About Milwaukee CLT

Vision All of Milwaukee’s lower income residents who desire to own real estate and build wealth will be able to do so as the city’s neighborhoods end displacement, poverty and blight.

Mission Through its ownership of land, and stewardship of homes and homeowners that occupy that land, the MCLT creates permanently affordable housing, community control over real estate, and development without displacement. This is done by working with neighborhoods, neighborhood organizations and other key partners. You can make a difference

MCLT is a membership organization. Anyone who lives in Milwaukee can join for $1 annual membership dues. Members elect the board of directors every February, when 1/3 of the directors’ terms end. Nominations are accepted between November and December. If you live in Milwaukee you can nominate yourself. If you do not, you must be nominated by someone who lives in Milwaukee. The elections page is here.

Housing is an issue that impacts us all. Everyone needs a safe place to live, and not since the Great Depression have so many Americans struggled to afford their housing. Not everyone has the time to spare to serve on the MCLT board of directors. However, more important than finding competent directors is having conscientious voters who carefully consider the issues at stake, ask questions of the candidates, and vote to ensure that the right people get elected. Even if you only have time to attend one meeting per year, your vote each February matters.

https://www.milwaukeeclt.org/organization/

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.