Alderman Willie C. Wade, former District 7 alderman on Milwaukee’s North Side, served from 2003 to early 2016, was reelected three times and claims the distinction of being the only alderman in city history who defeated four one-time aldermen in an election.
On December 1st, 2015, Wade announced that he would not seek re-election and would retire at the end of his term.
According to his official biography, Wade has lived in the 7th District for more than 40 years and spent more than 27 years working in the community as a mentor, coach and teacher. He attended Milwaukee’s Hamilton and Riverside (for its human services career specialty program) high schools. He attended Armstrong State College in Savannah, Georgia and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts.
He has a long history as a government worker and union member. Prior to his election, Wade spent 19 years as an employee of Milwaukee Public Schools, including 15 years working with special education students. He was a member of Service Employees International Union for 10 years and is a longtime member of Milwaukee Teachers Union. He currently serves on 14 committees or boards including those for the Survive Alive House, Local Initiative Support Corporation, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board and the Environmental Justice Task Force for the Advisory Committee for the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.
Wade’s official bio also notes that he created a college scholarship fund in 2003 for inner city youth which has awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships, and started a “Reading Wednesday” program in 2005 where he goes out to city schools, reads to younger students, and teaches a civics class for older students to promote literacy
Now in his fourth term as alderman, Wade is Vice Chair of the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee and is a member of the Community & Economic Development and Public Works Committees.
Wade claims credit for attracting more than $68 million worth of development in the 7th Aldermanic District during his time in office.
Wade was among those aldermen who criticized the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for its coverage of how the Milwaukee Police Department reports crime.
Wade has developed a hotline to report vandalism to vacant buildings in the 7th District.
Concerned about drugs and gangs, Alderman Wade commented on January 2012 homicides in Milwaukee.
In 2010 Alderman Wade noted serious health issues in homes including mold and flood damages and called upon neighbors to check in on elderly neighbors.
Wade made news in 2010 for a riff with MPS officials at a basketball game when he refused to remove his hat.
In a 2009 dispute over public art, Alderman Wade claimed he wouldn’t pay 50 cents for the Mona Lisa.
Campaign Finance Reports
2016 - July Continuing - $0 - 0 contributions
2016 - January Continuing - $12,698 - 63 contributions
Photos
Content referencing Willie Wade
Mayor Tom Barrett Announces Willie Wade as President and CEO of Employ Milwaukee
"Willie Wade’s passionate leadership and commitment to connecting people to lifelong employment is unparalleled."
Jul 19th, 2018 by Tom Barrett
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Highlights Legislation to Boost Apprenticeships in Oak Creek
Baldwin legislation to invest in public-private partnerships to close skills gap
May 30th, 2018 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Mayor Barrett Kicks-Off Annual Summer Youth Employment Program
Earn & Learn Provides Young Individuals with Job Skills, Work Experience
Mar 29th, 2017 by Tom Barrett
Mayor Barrett’s 2017 Executive Budget Address
As Delivered
Sep 26th, 2016 by Tom Barrett
County Executive Chris Abele Endorsed by Local Elected LEaders
“I am honored to have this support and look forward to continuing to collaborate with every level of government to improve our community.”
Mar 31st, 2016 by County Executive Chris Abele
Mayor Barrett Announces City of Milwaukee Designated as White House TechHire Community
City's New TechForce Center, Emphasis on IT Employment to Create Opportunities
Mar 10th, 2016 by Tom Barrett
African American leaders stand against supporting Alderman Bob Donavan for Mayor of Milwaukee
This press conference will be followed up with a private meeting with current Mayor Tom Barrett.
Feb 19th, 2016 by Urban Milwaukee
Milwaukee Leaders Endorse Johnny Thomas for City Comptroller
“Johnny Thomas is the person that we need to be our next Milwaukee City Comptroller,” said Alderman Willie Wade.
Dec 23rd, 2015 by Johnny Thomas
David Crowley Statement on Alderman Willie Wade’s Retirement
“I want to thank Alderman Willie Wade for his years of service in the 7th District and the City of Milwaukee.”
Dec 2nd, 2015 by David Crowley
Record number of students and colleges expected for 9th annual Fresh Coast Classic College & Resource Fair
Event at UW-Milwaukee exposes students to college and career opportunities; helps them plan for success
Nov 18th, 2015 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Sen. Lena Taylor statement on call for creation of Office of African American Affairs
“I look forward to working with Rep. Young and my state legislative colleagues to create a vehicle that will help to reverse Wisconsin’s dismal records of being the worst place in nation to raise a black child.”
Oct 28th, 2015 by State Sen. Lena Taylor
Supervisor Rainey Calls for Office on African American Affairs
Office to Identify Ways to Improve Quality of Life for African Americans
Oct 28th, 2015 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
City officials take on business leaders in basketball game to benefit Autism Speaks
A team of Milwaukee public officials will face off against business leaders from around the city in a basketball game and charity event to benefit Autism Speaks on Saturday, June 13 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Journey House.
Jun 9th, 2015 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Volunteers needed for Center Street business district
Center Street Marketplace BID 39’s purpose is to improve the negative perceptions of crime and safety between the boundaries of 34th and 58th Streets on W. Center St.
Apr 21st, 2015 by Ald. Russell Stamper, II
Mayor Barrett’s 2015 State of the City Address
Monday, March 9th, 2015 - Alverno College
Mar 9th, 2015 by Tom Barrett
Compete Milwaukee = a promising pathway to jobs
Joint statement from Aldermen Ashanti Hamilton and Willie C. Wade.
Jan 13th, 2015 by Milwaukee Common Council
Red Arrow Park decision demonstrates need for additional reforms
Joint Statement from Common Council members Ashanti Hamilton, Russell W. Stamper II, Milele A. Coggs, Willie C. Wade and José G Pérez
Dec 22nd, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Council approves Milwaukee Promise funding to help city neighborhoods
News release and maps document from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton
Dec 16th, 2014 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
4th Annual Housing Resource Fair is Saturday
Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at North Division High School, 1011 W. Center St.
Nov 14th, 2014 by Ald. Russell Stamper, II
Proposed Milwaukee Marathon gets early boost at committee
News release from Aldermen Jim Bohl, Willie C. Wade and Joe Davis, Sr.
Nov 12th, 2014 by Ald. Jim Bohl
Finance Committee Creates All-Hands-On-Deck Approach to Public Safety
Additional Police Officers Will Be One Part of Comprehensive Strategy Throughout All City Departments
Nov 6th, 2014 by Milwaukee Common Council
RICH program, selling city-owned foreclosed homes for $1, receives unanimous Council support
ews release from Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
Oct 14th, 2014 by Ald. Russell Stamper, II
Nonprofits can buy city-owned foreclosures for $1, additional marketing to continue
Qualifying nonprofit organizations will be allowed to purchase certain cityowned, tax-foreclosed properties for one dollar.
Sep 23rd, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Public Works Committee signs off on measure to staff parking ramps fulltime
News release from Alderman Robert Bauman
Sep 10th, 2014 by Ald. Bob Bauman
Services set for Sadie Louise Wade
Alderman Willie C. Wade said today that services have been set for his mother, Sadie Louise Wade, who passed away on Friday, August 22, 2014.
Aug 26th, 2014 by Willie Wade
Council members to seek honorary street name for Nelson Mandela
Joint news release from Alderman Davis, Alderman Wade and Alderman Stamper
Jul 18th, 2014 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Common Council to vote on measure condemning abduction of Nigerian girls
#bringbackourgirls
May 9th, 2014 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Joint statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and Alderman Willie C. Wade
Our view of SB 324 – the proposed change to state law that would scale back the hours available to Milwaukee residents (and hundreds of thousands of other state residents) to cast their ballot during non-work day hours – is shameful and hypocritical.
Mar 13th, 2014 by Milwaukee Common Council
Setting the record straight—Milwaukee sends delegation to address violence among black males
The work of Milwaukee’s Black Male Achievement Advisory Council, or BMAAC, is garnering national attention, and has already resulted in city officials being invited to participate in this week’s Cities United summit in New Orleans.
Feb 25th, 2014 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address
Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery
Feb 24th, 2014 by Tom Barrett
Residents can get flu shots, enroll in health care coverage at Saturday event
Residents can receive a flu shot, learn about their health care options and sign up for the health care marketplace at a free event Saturday hosted by Alderman Willie C. Wade, the Milwaukee Health Department and Molina Healthcare.
Jan 28th, 2014 by Willie Wade
New system for contracting police services will benefit business, public safety
Statement of Alderman Willie C. Wade November 26, 2013
Nov 26th, 2013 by Willie Wade
Turkey giveaway Thursday will help families in need
Alderman Willie C. Wade will join UW-Milwaukee men’s head basketball Coach Rob Jeter and Art Arnstein, president of United Milwaukee Scrap, during a turkey giveaway event at 11 a.m.
Nov 20th, 2013 by Willie Wade
Federal grant will spur further redevelopment of Century City site
Nearly a million dollars in federal matching grants will help spur redevelopment activity at Century City Business Park, the former home of manufacturers Tower Automotive and A.O. Smith.
Oct 15th, 2013 by Willie Wade
New community clinic to open in Amani neighborhood
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Marquette University’s School of Nursing will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new primary care clinic on Friday at the COA Goldin Center in the 7th Aldermanic District.
Sep 25th, 2013 by Willie Wade
Global Anti-Bigotry Campaign Makes U.S. Debut in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Jewish Federation collaborates with U.S. Department of State to launch Hours Against Hate
Jun 24th, 2013 by Milwaukee Jewish Federation
Fatherhood event this week will include young men in panel discussion
“To Be or Not To Be… A Father @ This Time” – an important panel discussion about fatherhood and related issues – will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, June 21, 2013 at Parklawn YMCA, 4340 N. 46th St.
Jun 18th, 2013 by Willie Wade
LEAP summer youth work program kicking off its second year
Milwaukee’s LEAP internship program will enable even more Milwaukee young people to gain critical job skills and work experience while also allowing for regular communication and interaction with Milwaukee police personnel.
Jun 18th, 2013 by Willie Wade
New legislation targets predatory schools, protects students
Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs June 11, 2013
Jun 11th, 2013 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Important Information from Alderman Willie C. Wade
The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.
Mar 28th, 2013 by Willie Wade
Common Council approves two new facets of Milwaukee Jobs Act
The Common Council enabled the Milwaukee Jobs Act to take two more significant steps toward putting city residents back to work Wednesday, approving funding that increases the number of positions in the LEAP program and dramatically expands the Neighborhood Ambassador program.
Feb 28th, 2013 by Milwaukee Common Council
Thank you, Mr. Davis
Statement of Alderman Willie C. Wade February 26, 2013
Feb 26th, 2013 by Willie Wade
Mayor Barrett’s 2013 State of the City Address
Monday, February 25, 2013, Pritzlaff Building
Feb 25th, 2013 by Tom Barrett
Common Council’s plan will allow developers to combat blight
More than 130 vacant, city-owned houses are set to be renovated or rebuilt and converted into rental properties, as a result of action by the Milwaukee Common Council last week.
Jan 23rd, 2013 by Willie Wade
Same-day voter registration advisory referendum goes to voters on April 2, 2013
Statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs January 15, 2013
Jan 16th, 2013 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Sewerage District to fund more than half of private lateral repair costs
Sewerage District to fund more than half of private lateral repair costs
Nov 27th, 2012 by Willie Wade
Council votes to support County Board’s Medical Examiner legislation
County Board file establishes new policy for ME in cases involving death while in law enforcement custody
Oct 23rd, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Common Council prioritizes televising Fire and Police Commission meetings
The Milwaukee Common Council today approved a motion by immediate adoption that prioritizes Fire and Police Commission meetings among the lineup of programming on City Channel 25.
Oct 16th, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Pattern and practice of potential police misconduct warrants federal investigation
Joint Statement from members of the Common Council
Oct 10th, 2012 by Press Release
Common Council members call for County to codify changes in Medical Examiner’s procedures
Several Council members met with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday (Sept. 28) to discuss concerns related to the Derek Williams case.
Oct 2nd, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Citizens still waiting for answers about illegal strip searches
Other Council members and I have recently been directing our efforts toward learning more about the tragic death in police custody of Derek Williams, and seeking justice for him.
Oct 1st, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Common Council members question Medical Examiner on Williams investigation
In their ongoing efforts to provide clarity and transparency about the investigation into the tragic death of Derek Williams in Milwaukee Police custody, Alderman Willie L. Hines, Jr., Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Willie C. Wade and Alderman Ashanti Hamilton met with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner this morning, expressing their concerns and seeking answers.
Sep 28th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Statement from Mayor Tom Barrett Concerning the Public Service Commission Ruling on the Milwaukee Streetcar Project
We agree with comments made by two of the three Public Service Commission (PSC) members that the Streetcar project is an exercise of the City’s police power, and that it is a benefit to the public’s health, safety and welfare.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Tom Barrett
U.S. Attorney’s insight needed in Williams death investigation
We are respectfully requesting that the office of the U.S. Attorney conduct an investigation into the case of Derek Williams, who died last year while in the custody of Milwaukee police.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Common Council members to meet with Medical Examiner on Williams investigation
The Common Council members intend to relay their constituents’ concerns to the Medical Examiner
Sep 26th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Residents invited to Housing Resource Fair
The event is taking place Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Department of Public Works field facility at 3850 N. 35th St. from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Sep 14th, 2012 by Press Release
Atkinson, Capitol, Teutonia Festival is Saturday
The Atkinson, Capitol, Teutonia (ACT) Business Improvement District #29 will be holding its free 2012 neighborhood celebration on the triangle at Capitol Dr. and Atkinson Ave. on Saturday, August 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Aug 16th, 2012 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Tragedy in Oak Creek
Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council
Aug 6th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
LEAP summer youth work program sees first graduating class
Successful inaugural session of new program yields 17 young leaders; Alderman Willie Wade points to brighter future
Aug 3rd, 2012 by Willie Wade
Common Council approves Milwaukee Jobs Act initiative
The Common Council today approved creation of the Milwaukee Jobs Act -Transitional Jobs Program – a multifaceted effort to create employment opportunities for city young people and job seekers from areas of the city that have been particularly hard-hit economically.
Jul 24th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Watching the Watchdog – Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s recent investigations into the police department have misled the public about important facts relevant to the safety of our community.
Jun 22nd, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Alderwoman Coggs seeks voter experience input in online survey; wants Council review of Election Commission practices
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs is asking Milwaukee voters to provide input about their experiences at the polls during the June 5 recall election, and the information provided via the online survey could be made part of a Common Council review of Election Commission practices and procedures.
Jun 18th, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
