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Home > BizTimes Daily > Archives > December 14, 2005
Milwaukee wins world award for affordable housing
Published December 14, 2005 - BizTimes Daily
Milwaukee is one of nine cities to receive a World Leadership Award for its model of affordable housing that transforms neighborhoods. The World Leadership Forum issued the award to the City of Milwaukee Housing Authority in a recent ceremony in London. Leaders in 400 of the world's largest cities were asked to submit synopses of their most successful projects. Cities earning an award this year include: Milwaukee; Madrid (Spain); Lagos (Nigeria); Salt Lake City (U.S.); Phnom Pehn (Cambodia); and Port Elizabeth (South Africa). Projects from around the world were submitted on the environment, urban renewal, housing, health, city planning, architecture, civil engineering, education, the economy and employment. The World Leadership Forum is a nonprofit organization that promotes leadership internationally by highlighting the work of exceptional leaders and achievers in categories that make the greatest impact. "I am thrilled that Milwaukee is being recognized worldwide as a leader in housing redevelopment," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. "We have a tremendous story to tell about our transformation of public housing developments into great neighborhoods. Together with our residents, we've linked physical revitalization with education, employment, and health care services — a winning combination in the war on poverty." The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) currently provides affordable housing for more than 10,000 families and individuals in the city. This housing includes public units that are subsidized by the federal government, housing vouchers for low-income families to rent privately-owned housing units and non-subsidized affordable housing units. Since 1993, the HACM has transformed four welfare-dependent and isolated public housing developments (Hillside Terrace, Lapham Park, Parklawn and Highland Park) with more than 1,200 housing units into communities of inclusion and economic independence. Employment increased by 32 percent among residents living in the revitalized public housing developments, according to a study issued this year by the Planning Council for Health and Human Services. "I'm proud of Milwaukee's accomplishments in providing affordable housing for families and seniors in a way that lifts up the entire community," said Alderman Willie Hines Jr., Common Council president and HACM board chair. A grant from the Helen Bader Foundation enabled HACM representatives to attend the awards ceremony in London.
