In an effort to address the housing crisis head-on, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley recently signed into law two bills, committing over $4 million to the development of affordable housing in Milwaukee and Oak Creek. The funding is expected to generate nearly 90 new affordable housing units in the area. As challenges related to the accessibility and affordability of homes persist within the region, Crowley's administration is pushing to offer more equitable housing options, according to Milwaukee County's official website.
At the core of this initiative is the belief that housing security is fundamentally connected to public health, as emphasized by County Executive Crowley in the press release, "Our shared vision for Milwaukee County includes expanding equitable access to safe, quality, and affordable housing." In collaboration with Milwaukee County's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the approval of the Milwaukee County Board, one project will transform the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Building into a mixed-use development with approximately 65 affordable housing units. The Oak Creek development will see the construction of over 24 homes for first-time buyers.
Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson resonated Crowley's sentiments, highlighting the critical importance of housing security as a foundation that impacts health, education, and economic prospects. Crowley's continued investment in housing comes at a pivotal moment, as many residents face significant barriers to accessing sustainable and affordable homes. Milwaukee County DHHS Housing Division leverages federal funding, including a $5 million award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) due to efforts by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, which will be used for infrastructure improvements on a site in Oak Creek, as detailed on the Milwaukee County website.
The Oak Creek development, a first of its kind suburban affordable housing subdivision for homeownership in Milwaukee County, has been marked as a significant step towards addressing the main social determinate of health and wealth building in families. Jim Mathy, Housing Division Administrator at Milwaukee County DHHS told Milwaukee County, "This will be the first suburban affordable housing subdivision for homeownership in the history of Milwaukee County." The Coggs building redevelopment, partnered with Gorman & Company, is anticipated to create around 200 jobs and retain the building's historical character, while also providing energy-efficient solutions through the installation of solar panels.
These expansive efforts contribute to the County's broader goal encapsulated in the Collective Affordable Housing Plan, which aims at creating over 30,000 units to specifically serve BIPOC households in homeownership needs. Collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and the Emem Group is expected to eventually bring more than 100 new homes to the King Park neighborhood and vicinity. Aligning with his administration's previous commitment, which has seen over $18 million dispersed for affordable housing projects since Crowley took office, these initiatives mark the largest investment in such projects in the County's history. This aligns closely with the County’s focus on improving economic outcomes and empowering communities, especially in suburbs where housing disparities have been most pronounced.
