fest and Expands to Clarke Square

Milwaukee, WI – More than 2,000 neighbors, artists, and partners filled Milwaukee’s Silver City neighborhood on Saturday, September 6, 2025, for the 14th annual Silver City Fest, presented by AARP Wisconsin. This year’s event not only commemorated VIA CDC’s 30th Anniversary—sponsored by the Forest County Potawatomi Community—but also marked a major milestone: VIA announced that Clarke Square will officially join its service area, alongside Silver City, Layton Park, and Burnham Park neighborhoods.

This expansion follows the decision of Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative (CSNI) to cease operations earlier this year. VIA CDC is honored to step in and continue supporting Clarke Square neighbors, ensuring that the relationships and progress built over the years will be carried forward in a sustainable way.

“This festival was a strong reminder of the power of community,” said VIA CDC Executive Director JoAnna Bautch. “For three decades, VIA has worked side by side with neighbors to make our community a place where people feel welcome, proud, and connected. By welcoming Clarke Square into the VIA family, we’re expanding that mission and beginning an exciting new chapter for Milwaukee’s south side.”

Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who spoke during the afternoon program, praised the expansion: “Silver City Fest is a shining example of what makes Milwaukee strong—neighbors coming together to celebrate culture, support small businesses, and build community. VIA CDC’s work over the past 30 years has transformed neighborhoods, and this expansion means even more neighbors will benefit from that support.”

A Legacy of Growth and Impact

Since 1995, VIA has partnered with neighbors to leverage more than $51 million in direct neighborhood investment across Milwaukee’s near south side. This work has:

● Created 156 new jobs and 50 new businesses.
● Supported 42 affordable homeownership opportunities and delivered over $9 million in home improvements to more than 1,000 households.
● Hosted 550+ community-building events and invested $2.7 million in streetscaping and public art.

Clarke Square has already felt VIA’s investment through programs and partnerships. To date, VIA has:

● Invested $132,963.60 in Clarke Square businesses through Brew City Match.
● Engaged 38 Clarke Square neighbors and business owners in VIA events in the past year.
● Delivered two rent-to-own properties and two Turnkey Homes in Clarke Square.

With this formal expansion, VIA will build on these early investments and ensure Clarke Square neighbors continue to have access to sustainable housing, small business support, and community-driven initiatives.

“Clarke Square is a neighborhood with deep cultural pride and resilient leadership,” Bautch added.

“We know we’re stepping into a place with a strong history of organizing and collaboration. Our role is to build on that legacy and work hand in hand with neighbors to shape a sustainable, vibrant future.”

A Festival of Culture and Community

The free, family-friendly Silver City Fest once again transformed W. National Avenue between 32nd and 35th Streets into a lively hub of art, music, food, and kid-friendly activities. Guests enjoyed interactive art, local vendors, and live performances throughout the day, capped off by an electrifying headline set from Milwaukee’s own De La Buena, whose Latin jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms had the crowd dancing in the streets.

Silver City Fest 2025 was not only a celebration of three decades of community-driven work—it was the launchpad for VIA CDC’s next chapter, reaffirming its commitment to building vibrant, connected, and resilient neighborhoods across Milwaukee’s south side. VIA CDC thanks presenting sponsor AARP Wisconsin and anniversary sponsor Forest County Potawatomi Community for their partnership in making this milestone festival possible.

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.