Office of African American Affairs
Affordable land and leasing costs, abundant fresh water, an educated workforce, low business costs and easy access to financing, technical assistance and efficient transportation have helped local businesses succeed and grow.
Find information about things to do and happenings in the City of Milwaukee.
Strong Neighborhoods Plan
The Homebuyer Assistance Program offers assistance from a rehab specialist and up to a $20,000 forgivable loan for the rehab of City-owned homes.
Attend a Homebuyer Orientation Session!
Partially forgivable loans to make emergency and essential home repairs.
Loans are repayable, with a deferred payment option available for homeowners who are low income and elderly or disabled.
Explore the Housing Help tool to find housing resources you can use if you're a homebuyer, homeowner or investor.
The ARCH Loan Programs provides matching loans of up to $25,000 to buyers of City-owned tax foreclosed properties that will be used for art related uses or as community resources centers.
The City is last resort owner of more than 600 residential properties. Many of these homes have gone through foreclosure and abandonment, creating venues for crime and dragging down property values. Former Mayor Tom Barrett developed the Plan to continue the success Milwaukee has seen in the fight against foreclosure.
Goals for the Strong Neighborhoods:
To fund the Plan, Former Mayor Barrett and the Common Council allocated $23.8 million in City resources in the 2014 and 2015 Adopted Budgets. The Mayor and Common Council remain committed to fighting the effects of foreclosure throughout Milwaukee, and the plan provides new resources for those efforts. Beginning with the 2014 Adopted Budget, the Mayor and the Common Council have allocated $45.5 million in City resources to fund the plan.
Check out our most up to date information on our 10,000 Homes Initiative!
April 11, 2016 - Bill hurts city's ability to deal with 'zombie' properties
April 1, 2016 - Milwaukee Rising spurs steady increase in homeownership in Sherman Park
March 25, 2016 - Alderman Bauman Helps Residents Reinvest in their Neighborhoods
January 28, 2016 - Ocwen and the City of Milwaukee Combine to Fight Effects of Foreclosure
December 25, 2015 - City springs surprise, gives family home for holiday
December 13, 2015 - Milwaukee sells 501 tax-foreclosed properties
December 13, 2015 - Neighborhood Reclamation Program: City officials working to get foreclosed properties sold
November 30, 2015 - Saving Wally Schmidt: Historic restaurant and tavern plans a revamp
November 22, 2015 - Turning Milwaukee’s vacant lots into ‘pocket parks:’ “Filling that spot with something positive”
November 18, 2015 - Vacant south side building to be renovated for design business
October 7, 2015 - Former bar to be converted into snack-making facility
September 16, 2015 - Plan calls for former King Drive restaurant to become grocery store
September 10, 2015 - Renovation planned for long-vacant building on Brady St.
July 30, 2105 - Wy'east Pizza is coming to Washington Heights
July 30, 2015 - Building purchased, Wy'East Pizza looks to open in late fall on the west side
July 30, 2015 - Second healthy food market proposed for King Drive
July 10, 2015 - WasteCap opens warehouse of salvaged building materials to the public
June 23, 2015 - Aldermen pass measure targeting zombie houses
June 11, 2015 - Vacant house brought back to life as home for older foster children
April 3, 2015 - Milwaukee completes sale of foreclosed Esperanza Unida building to apartment developer
February 16, 2015 - Craft furniture maker proposed for vacant Sherman Park library
February 13, 2015 - City of Milwaukee “Does Not Want to Take Your Home”
February 11, 2015 - City reaches out to delinquent tax payers
January 30, 2015 - Neighbors, city officials, bank rally to save couple from tax foreclosure
January 10, 2015 - NNS Special Report: Foreclosures, Block by Block website
January 9, 2015 Foreclosures Block by Block: Clarke Square
January 8, 2015 Foreclosures Block by Block: Layton Boulevard West
January 7, 2015 - Five Neighborhoods With Foreclosure Problems
Decmber 22, 2014 - Home Repair: The mayor and the Common Council strike a compromise to provide loans to Milwaukee homeowners who are here for the long haul
December 19, 2014 - Greater Milwaukee Foundation chooses new ‘Healthy Neighborhoods’
November 19, 2014 - “A unique program:” Starting January 1st, homeowners can apply for Milwaukee’s STRONG Homes Loan program
November 11, 2014 - On the Issues with Mike Gousha: Milwaukee's Foreclosure Crisis
October 28, 2014 - City Program Could Sell Homes for $1
September 23, 2014 - “It’s a win for everybody:” Program to sell Milwaukee’s foreclosed homes is working, and expanding
September 23, 2014 - Tom Barrett's Milwaukee budget emphasizes innovation, city responsibilities
September 23, 2014 - Barrett emphasizes training, combating foreclosures in 2015 city budget proposal
September 22, 2014 - Milwaukee may double number of brokers selling tax-foreclosed homes
August 17, 2014 - City makes progress on tax-foreclosed homes; more work needed
July 16, 2014 - Restaurant owners plan central city grocery
May 7, 2014 - New Milwaukee Ordinance Could Help Bring A Community Garden to An Empty Lot Near You
April 22, 2014 - Next City: With demolitions on the horizon, Milwaukee preservationists seek balance between history and safety
April 16, 2014 – Milwaukee’s push to turn vacant land into urban farms
April 11, 2014 - The Vivas family has a new home
April 7, 2014 – Mayor Barrett talks Strong Neighborhoods Plan on WUWM Lake Effect
March 29, 2014 – Fox 6: Milwaukee residents find homes through City program
February 13, 2014 - City hopes to turn vacant lots to garden plots
January 17, 2014 - Landlord alliances strengthen city neighborhoods
January 10, 2014 - City pilot program to keep demolition work in-house begins next wee
January 6, 2014 - Three more neighborhoods eligible for city loans under TIN program
September 14, 2013 - Barrett proposes $11.7 million plan aimed at city's foreclosed homes
May 14, 2013 - Amani youth art show complements Bloom and Groom
Let's work together to build a stronger Milwaukee.
Let’s work together to build a stronger Milwaukee!
Your assistance will increase the effectiveness of our collective efforts to minimize the negative effects of foreclosed properties in your neighborhood. It's quick and easy to report your concerns or connect with us for more information. Click for Action: Online Service Request
Call for Action: (414) 286-CITY (414) 286-2489