Community input Sought for Milwaukee’s Growing MKE housing plan

The City of Milwaukee is calling for public engagement on a housing plan that could reshape how neighborhoods develop over the next two decades as the city grapples with a projected housing shortage of 35,000 units by 2040 and rising concerns about affordability and displacement.

Two public meetings in December mark critical opportunities for residents to shape the Growing MKE initiative, a comprehensive housing strategy that addresses Milwaukee’s evolving demographics, economic challenges, and community needs.

Public Meeting Schedule:

Monday, December 9 Location: Pulaski High School Cafeteria 2500 W Oklahoma Ave Time: 5:00-7:00 PM Features: Spanish translation services Enter through the cafeteria door at the bottom of the ramp

Thursday, December 12 Location: Wisconsin Black Historic Society/Museum 2620 W Center St Time: 5:00-7:00 PM Features: Written materials in Spanish and Hmong

The Stakes for Milwaukee

Analysis of current housing patterns reveals significant barriers to development: 40% of residentially zoned parcels permit only single-family homes. At the same time, existing density regulations tend to favor large-scale developers over smaller, community-based projects. These restrictions particularly impact what planners call “missing middle” housing—duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings that historically provided affordable options in many neighborhoods.

The plan illustrates how diverse housing types can coexist while maintaining neighborhood character. This approach directly addresses what city planners identify as key opportunities:

• Allowing residents to age in place within their communities
• Reducing displacement pressures through housing options
• Supporting transit-oriented development
• Advancing climate goals through sustainable building practices

The Growing MKE framework rests on four fundamental goals:

1. Housing Choice & Access: Expanding options for healthy, stable, affordable housing
2. Social Connections & Health: Building supportive neighborhood environments
3. Walkable Neighborhoods: Creating areas where amenities are accessible without cars
4. Urban Design: Preserving neighborhood character while enabling growth

Policy Recommendations

The plan proposes several significant shifts in how Milwaukee approaches housing development:

• Permitting varied housing types citywide, from accessory dwelling units to small apartment buildings
• Focusing higher-density development along transit corridors
• Encouraging mixed-use development at commercial nodes
• Supporting community-building through design guidelines and programs

While the plan doesn’t immediately change existing regulations, it sets the stage for future zoning code updates. These changes would require additional public review and Common Council approval, making current public input crucial to shaping implementation details.

Public Engagement Opportunities

Both December meetings will offer:

• Open house format with flexible attendance
• Overview presentations at 5:20 PM and 6:00 PM
• Interactive mapping activities
• Staff consultations
• Multilingual materials

For those unable to attend, the city provides alternative engagement options through:

• Online platform: engage.milwaukee.gov/GrowingMKE
• Recorded webinar sessions
• Email updates
• Materials in multiple languages

As Milwaukee confronts its housing challenges while promoting equity and sustainability, public participation becomes essential in ensuring the plan reflects community needs and aspirations. The December meetings represent a significant opportunity for residents to influence how their neighborhoods evolve in the coming decades.

For more information or to review plan documents, visit engage.milwaukee.gov/GrowingMKE.