Lindsay Heights Neighborhood ECO Tour

Lindsey Heights Neighborhood ECO Tour

Health, Wellness and Neighborhood Revitalization on Milwaukee’s North Side

In economically isolated communities like Lindsay Heights, the need for economic, physical and spiritual healing is critical to overall neighborhood revitalization. The ZIP codes of 53205 and 53206 have the highest emergency room visit rates for mental health in the city, coinciding with some of the highest rates of poverty and incarceration in the country. Walnut Way Conservation Corp., a neighborhood-based nonprofit known for its innovative work in economic and environmental health and wellness, leads the charge in redeveloping blighted homes and commercial properties, transforming vacant lots into gardens and orchards, growing successful social enterprises, and creating a hub for health and enterprise. Models for regenerative farming, community cultural development, and agricultural enterprises can be found nearby at Alice’s Garden and Fondy Market, the largest agricultural market in the city. The work is deeply rooted in civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and creating venues for prosperity. Lindsay Heights was recently designated as the city’s first “ECO Tour” neighborhood, and green infrastructure projects abound. Lindsay Heights is one of three neighborhoods in the Zilber Neighborhood Initiative (ZNI) funded by the Zilber Family Foundation. Data You Can Use is the lead researcher for ZNI.

Key Ideas:

Community health and wellness as the driver for neighborhood revitalization
Policies and practice that isolated the neighborhood from economic opportunity
Lindsay Heights as an area of focus for Data You Can Use via Zilber and Health Data Users Group
Neighborhood designated as the City’s first “Eco-Tour Neighborhood” due to the high concentration of projects and programs.

Why start a Neighborhood Improvement District

The idea of a Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) can provide equity and ownership to communities that have been historically underserved or subject to displacement.

By creating NIDs, the community can be provided with necessary resources that may otherwise not be available in their area. These resources could include things such as infrastructure improvements, funding for local businesses or initiatives, and economic development programs. In addition, NIDs can provide an opportunity for citizens to have a say in the decisions being made in their neighborhood that may otherwise be out of their control.

This allows for greater equity in decision making and helps ensure a more inclusive process. As such, this is an effective way to address long-term displacement issues and ensure that the community is empowered to take ownership of its future.

These improvements can improve quality of life and create a more sustainable, equitable neighborhood. A NID can be a powerful tool in creating lasting change for communities in need.

When did the Lindsay Heights NID become established?

The Milwaukee Common Council established the Lindsay Heights Neighborhood Improvement District on November 4, 2022.

This district was created to support economic development and revitalization in the Lindsay Heights area, including investments in infrastructure, housing, job creation, and public safety.

The district includes 3,067 parcels of land within a three-square-mile radius that are owned by Milwaukee County, Milwaukee Public Schools, and the City of Milwaukee.

How is the Lindsay Heights NID funded?

The Lindsay Heights Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) is funded through assessment revenue and grant funding.

All assessment revenue received goes towards the NID projects as outlined in the approved budget. In addition to assessment revenue, grants are sought to provide additional funding for specific initiatives or events.

The NID has been successful in receiving grants from various local organizations and foundations. Fundraising efforts are also conducted to raise money for additional projects or events.

All funds received through assessment revenue and grants are used exclusively for the benefit of Lindsay Heights residents.

How are Lindsay Heights Board members nominated?

Lindsay Heights Board members are nominated with 25 signatures from the residents.

To be eligible for nomination, 5 of those 25 must be from your own block. All 25 signatures must come from people aged 18 and over who currently reside in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood.

Once 25 valid signatures have been collected, the individual can be officially nominated as a board member.

How are Lindsay Heights Board members elected.

Lindsay Heights residents elect 9 Board members to the Lindsay Heights Neighborhood Improvement District Board of Directors.

These seats are filled in alternating three-year terms by residents living in each of four quadrants that make up the neighborhood.

Each quadrant is represented by 2 board members, which makes it easy for residents to identify their representatives and give them direct feedback at any time.