In a push to elevate the financial well-being of its residents, Milwaukee County has taken a significant step by joining forces with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) through the CityStart initiative. The collaboration was announced by the Milwaukee County Office of Equity, with an aim to devise effective wealth-building strategies for the local populace. Milwaukee, recognized for its economic potential and community vigor, sees this initiative as an extension of its mission to foster a healthier, more prosperous community accessible to all its residents.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has voiced his support, stating that "The CFE Fund’s CityStart Initiative aligns with Milwaukee County’s priorities as it supports our steadfast commitment to building a stronger, more resilient economy and community that benefits all who live, work, and visit here." His statement, sourced from Milwaukee County's official announcement, emphasizes the alignment of the initiative with the county's strategic framework to ameliorate public health, safety, and the local economy.
The partnership is made tangible through a $100,000 planning grant bestowed on Milwaukee’s Office of Equity (OOE), which will be instrumental in constructing a bespoke Economic Empowerment Blueprint tailored to meet the local needs. This blueprint is poised to bolster financial stability and intergenerational prosperity, particularly focusing on those historically subjected to discrimination and neighborhoods that have been persistently underinvested. Information disclosed by Jonathan Mintz, President and CEO of the CFE Fund, lauds the initiative as a means to "deploy financial empowerment strategies that improve their residents’ financial stability," as mentioned on the Milwaukee County website.
During the endeavor, Milwaukee will join the ranks of other US cities like Kansas City, MO; Memphis, TN; Savannah, GA; Springfield, MA; and St. Petersburg, FL; all chosen through a competitive process to be a part of the CityStart cohort. Pioneering cities within this program have already seen tangible progress, with Cincinnati, OH serving as a prime example after channeling $2 million in public funds to abolish resident medical debt, an effort informed by an extensive consultative process with locals and experts. More details can be found on the CFE Fund's website as well as their Bluesky account, @cfefund.bsky.social, where they keep followers abreast of their latest endeavors in advancing municipal financial empowerment.
The Office of Equity is set to use this fresh momentum to not just enhance civic trust through accountability strategies, but also to amplify resident participation in decision-making processes, ensuring equitable representation in the ongoing development of Milwaukee County. Further information on Milwaukee County’s equity initiatives and the Office of Equity can be accessed on their website.
