UEDA Community News

August 2026 | View as Webpage

What We're Working On

Bank On Greater Milwaukee Q3 Coalition Meeting

Thank you to the 22 people who joined us for our Q3 Coalition Meeting featuring our friends at Employ Milwaukee! We learned more about their adult programs and Earn & Learn youth summer employment program, discussed ways to increase access to banking through workforce opportunities, and shared updates from BOGM workgroups. Attendees got a first look at our new Financial Inclusion Map how-to video and what’s coming up for the rest of 2026.

UEDA 2026 Emerging Topics Series - Session 2: Public Transportation Matters

Our most recent Emerging Topic Series event from last Thursday was a huge success! Thank you to the 65 attendees who joined us. Learn more about the event and view the slide deck here.

UPCOMING: Near West Side Partners 2026 Housing Resource Fair

Join Take Root Milwaukee and Near West Side Partners on Saturday, August 29 from 10 AM–1 PM at Concordia 27 for a FREE Housing Resource Fair! Renters, homebuyers, and homeowners can connect with resources for housing counseling, home repairs, financial support, employment opportunities, workshops, and more! All in one place. See details here.

UPCOMING: Volunteer with UEDA and share trusted resources with the public at Silver City Festival Saturday, September 12th. We are in need of a bilingual volunteer from 12-2PM. Sign up here!

UPCOMING: Leading Together: Nonprofit Governance - Three-part Series (Sept-Nov 2026)

UEDA is partnering with Katie Sanders of One Grove Strategies to present a practical, in-person series on nonprofit boards. Designed for executive directors and board members/chairs, these sessions will cover: 1) the basics of a nonprofit board, 2) engagement and activation of board members to advance your mission, and 3) board member recruitment practices, with a particular focus on alignment with mission, funders, and compliance with community-based development organization (CBDO) requirements.

If you’re seeking a refresher on best practices or new tools to energize your board, this is for you. Monthly sessions will be held in person at the YWCA in Milwaukee from 5-7pm, and will include about 30 minutes for networking. Make sure to invite your board chair and reserve your spot!

This training series is part of UEDA's Capacity Building & Technical Assistance program, which is funded by the City of Milwaukee Community Development Grants Administration (CDGA), Bader Philanthropies, and Zilber Family Foundation. We thank them for their support! Sign up here.

Sep 10

UEDA Info Session: Healthcare Benefits Without the Headaches

Confused by changing healthcare options? We've got you covered. Join business owners, nonprofit leaders, HR professionals, and board members for a practical discussion on Health Insurance Marketplace updates and the growing role of ICHRA plans. Learn how to navigate today's benefits landscape with confidence and discover solutions that can support both your workforce and your bottom line.

Coffee and bagels and networking time will be provided. There is no charge.

A raffle will be available to those who attend in person courtesy of presenter Diversified Business Services.

Sep 24

UEDA Coffee & Coverage Info Session

This is a quick, no-jargon look at what 'risk management' actually means for a nonprofit. In one hour, we'll walk through the five things every organization needs to protect — people, property, programs /partnerships, reputation, and finances — using real, plain-language examples pulled from Mission-Safe™.

You'll leave with three concrete next steps. No policy numbers, no fine print — just a clearer sense of where your organization stands and what to check next.

This is good for those helping to make insurance decisions.

Coffee, bagels and networking time will be provided. No fee.

UEDA Member Highlights

Congratulations to our UEDA members and partners recognized at this year’s LISC Milwaukee MANDI Awards!

Riverworks Development Corporation received the Trailblazer Award, while VIA CDC, Milwaukee Community Crossroads, and Rooted & Rising – Washington Park were part of the developer group recognized with the Building Blocks Award. The People’s Choice Award went to the Homes MKE Initiative, which includes the City of Milwaukee Department of City Development (DCD).

We’re proud to see our members and partners recognized for their incredible work across Milwaukee’s neighborhoods and communities!

Help Shape the Future of King Drive

Share your ideas for the future of the corridor

at a Community Open House on Tuesday, September 15, from 4:30–7 PM at the Martin Luther King Library (2901 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive). The City of Milwaukee’s Department of City Development and Historic King Drive BID No. 8 are developing a new

King Drive Corridor Plan, and community input

is needed! Learn more.

Federal Funding to Support MCTS Bus Fleet

& Improvements. MCTS is set to benefit from nearly $13.9 million in federal funding supporting transportation improvements across Milwaukee County. The funding includes $12 million for new MCTS buses, along with investments in traffic signal technology, congestion reduction, and public transit outreach efforts. Learn more.

Member & Partner Jobs

UEDA members Milwaukee Community Crossroads, Safe & Sound, SecureFutures, The Guest House, and Visit 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 sehiry@uedawi.org to promote in our next newsletter.

UEDA Community

Employ Milwaukee Workforce Summit

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 | 8:30AM - 1:30PM | MATC Milwaukee Campus

Explore AI and the future of work, emerging workforce pathways, professional development, grant collaboration, and career advancement. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, networking, and access to speakers and workforce resources. Click here to register.

End of Summer Block Clean Up & Resource Fair SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 | 26th Street between Locust & Chambers

Join Ezekiel HOPE for a free community resource fair and block clean up! Connect with local organizations offering health and wellness resources, employment opportunities, education, housing assistance, family services, and more. View Flyer.

SecureFutures Seeking Volunteers

Help support the next generation by volunteering with SecureFutures! Volunteers help provide teens with valuable financial education and skills to build a stronger financial future.

Click here to complete the volunteer interest form.

Week Without Driving

OCTOBER 1–8

What would change in your life if driving wasn’t an option? Week Without Driving invites participants to experience some of the barriers nondrivers face by walking, rolling, biking, taking transit, or relying on others for rides. Participate in the challenge and reflect on how our communities can provide better transportation access for everyone. Get involved.

Small Business & Nonprofits

2026 Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Conference

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Brookfield Conference Center

Featuring specialized programming for veteran entrepreneurs and corporate HR leaders. Attendees can connect through keynote presentations, breakout sessions, networking, and professional development focused on business growth and supporting veterans in the workforce. Learn more.

WEDC Ignite Wisconsin program now open

for applications. Applications are due October 1st. This program provides grants ranging from $200,000 to $2 million to regional consortia working to strengthen Wisconsin's startup ecosystem. Learn more here.

Data Day 2026: The Power of Local Data

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 8AM – 4PM | Discovery World

Bringing together Milwaukee’s data community

for workshops, presentations, networking, and practical tools for putting local data to work. Sessions will explore using data for grant proposals, storytelling and community impact,

and navigating the DYCU Hub. Registration closes September 18.

Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Business Awards

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 | 5–8PM | The Factory on Barclay

Join the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC) for an evening celebrating business and community! Early bird tickets are $75 through September 19. Tickets available now .

Upcoming Member Events

In Your Element: Environmental Health Series

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd | 3 - 5:30PM

Good Hope Branch - 7715 W. Good Hope Rd.

Topic is Mold presented by City of Milwaukee Health Department representatives.

View details here.

Acts Housing Neighborhood Table

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 | 4–8PM | Discovery World

Celebrate 30 years and more than 4,000 Acts Housing families becoming homeowners at the Neighborhood Table! This family-friendly event will bring together Acts alumni families and community supporters for an evening of local food, drinks, and celebration.

Get your tickets today!

Legal Wellness Series: Child Support

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 | 5:30–6:30PM

| Riverworks Financial Clinic

This free Legal Wellness Series session will cover child support orders, arrearages, enforcement actions, and the rights and responsibilities of custodial and non-custodial parents. Featured speaker Katie Murphy of Milwaukee County Child Support Services/DHHS will share information and answer questions. Free to attend.

Learn more & view flyer.

CDA Annual Conference: Thriving in Place

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

8:30AM - 2PM | GATHER at Deer District

Explore displacement in Milwaukee neighborhoods, learn how to use the Anti-Displacement Dashboard, and help shape strategies around landlord accountability, new construction, and homebuyer support.

Click here to register.

2026 WEDA Best Practices Conference

SEPTEMBER 16–18| The Stella Hotel & Ballroom | Kenosha, WI

Join economic development professionals from across Wisconsin to explore technology, entrepreneurship, talent attraction, business expansion and retention, redevelopment, and more, along with networking opportunities and the annual CEDA Awards. Registration required.

Community Advocates 50th Anniversary Celebration

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 | Baird Center

Celebrate 50 years of Community Advocates supporting individuals and families across Milwaukee! Join fellow community members and changemakers for an evening of inspiring stories, connection, food, drinks, and recognition of this incredible milestone. RSVP by September 4.

2026 Wisconsin Economic Summit: Determination to Dream

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1 | The Pablo Center, Eau Claire, WI

Join economic developers, business leaders, policymakers, educators, and innovators from across Wisconsin for this annual event. This two-day conference will explore the trends shaping Wisconsin's economy and highlight strategies to strengthen talent, innovation, and shared economic growth across the state. Learn more.

MobiliSE Fall Summit: Transit is All of Us

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 | 4:30PM - 7PM | NO Studios, 1037 W. McKinley Ave.

Join MobiliSE and the Transit is Milwaukee coalition for a community conversation about the future of public transit in Southeast Wisconsin. Transit riders, advocates, elected officials, transportation professionals, and community leaders will come together to discuss transportation choices and the challenges facing transit across our region. Click here to learn more and register.

Member Spotlight

August 2026

Congratulations to The Gathering of Southeast Wisconsin!

Serving meals for more than four decades, The Gathering's Community Meal Program is the heart of The Gathering’s mission—where neighbors are welcomed, nourished, and cared for. Four meal sites and five community partners allow an incredible community of 1,500 volunteers to serve 150,000 home-cooked meals each year.

The Gathering joined UEDA because hunger is closely connected to economic stability. Families often face food insecurity because of rising housing costs, limited transportation, low wages, and other financial pressures. "Membership allows us to bring the experiences of our meal guests into broader conversations about community and economic development, said Executive Director Lyn Hildenbrand. "We joined because addressing hunger requires more than providing meals—it requires collaboration that helps create stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities."

To learn more or to get involved, visit https://www.thegatheringwis.org/

Welcome to these New &

Returning Members!

Cream City South Community Development Corporation

Goyke & Associates

Julia O'Connor

Loving Venti Consulting Practice

Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC)

Sam Leichtling

TMG Wisconsin

Visit Milwaukee

Current Members

*Check your email for renewal notices to remain current!

Nonprofit &

Governmental

AARP Wisconsin*

Acts Housing

Brehmer Agency

Burleigh Street CDC

Cinnaire

City of Milwaukee DCD

CLIMB USA*

Community Advocates

Community Development Alliance*

Community First

Consumer Credit Counseling Services

Data You Can Use

Employ Milwaukee

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

Milwaukee Public Library

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

Sojourner Family Peace Center

Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

Southside Organizing Center

The Business Council (TBC)

The Gateway to Milwaukee

The Gathering of Southeast WI

United Community Center

UMOS

United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

UW Credit Union

VIA CDC

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

Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA)*

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)

Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)

Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development (WPHD)

Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce

WWBIC

YWCA Southeast Wisconsin

Small Businesses

Andrew's Realty

Community Insurance Information Center (CIIC)

Contexture

Diversified Benefit Services, Inc. (DBS)

Dolomite Marketing

G Consulting, LLC

Good Flow Enterprises

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

Bank Five Nine

Bell Bank Mortgage

BMO

CIBC Bank USA

Erie Insurance - WI

First Federal Bank

Johnson Financial Group

JPMorganChase

Old National Bank

Outpost Co-op

Spring Bank

The Equitable Bank

U.S. Bank

We Energies

Wells Fargo

Zilber Family Foundation

Individuals & Students

Aaron Foley

Adam Bridges

Amy Turim

Barbara Markoff

Casey O'Brien

Christine Davies

Cindy Richardson*

Cole Reckamp

Daniel Adams

Dan Brophey

Frank Martinelli

George Calaway

Irma Yepez Klassen

Kathryn Berger*

Kurt Paulsen

Leo Ries

Matthew Melendes

Megan Foley

Neal Kueny

Peter Richardson

Tamara Castle

See our latest posts on LinkedIn!