UEDA Community News

April 2026 | View as Webpage

What We're Working On

UEDA 2026 Emerging Topics Series - Session 1: How We Show Up Matters

Wednesday, May 13th | Noon to 2:00pm | In-person, lunch provided

Technical expertise often gets you in the room—how you show up determines what happens next.

Join us as we kick off this year's Emerging Topics Series with a professional development-focused session led by UEDA member Yes...AND LLC. In this interactive session participants can explore the assumptions and habits shaping trust, collaboration, and results with clients and colleagues.

April is Financial Literacy Month! Our Bank On Greater Milwaukee program has been sharing the wealth of financial education all month. The 2026 Smart Money Resource Guides are available! Reach out to Constance at constance@uedawi.org to secure your copies (English & Spanish).

Take Root Milwaukee Upcoming Virtual Event - Property Assessments 101

Tuesday, April 28th | 5:30-7:00pm | Register HERE

Hear presentations by the City of Milwaukee Assessor's Office and Housing Resources Inc., in partnership with Milwaukee Habitat. City of Milwaukee homeowners will learn about their property assessment - what it is (and isn't), how it affects their property taxes, and the appeal process. Help us spread the word to homeowners who may be interested in this information. Questions? Contact heather@uedawi.org to learn more.

Coming up in May - National Small Business Week, , May 3-9. Scroll down for events & opportunities for small businesses by UEDA members and partners.

UEDA Member Highlights

It’s National Fair Housing Month—a time not only to honor the legacy of the Fair Housing Act, but to recommit to the work still required to make fair housing a reality for all. Learn more at the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council.

Congratulations to Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity and 28 other local affiliates in the Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin network, who worked together to advance passage of the Workforce Home Loan Bill (AB454/SB476) into law as Act 239. It was signed into law earlier this month and is a meaningful investment to expand access to homeownership near places of employment. Learn more.

Earlier this month Governor Tony Evers signed three affordable housing bills into law. The bills make modifications to WHEDA loan programs passed in the 2023-25 biennial budget to increase their impact in WI communities. Learn more.

Congratulations to Riverworks Development Corp. Financial Clinic and City of Milwaukee Financial Empowerment Center for receiving a 2025 Governor's Financial Literacy Award, recognizing their efforts to help people build financial stability. Learn more.

UEDA Member Kurt Paulsen is featured in this WPR article delving into some of the provisions found in the Federal 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which is currently making its way through Congress. Read more here.

Northwestern Mutual committed $3 million to support construction of 90 homes in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood. This collaborative project includes UEDA members Community Development Alliance, Ezekiel Hope, Milwaukee Community Crossroads, Milwaukee County Land Trust, and Milwaukee Habitat. Read more here.

Member & Partner Jobs

UEDA members Milwaukee Habitat, Data You Can Use, and Guest House of Milwaukee are currently hiring. Visit the Jobs That Help website for information.

If you are a member and have an opportunity in community development or local government, contact debbie@uedawi.org to promote in our next newsletter.

UEDA Community

Public meetings for 414 In Motion, the City of Milwaukee’s Transportation & Mobility Plan are underway! Learn about the community-driven vision, goals, discuss strategy with the planning team, and share ideas to shape the future of mobility in Milwaukee. Stop by between 4-7PM on 4/27 (Tippecanoe Library) and 4/28 (Good Hope Library). More information here: English | Spanish

Curds of Wisdom – May Session (virtual)

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 12–1:00 PM

This session will feature a Housing Legislative Update with presenter Evan Miller, Government Affairs, League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Hear valuable insights on new flexibility in tools, planning guidelines, updated loan programs and more. Register here.

My Housing Voice, a project of KeysWI Initiative, is looking to understand the housing needs and preferences of people with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (A/I/DD) in Northeast Wisconsin. During April and May, in-person and virtual sessions are offered to educate people on housing options and to gather input through a tailored survey. Self-advocates, as well as their family members, guardians and direct service providers, are invited to respond.

Small Business & Nonprofits

Small Business Academy 2026

Join the Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy during National Small Business Week, May 5–8, 2026, for this free learning opportunity designed for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs. Sessions will cover key topics such as financing, legal and regulatory issues,

IT, certifications, market identification, and sales strategies. Choose the sessions that fit your schedule with virtual workshops (May 5–7, 8:00 AM–noon) and in-person sessions (May 8, 8:00 AM–noon) hosted at locations across Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and more. View the full agenda and register today!

AARP Purpose Prize opportunity open through May 1st, 5PM ET. Winners receive $75,000 and a year of organizational support from AARP to grow the impact of their nonprofits. Learn more.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will cohost a free online summit May 5-6 from 10am-5pm CT. It will feature educational workshops, information on accessing federal resources, networking and mentorship opportunities. Topics will vary from manufacturing, digital marketing, HR, AI, business planning, and online business resources. Register here.

WWBIC Journey To Growth Celebration with US Bank: Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate

Thursday, May 14 | 1-4PM

At Schlitz Park Auditorium, Milwaukee

Small business owners will have the opportunity to network, hear expert tips, view an accelerator pitch contest, and meet with resource providers. Learn more & register here.

Planting Seeds to Grow Community: Strengthening Connection & Capacity

Wednesday, May 27 | 1-4PM

At Redeemer Lutheran Church, Milwaukee

This interactive workshop hosted by Nonprofit Lift for nonprofits, consultants, and funders will help move from shared understanding to real commitment to action for building capacity in the sector. Learn more & register here.

Upcoming Member Events

Milwaukee Public Library Civic Bites

Saturday, April 25 | 10-11AM

At Mitchell Street Library

What does Milwaukee's Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) do & who gets it done? Join them for conversation and a homemade snack with Erick Shambarger, Department Director. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Register here.

Join the ACLU of Wisconsin for Legal Observer Training. April 29 | 5 –6:30 PM

This in-person workshop at the UW–Milwaukee Student Union trains volunteers to document public demonstrations and incidents of police misconduct. Bilingual volunteers are especially encouraged to participate. Learn more here.

Ezekiel HOPE's signature event Training for the Future: Tools of the Trades 3.0

Wednesday, May 6 | 9AM-1PM | GATHER at Deer District

Career Fair and Luncheon. This is a free event but pre-registration is required. Register here.

Southeastern Wisconsin Housing Summit

Thursday, May 7 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

at the Zoofari Conference Center, Milwaukee

Hosted by University of Wisconsin Extension, this summit will provide an opportunity learn, share perspectives, and contribute to a stronger regional housing ecosystem. Register here.

Modernizing the Employee Experience: From Friction to Flow Across People, Culture, and Systems. Wednesday, May 7 | 9:30 AM - Noon at the BBB Milwaukee Office. Explore where operational friction shows up in everyday work, how communication and leadership impact team effectiveness, and systems & processes that can better support (not slow down) your organization

Learn more and register here.

WI Economic Development Association

June 22-25 | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) provides professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to build a career in the economic development field. Taught by many of Wisconsin's top economic development professionals, the Wisconsin BEDC is also part of the required coursework to apply for the International Economic Development Council's (IEDC's) Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Exam. Learn more & register here.

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Member Spotlight

April 2026

Each April, Global Volunteer Month highlights millions of people who make a positive difference in their communities through volunteering.

Locally, UEDA member United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County spreads the message: Volunteering isn't just about filing a need. It's about creating a culture of compassion and shared responsibility.

United Way connects individuals, professional teams, school and church groups, and entire organizations to volunteer projects. Learn More.

Welcome to these New &

Returning Members!

Daniel Adams

Community Advocates

Cole Reckamp

Milwaukee Public Library

Sojourner Family Peace Center

Current Members

*Check your email for renewal notices to remain current!

Nonprofit &

Governmental

AARP Wisconsin

Acts Housing

Burleigh Street CDC

Cinnaire

City of Milwaukee DCD

CLIMB USA

Community Development Alliance

Community First

Consumer Credit Counseling Services

Cream City South Community Development Corporation

Data You Can Use

Ezekiel Community Dev. Corp.

Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS

Guest House of Milwaukee

Historic King Drive BID

Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce

Independence First

Lad Lake

Landmark Credit Union

Latino Chamber of Commerce

LISC Milwaukee

Menomonee Valley Partners

Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council

Milwaukee Community Crossroads

Milwaukee Community Land Trust

Milwaukee County Economic Development

Milwaukee County Transit System

Milwaukee Development Corp.

Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity

My Choice Wisconsin*

Near West Side Partners

Northwest Side CDC

Prime Financial Credit Union

Revitalize Milwaukee

Riverworks Development Corporation

Rooted & Rising-Washington Park

Safe & Sound

SecureFutures

Self-Help Credit Union

Sherman Park Community Association

Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission*

Southside Organizing Center

The Business Council (TBC)

The Gateway to Milwaukee

TMG Wisconsin

UMOS

United Community Center*

United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

UW Credit Union

VIA CDC

Visit Milwaukee

Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP)

Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA)*

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)

Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development (WPHD)

WWBIC*

YWCA Southeast Wisconsin

Small Businesses

Andrew's Realty

Community Insurance Information Center (CIIC)

Contexture

Dolomite Marketing

G Consulting, LLC

Good Flow Enterprises

Goyke and Associates*

Homeworks Bronzeville LLC

Impact53

Jobs That Help

LEAD180 Consulting, LLC.

LIFE Wellness and Counseling Services

Lloyd Consulting, Inc

Mueller Communications

Narvarte Development

One Grove Strategies

Yes…AND LLC

Corporations &

Funders

Associated Bank, NA

Bank Five Nine

Bell Bank Mortgage

BMO

CIBC Bank USA

Erie Insurance - WI*

First Federal Bank

Johnson Financial Group

JPMorganChase

Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC)

Old National Bank

Spring Bank

The Equitable Bank

U.S. Bank

We Energies

Wells Fargo

Zilber Family Foundation

Individuals & Students

Adam Bridges

Amy Turim

Barbara Markoff

Christine Davies

Cindy Richardson

Dan Brophey

Frank Martinelli

George Calaway

Irma Yepez Klassen

Julia O'Connor

Kathryn Berger

Kurt Paulsen

Leo Ries

Matthew Melendes

Peter Richardson

Sam Leichtling

Tamara Castle