Adopt-A-Neighborhood
Adopt-A-Neighborhood: Uptown 2026
Mayor Cavalier Johnson is proud to announce the Uptown Neighborhood as the focus of this year's Adopt-A-Neighborhood initiative.
Running from July through September, this 12-week initiative brings together City departments, neighborhood organizations, businesses, and residents to improve quality of life, strengthen neighborhood pride, and create lasting partnerships that support a cleaner, safer, and stronger Uptown.
Building on the success of previous Adopt-A-Neighborhood efforts, this year's initiative will focus on neighborhood beautification, housing stability, public safety, resident engagement, and stronger connections between City Hall and the community. Mayor Johnson has directed every city department to participate in this year's initiative.
Neighborhood Boundaries
Adopt-A-Neighborhood 2026 will focus on the Uptown Neighborhood.
Vision & Goals for Uptown
1. Revitalize and Beautify Public Spaces
In collaboration with the Department of Public Works and the Department of Neighborhood Services, and community partners, the City will:
- Remove litter and illegal dumping
- Improve alleys and public spaces
- Address vacant and nuisance properties
- Enhance neighborhood appearance through targeted clean-up efforts
- Complete visible infrastructure and beautification projects
2. Strengthen Housing and Neighborhood Stability
As part of the Mayor's Year of Housing, the initiative will place a strong emphasis on improving housing conditions by:
- Expanding inspections of rental properties in the neighborhood.
- Connecting tenants with available City resources
- Educating landlords and residents on property maintenance standards
- Increasing awareness of tenant rights and housing programs
- Addressing neighborhood concerns related to housing quality and code compliance
3. Increase Public Safety and Community Well-Being
In partnership with the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee Fire Department, Department of Community Wellness and Safety, and neighborhood organizations, the City will:
- Increase neighborhood engagement with public safety partners
- Address quality-of-life concerns identified by residents
- Promote violence prevention and community wellness initiatives
- Strengthen relationships between residents and first responders
4. Empower Residents and Build Lasting Partnerships
Residents are at the heart of Adopt-A-Neighborhood. Throughout the summer, the City will work alongside neighborhood leaders, faith organizations, businesses, and community groups to: Listen directly to resident concerns and ideas
- Connect residents with City services and resources
- Support volunteer opportunities and neighborhood pride
- Build partnerships that continue long after the initiative concludes
Upcoming Uptown Events
Neighborhood Walk - Wednesday, July 29 | 11:30 a.m. (Meeting at Marcus DeBack Playground)
Join Mayor Johnson, City staff, and neighborhood partners for guided walks through Uptown to hear directly from residents and identify opportunities for improvement.
Neighborhood Walk - Wednesday, August 12 | 11:30 a.m. (Meeting at Washington High School)
Join Mayor Johnson, City staff, and neighborhood partners for guided walks through Uptown to hear directly from residents and identify opportunities for improvement.
Landlord Accountability Forum - Monday, August 17 | 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Learn about tenant rights, property maintenance standards, Department of Neighborhood Services resources, and how residents and landlords can work together to improve housing conditions.
City Hall Day at Marcus DeBack Playground - Saturday, August 22 | Noon–3:00 p.m.
Meet City leaders while enjoying a community cookout with the Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee Fire Department. Residents can connect with City departments, ask questions, and learn about available services.
BID Lunch & Learn / Roundtable - Wednesday, August 26 | 11:30 a.m.
A conversation with local businesses and stakeholders focused on strengthening Uptown's commercial corridors and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
Uptown Community Clean-Up Day - Friday, September 4 | 9:00 a.m.
Volunteer alongside neighbors and City crews to help beautify Uptown through litter pickup and neighborhood clean-up efforts.
Adopt-A-Neighborhood Improvement Report - Monday, September 28 | 1:00 p.m.
Join Mayor Johnson as the City highlights accomplishments from the 2026 initiative, celebrates community partnerships, and looks ahead to future neighborhood investments.
How to get involved
The success of Adopt-A-Neighborhood depends on the people who live, work, worship, and invest in Uptown.
Whether you're volunteering at a clean-up, attending a neighborhood walk, participating in a community meeting, or simply sharing your ideas, your involvement helps make Uptown an even stronger place to call home.
Check back throughout the summer for updates, volunteer opportunities, event information, and progress highlights.
Together, we're building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Uptown—one block at a time.
In the News
June 30, 2025 - Milwaukee Adopt-A-Neighborhood initiative will focus on Arlington Heights
May 29, 2024 - Adopt-A-Neighborhood Initiative Aims to Uplift Silver City
May 28, 2024 - Mayor Johnson announces launch of 12-week Adopt-A-Neighborhood Initiative
May 28, 2024 - Mayor Johnson launches Adopt-A-Neighborhood initiative in Milwaukee
Mayor Cavalier Johnson, JoCasta Zamarripa, and DPW staff at the launch of Adopt-A-Neighborhood in Silver City in 2024.
Previous Adopt-A-Neighborhood Initiatives
Interested in seeing the impact of past initiatives? Explore highlights and accomplishments from the 2025 Arlington Heights Adopt-A-Neighborhood program.
Adopt-A-Neighborhood: Arlington Heights 2025
Mayor Cavalier Johnson is proud to announce Arlington Heights as the focus of this year’s Adopt-A-Neighborhood initiative. Building on the success of last year’s work in Silver City, this 12-week revitalization effort brings together city departments, local organizations, and residents to create a cleaner, safer, and more connected community.
Neighborhood Boundaries
Adopt-A-Neighborhood 2025 will focus on the Arlington Heights neighborhood, specifically:
- 9th to 20th Street, from Capitol Drive to Keefe Avenue
- 8th to 20th Street, along Keefe Avenue
Vision & Goals for Arlington Heights
- Revitalize and Beautify Public Spaces - In collaboration with the Department of Public Works and the Department of Neighborhood Services, we are working to:
- Enhance street lighting
- Clean alleys and repaint walkways
- Add and improve green infrastructure
- Board up vacant properties
- Prioritize properties on the demolition list
- Conduct regular neighborhood sweeps
- Increase Public Safety and Quality of Life - With support from the Milwaukee Police Department (Districts 5 & 6), efforts will include:
- Targeting crime hotspots
- Organizing community safety walks
- Addressing issues like prostitution, illegal dumping, and speeding
- Empower and Engage Residents - In partnership with the Office of Community Wellness and Safety and Safe & Sound, we aim to:
- Elevate resident voices through direct engagement
- Foster collaboration with community groups, faith leaders, and local stakeholders
- Build lasting partnerships for long-term neighborhood success
Arlington Heights Image Gallery
