County Executive David Crowley Approves Over $4 Million in Affordable Housing Investments to Expand Access for Residents and Families

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley approved funding for two new affordable housing developments in the City of Milwaukee and City of Oak Creek.

Specifically, County Executive Crowley signed two bills into law that were supported by the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and approved by the Milwaukee County Board, aimed at expanding affordable housing options and addressing historic disparities in housing access. The two pieces of legislation include:

• File #24-766: Approving $2.5 million to pursue a mixed-use redevelopment of the existing Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Building that will create an estimated 65 affordable housing units.
• File #24-715: Approving $2 million for an affordable housing development in Oak Creek.

In partnership with Milwaukee County DHHS Housing Services, these two projects will create a total of nearly 90 new affordable housing units, contributing to the County Executive’s ongoing commitment to expanding safe, quality, and affordable housing in Milwaukee County.

“Housing is a matter of public health, and housing security is a critical social determinant of health. Our shared vision for Milwaukee County includes expanding equitable access to safe, quality, and affordable housing,” said County Executive Crowley. “We know more work is needed to bring down housing costs, empower families to build wealth through homeownership, and increase affordable housing options throughout our entire community. I am proud to deploy these critical investments across Milwaukee County that will ensure more residents and families have equitable access to the affordable housing opportunities that will improve their lives, strengthen our neighborhoods, and foster a healthier community for all.”

“Expanding affordable housing is vital for building healthy, thriving communities. Milwaukee County’s investments ensure that all residents, regardless of background or income, have access to safe and stable housing. Housing security is a crucial foundation that influences health, education, and economic opportunities. I’m proud to support this initiative and look forward to its positive impact on lives across the County,” said Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson.

The Milwaukee County DHHS Housing Division is leading an affordable housing development on vacant, tax-foreclosed land in Oak Creek that will create more than 24 single-family homes for first-time homebuyers. Thanks to U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s leadership, DHHS Housing Services was awarded $5 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the development of affordable housing and infrastructure improvements on this site in Oak Creek, which will include utility additions, road construction, and other site work to allow for the eventual building of affordable single-family homes. In addition to the $2 million that Crowley is providing the project, DHHS Housing Services has identified additional federal funding sources to move the project forward.

“We are committed to serving individuals and families facing housing insecurity by providing stable, long-term housing options. These new developments will not only offer much-needed homes, but will also connect residents with wraparound services that promote long-term stability and success,” said Shakita LaGrant-McClain, Executive Director, Milwaukee County DHHS. “This is critical to achieving better health, education, and economic outcomes, particularly at a time when Milwaukee County residents face significant challenges related to housing access and affordability.”

“Housing is the main social determinate of health and homeownership is necessary for families to begin building wealth,” said Jim Mathy, Housing Division Administrator, Milwaukee County DHHS. “This will be the first suburban affordable housing subdivision for homeownership in the history of Milwaukee County.”

Milwaukee County Economic Development, along with Gorman & Company, is pursuing a mixed-use redevelopment of the existing Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Building, located at 1220 W. Vliet Street, that will create an estimated 65 affordable housing units, commercial space for Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, and a small café. Gorman & Company’s project will preserve the historic character of the building while providing quality, affordable housing for King Park neighborhood residents. Gorman & Company also intends to place solar panels on the roof of the Coggs building to reduce energy costs. Milwaukee County DHHS plans to move its current operations out of the existing building once the construction of the future Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Building is completed in 2025.

“The partnership with Gorman & Company will create an estimated 200 jobs, add to the stock of affordable housing in Milwaukee and take a building past its prime for current use and renovate it for contemporary social needs. Milwaukee County Economic Development also expects this project will further catalyze the County’s significant investments into the King Park neighborhood while also activating Vliet Street and enhancing public safety,” said Celia Benton, Economic Development Director for Milwaukee County.

Both developments are designed to serve individuals and families facing housing insecurity by providing stable, long-term housing options. These new developments will not only offer much-needed homes, but will also connect residents with wraparound services that promote long-term stability and success. This is critical to achieving better health, education, and economic outcomes, particularly at a time when Milwaukee County residents face significant challenges related to housing access and affordability.

County Executive Crowley is committed to expanding access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing and homeownership opportunities for residents and families who need it most. Milwaukee County, in partnership with the Community Development Alliance (CDA), adopted the Collective Affordable Housing Plan calling for the creation of over 30,000 units to meet the homeownership needs focused on BIPOC households.

At Crowley’s direction, the DHHS Housing Division has funded the largest number of affordable housing projects in Milwaukee County’s history. Since taking office, Crowley’s administration has provided over $18 million in funding for affordable housing projects across the community, particularly in Milwaukee County suburbs where racial disparities in housing access and homeownership opportunities continue preventing many residents from living in the neighborhood of their choice.

In partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Emem Group, Milwaukee County and partners are putting the final touches on over 100 new homes in the King Park neighborhood and surrounding areas, near the future Coggs Center and a soon-to-be revitalized community center at King Park. Once those homes are complete, staff will be connecting with first-time homebuyers, so more families, and particularly families of color, can achieve the dream of homeownership.

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.