MILWAUKEE (July 16, 2026) — The Community Development Alliance (CDA) announced the addition of David Bowen to its board of directors. In this role, Bowen will support CDA in its mission of creating homeownership opportunities for all Milwaukeeans and protecting low-income senior citizens from being displaced from their homes because of rising tax assessments and tax bills. 

Bowen, 39, currently serves as Executive Director of Wisconsin Voices, a pro-democracy nonprofit organization

dedicated to year round strategies in direct issue and electoral education statewide. Under his leadership, Wisconsin Voices has expanded innovative resident engagement strategies, strengthened cross-sector partnerships in advocacy, and increased civic participation across the state. 

“David has been involved in shaping public policy issues affecting working class people for his entire adult life,” said Teig Whaley-Smith, CDA’s chief alliance officer. “He has been a consistent advocate for affordable housing and increasing homeownership opportunities for marginalized communities. His experience is a great addition to our board.”

A respected public affairs and nonprofit leader, he brings 20 years of experience in advocacy, government relations, grassroots organizing, and public policy.

Prior to joining Wisconsin Voices, Bowen served four terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 10th Assembly District and was previously elected to the Milwaukee County Board, becoming one of Milwaukee’s youngest Black elected officials. He has also held leadership roles with AARP Wisconsin and Urban Underground, realigning agendas and programming to raise affordability and quality of life issues from senior to young generations.

In 2026, Bowen was named a Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree in recognition of his leadership and impact on Wisconsin communities and democratic engagement.

“As a lifelong resident of Milwaukee and someone who has been on the leading edge of affordability and social justice issues, David has been building strategic partnerships and driving positive outcomes for historically marginalized communities for more than two decades,” said CDA Board Chair Amelia Mitcham. “He will be a valuable addition to our board, helping us effectively navigate complex political and community engagement landscapes to increase homeownership opportunities for all Milwaukeeans.”

“Building strong communities starts in the home. Homeownership provides stability for children and families as well as neighborhoods and is a key in building generational wealth,” said Bowen. “CDA plays a vital role in creating much-needed affordable housing and homeownership opportunities in Milwaukee neighborhoods where it’s needed the most. My goal is to help CDA and its allies increase those efforts exponentially.”

CDA’s Board has 12 members, made up of two members from each of six advisory councils – Resident Advisory Council, Neighborhood Groups, Implementors, Operational Funders, Housing Funders and Policy Organizations, where Bowen serves as Co-Chair. Board members are unpaid and serve two-year terms and can serve three consecutive terms, all working together to prioritize equitable homeownership for Black & Latino Families.