Milwaukee County Propels Community Vision for Metcalfe Park Liberation Hub

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors today voted (18-0) to authorize Milwaukee County’s support for Metcalfe Park Community Bridges (MPCB) in its application for up to $250,000 in Community Development Investment Grant funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The grant would support redevelopment of the Metcalfe Park Liberation Hub at 2600 North 38th Street, advancing a community-led vision for food access, stability, and opportunity in a neighborhood long impacted by disinvestment.

The resolution allows MPCB to pursue state investment for a shovel-ready project designed and governed by Metcalfe Park residents. Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell championed the measure through committee and credited the leadership of Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, including Melody McCurtis and Danell Cross, as well as the recommendation of Celia Benton, Economic Development Director with the Department of Administrative Services, in advancing the authorization.

“This is what it looks like when investment follows community, not the other way around,” said Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell. “Metcalfe Park has led through lived experience, trusted leadership, and a clear vision for stability and dignity. This action allows Milwaukee County to support work that is already underway, building on our recent legislation naming food apartheid a public health crisis. We are moving from emergency response to building long-term stability, rooted in resident governance and community trust.”

The action builds on recent County legislation authored by Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell recognizing food apartheid as a public health crisis, while responding to the real impacts of grocery store closures and limited access to fresh, affordable food in the area. For residents, the Liberation Hub represents a tangible step toward long-term stability rather than temporary emergency responses.

If awarded, grant funds would flow directly from WEDC to Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, which would be fully responsible for project implementation, compliance, and reporting.

The Metcalfe Park Liberation Hub will transform a long-vacant building into a community-owned anchor providing a soup kitchen and food distribution center, laundry facilities, and gathering space, with workforce development and service partners co-located to support economic and public health outcomes. Future phases include expanded youth programming, mental health services, and small business incubation.

The measure will now be sent to the desk of the County Executive for approval.

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.