Growing MKE Updates

Currently HWTN is part of a multi-neighborhood coalition to make sure you have a voice in the City’s Growing MKE proposal. If approved by the common council, zoning decisions will be transferred from the neighborhoods (us!) to the bureaucrats at City Hall.

 Our concerns include:

* Growing MKE eliminates single family zoning.

* Growing MKE would allow duplex & triplex housing without neighborhood input. 

* Growing MKE will encourage more absentee landlords, because investors will buy up single family homes in large blocks and convert them to duplex & triplex housing.

Click on this link below of the zoned properties in Milwaukee.  (the light yellow is single family zoning)

Zoning citywide | PDF | Free Download

Our call to action is for each of you to email your concerns to Mayor Cavalier Johnson (mayor@milwaukee.gov)

The Department of City Development (DCD) is leading a citywide planning effort to update Milwaukee’s Comprehensive Plan with a set of recommendations that support increasing housing options and affordability for all. Over the past year, residents and stakeholders have shared a desire and need for greater housing diversity, access, affordable options, walkable neighborhoods, and sustainable development.Feedback throughout the planning process, data analysis, and years of input through other neighborhood planning efforts led to the development of the proposed Growing MKE Plan.

An initial Public Hearing was held at City Plan Commission on July 29, 2024. Since then, staff have been working on additional resources and analysis to help answer questions and address concerns.

Did you miss the November webinars? We are working on posting the recordings and we will send out another message after they are posted.

Upcoming Public Meetings:

1. Thursday, December 12: Public Meeting at WI Black Historic Society/Museum
1. 5:00-7:00pm (Open house style- you can stop by any time)
2. 2620 W Center St, Milwaukee, WI 53206
3. Written materials will be available in Spanish and Hmong

What is the Growing MKE Plan and what is it not?

1. This Plan is an update to the City’s Citywide Policy Plan, specifically the Housing & Neighborhoods chapter. This Plan will not directly modify any existing program or regulation.
2. The Citywide Policy Plan is a set of guiding documents that inform decision-making.
3. The Growing MKE Plan update includes citywide polices to support Milwaukee’s evolving housing needs. Plan policies are not regulations and cannot by themselves create new or modify existing programs and regulations, or create funding for specific priorities.
4. The Plan include recommendations for future Zoning Code updates that could increase housing options and reduce housing costs. Updates to the Zoning Code will occur as a separate process, and will require public review and Council adoption.

Review the Growing MKE Plan, offer feedback, and sign up for the email list to get notified of updates & engagement opportunities on the project.

1. www.engage.milwaukee.gov/GrowingMKE
2. Check out the new resources in the Resources section