The Community Housing Academy teaches the fundamentals of housing history, planning, finance, and advocacy to encourage residents, officials, and students to be informed advocates for diverse and affordable housing.
Through locally focused instruction, guest expert insights, and peer collaboration, the program equips a diverse cohort with the essential tools and networks needed to effectively shape housing policy and drive systemic change at the local and state levels.
Class Schedule
Join us in Milwaukee!
1 / Orientation + Introduction
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 5:30-7:30 pm
Tehila Cohen, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin
Montavius Jones, Together for Homes + Narvarte Development
We will kick off the academy by getting to know each other, diving into the syllabus, and setting expectations for our time together as a cohort.
2 / Foundations of the Crisis: How We Got Here and Why It Matters
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 5:30-8:00 pm
Dr. Kirk E. Harris, Professor of Urban Planning at UW-Milwaukee
Dr. Matthew Mleczko, Asst. Professor of Political Science at Marquette University
In this session, we will trace how legal, spatial, and federal policies historically codified racial segregation and neighborhood disinvestment across America. We will explore the ongoing tension between housing as a human need versus a commodity, grounding ourselves in the context we need to challenge unequal systems.
3 / Demystifying the Market and Exploring Alternatives
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 5:30-8:00 pm
Larry Kilmer, Housing Development Director, City of Milwaukee
Anthony Kazee, KG Development Group
Lamont Davis, Executive Director, Milwaukee Community Land Trust
In this session, we’ll strip away the black box of housing development. We will look at how many layers of financing and subsidies are needed to make projects viable, and confront the system's hard limits, building the financial literacy needed to understand market dynamics, explore alternative models, and effectively advocate for local policy change.
4 / Housing Tour
Wednesday, October 7, 5:30-7:30 pm @ ThriveOn King
Montavius Jones, Together for Homes + Narvarte Development
Housing comes in many shapes and sizes, from single-family homes and duplexes to large condo buildings and everything in between. Understanding the implications of the types of housing built or preserved is paramount to our growth as advocates. This week we’ll tour around Milwaukee to explore housing stock, old and new, allowing us to consider firsthand how the physical environment shapes us.
5 / The Rules of the Built Environment
Wednesday, October 14, 5:30-8:30 pm
Lauren Nolen, Ph.D., AICP + Assistant Professor, Urban Planning at UW-Milwaukee
Municipal Panel Discussion: Milwaukee County, City of Milwaukee, City of West Allis, Village of Shorewood
We will unpack the complex regulatory frameworks of urban land use and zoning through a hands-on workshop. Joined by a local municipal official, we will look at active housing plans and pending ordinance revisions to bridge the gap between theory and ongoing legislative efforts. This session gives us the technical tools and direct connections to local decision-makers we need to drive tangible change.
6 / Navigating Power and Mobilizing for Housing Change
Wednesday, October 21, 5:30-8:00 pm
Guest Speaker TBD
In this session, we will map the levers of civic power, break down the state legislative process and local municipal structures, and identify the most critical points of intervention for advocacy. We will conclude with an interactive skills lab to practice tangible advocacy tools and build the hands-on, tactical toolkit we need to drive real policy change.
7 / Final Presentations
Wednesday, October 28, 5:30-8:00 pm
We celebrate our conclusion with an (optional) opportunity to share our work. We will present local housing problems we've identified and propose solutions using the tools and knowledge we have built throughout the course.
Want to bring the Community Housing Academy to your area?
To learn more about the program, please contact Housing Field Organizer, Tehila Cohen:
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FAQs
Still have questions? See below for the most commonly asked questions when it comes to participating in the Community Housing Academy.
How do I apply?
Applications for the Milwaukee ara Community Housing Academy are open through August 15, 2026.
Why are the sessions 2+ hours long?
Housing is complex, and meaningful learning and connection takes time. Each session includes foundational education, expert perspectives, interactive discussion, and networking opportunities – with refreshments included to help you power through!
When does the class meet?
The class meets on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm for 2 or 3 hours per session, over 7 weeks (Sep 16 - Oct 28, 2026). See course overview for more information.
Is the class in-person or virtual?
All sessions are in-person at Independence First in Milwaukee, with one session meeting at an alternate location for our walking tour.
Is there homework?
Yes, but don’t get scared! The instructors have compiled an interesting and engaging set of supplemental materials (videos, podcasts, and more) that you can review at your convenience.
What are the requirements to join?
The CHA is for anyone dedicated to solving local or statewide housing issues. There is no knowledge or experience requirement, just a desire to learn and be engaged throughout the course. We want a diverse, multi-generational cross-section of the community represented.
How much does it cost?
We offer this course free of charge for all participants thanks to our generous funders.
What is the final project?
Participants describe a local housing problem and propose solutions using the tools and knowledge they have acquired during the course. It is optional, but highly encouraged. Plus, it's a great opportunity to put what you’ve learned into action, making an immediate impact in your community.
Do you offer any assistance to participate?
Yes. We understand that some individuals may have financial or logistical barriers to participation and offer a few stipends for assistance with needs like travel or childcare. See application for more for more information.
Residents are looking to local leaders for solutions.
Whether concerns center on housing affordability, neighborhood stability, vacant properties, workforce housing, or development proposals – local leaders need trusted information and practical tools.
This academy provides a nonpartisan opportunity to learn from housing experts, connect with peers, and better understand the policies and strategies shaping Milwaukee's housing future.
