Committee approves file advancing Homes MKE Program

During today’s meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee, the committee unanimously recommended approval of file #220656 – a resolution selecting developers and authorizing discounted property sales and housing rehabilitation and workforce subsidies through the Homes MKE Program. In 2021, the Common Council allocated $15 million in Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the program that seeks to renovate City-owned tax foreclosed properties for homeownership and affordable rental opportunities, as well as create job opportunities for residents. It is anticipated that the funding will allow for the sale, renovation and occupancy of a minimum of 150 vacant foreclosed City-owned houses.

Alderman Robert J. Bauman, a devoted advocate of affordable housing, said he is pleased by the committee’s strong vote of support. “We saw the affordable housing crisis become exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we heard from residents that they support the City investing in and expanding affordable housing options,” he said.

“The Homes MKE program was one piece of that puzzle, and it should be noted the great impact that 150 rehabilitated homes will have in creating stronger neighborhoods. I want to congratulate the developers selected to be a part of this process and thank them for their commitment. I can’t wait to see the results that will soon follow,” Alderman Bauman said.

Alderman Michael J. Murphy, the file’s primary sponsor, is excited by the impact Homes MKE will have on the community. “The federal ARPA funding represented a significant opportunity for Milwaukee, and the Council made a heavy investment in housing that we are now one step closer to realizing,” said Alderman Murphy. “This $15 million in funds will allow for the creation of affordable housing, and will also be a significant boost to our local economy via job creation and investment in emerging developers. It is truly a win-win for everyone involved.”

Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, whose 8^th Aldermanic District includes some of the highest density residential neighborhoods in the state, expressed her support of the committee’s action. “I want to thank my colleagues for their longtime fight for affordable housing in our city, as well as the housing advocates who called on us to expend ARPA dollars to address the housing crisis in Milwaukee. This is a much-needed first step, but let us not forget how much more still must be done,” she said.

The selected development teams  include: Acts Community Development, Advanced Investors, FIT Investment Group, LLC/Westcare Wisconsin, Inc., Maures Development Group, One 5 Olive/Milwaukee Community Land Trust, Rico Love Foundation LLC/Mayfield Properties, Strong Blocks, CME Development, LLC, Even Life, Inc., Ezekiel Community Development, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Servant Manor, T.A.S. Solutions, LLC, Walnut Way Conservation Corp./Silicon Pastures II, LLC, and Walters Renovations, LLC.

The file will be before the full Common Council for adoption at its next meeting set for Tuesday, September 20 at 9 a.m. The meeting can be streamed live on the City Channel (channel 25 on Spectrum Cable and channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse in the City of Milwaukee) and via streaming video on the city website at city.milwaukee.gov/Channel25. Full details regarding the file can be viewed here.

Additional information and ongoing updates for Homes MKE can be found at www.milwaukee.gov/homes.mke.

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.