Our Communities Are Not the Problem — They Are the Priority
Statement of Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II March 26, 2026
I’ve reviewed the data, and I want to be very clear about what it shows and what it does not show.
The narrative that grocery stores are leaving our neighborhoods because of crime simply does not hold up when you look at the facts. The analysis shows that theft-related incidents actually declined at most of these locations over time. It also shows that suburban stores reported higher averages of theft-related incidents than stores within the city of Milwaukee.
So we have to be honest — this cannot be placed on the backs of our residents.
I represent these neighborhoods. I know these families. These are hardworking people who rely on these stores for their daily needs. To suggest that they are the primary reason for closures, when the data tells a different story, is not only inaccurate — it’s unfair.
Now, I’m not saying theft doesn’t exist. It does. And it is one factor, like it is in any retail environment across the country. But what I am saying is that it is not the reason, and it should not be used as a blanket explanation for decisions that are much more complex.
There are other realities that need to be acknowledged.
Some operators have pointed to challenges with the labor pool — finding and retaining quality employees. Others have pointed to the merchandise mix in urban stores, where many essential goods carry lower profit margins. And in many cases, there is a clear gap in understanding the community — how people shop, what they need, and how to build trust and loyalty within the neighborhood.
Those are business model challenges. Those are operational challenges. Those are corporate decisions.
And we cannot allow those challenges to be reframed as failures of the community.
What this data does is give us clarity. It shifts the conversation from blame to responsibility — and more importantly, to solutions.
My priority has always been the people I serve. That means making sure families have access to fresh food, quality grocery stores, and pharmacy services in their neighborhoods. That is not optional — that is essential.
And moving forward, we are not waiting.
We are actively working to identify and attract grocery operators who understand our communities, who are willing to invest in them, and who see the value and opportunity here — not just the challenges. We are looking for partners who are committed to being present, engaged, and responsive.
In the coming weeks, we will be introducing significant proposals, programs, and policies focused on the retention, evaluation, and promotion of grocery stores and pharmacies in our neighborhoods.
This moment is not just about what was lost — it’s about what comes next.
Because our communities deserve quality grocers. They deserve access. They deserve investment. And they deserve to be seen for what they truly are — strong, resilient neighborhoods full of opportunity.
And I’m committed to making sure we move forward with that truth leading the way.
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.
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