Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin (UEDA)

Welcome to UEDA

UEDA is a 501(c)(3) membership association dedicated to facilitating effective, cross-sector collaboration, meaningful connections, and strengthening individual and organizational capacity in Wisconsin’s community and economic development sector.

Incorporated in 1997, we focus on and advocate for community investment, sustainable homeownership and housing, regional transportation, small business growth, financial empowerment and the local food economy.

We invite you to learn more about What We Do, the benefits of becoming a Member of UEDA and see the latest news from the UEDA Community.

UEDA is a membership association that has been supporting the professional development of individuals and groups in community and economic development since 1997. Learn more about us here.

MISSION: UEDA is dedicated to facilitating effective, cross-sector collaboration, meaningful connections, and strengthening individual and organizational capacity in Wisconsin’s community and economic development sector.

We focus on and advocate for community investment, sustainable homeownership and housing, regional transportation, small business growth, financial empowerment and the local food economy.

VISION: The members and communities we serve are inspired and thriving, with equitable access to investment and opportunity.

VALUES:

Collaboration as a tool to drive positive, systemic change
The inclusion of diverse stakeholders and perspectives
Careful listening to inform the actions we take
Positive coordinated efforts to develop urban neighborhoods
A commitment to building connections among those working toward similar outcomes
The inherent goodness of people striving to improve our community, one step at a time

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.