MILWAUKEE – On June 17, the Health Equity, Human Needs and Strategic Planning Committee voted to recommend rejection of a proposed ordinance change which would create a subcommittee comprised of members of the community, to focus on housing insecurity and develop housing eviction prevention strategies while ensuring racial equity. 

“I am disappointed by the result of vote. This proposal was brought forward by the community,” said Supervisor Sequanna Taylor, lead author of the proposal. “As elected officials, we need to ensure that the will of the people can impact how Milwaukee County allocates funds. Having community members serve on subcommittees and provide recommendations to the Board would do just that.”

“Both the number and the dire effects of evictions and precarious housing in Milwaukee County are a crisis,” noted Supervisor Ryan Clancy. “That crisis demands a forum where residents and stakeholders can share their experiences, develop and advocate for strategies to reduce the harm done, and to fix or replace the systems which allow that harm to continue.”

“We cannot continue with the same practices and policies and expect different results,” said Supervisor Priscilla E. Coggs-Jones. “I applaud the author and cosponsors for attempting to be proactive rather than reactive as we attempt to address the ongoing eviction crisis in Milwaukee County.”

The proposed subcommittee would be tasked with providing strategy and budget recommendations to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. Its members would include, the chair of the Health Equity, Human Needs and Strategic Planning Committee, two housing subject matter experts, at least one individual who had been served with an eviction notice and at least one individual who had experienced precarious housing or homelessness. 

The resolution was previously unanimously recommended for adoption by the Judiciary, Safety and General Services Committee. The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors will take up the item at their next meeting on June 23, 2022 at 9:30 AM.  

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