Oct 23, 2026
Press Release: Final presentations to showcase ideas for expanding housing options and addressing local housing challenges in Milwaukee.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — October 23, 2026 — After seven weeks of exploring Milwaukee’s housing challenges and potential solutions, Milwaukee Community Housing Academy students will get the chance to roll up their sleeves and share their final projects with the public on Wednesday, October 28.
The presentations mark the culmination of the academy, which brought together 33 people from different backgrounds who were all interested in solving local issues around housing and community development. Together, they built their understanding of the forces shaping housing – both past and present. Throughout the program, participants have explored housing policy, development, zoning and advocacy – and gained tools to better understand and identify opportunities for change.
Participants’ final projects reflect the range of housing issues facing the greater Milwaukee area and the creative thinking needed to address them. Topics include expanding access to accessible and senior housing, strengthening homeownership and home repair programs, reducing barriers to building affordable homes, and helping neighborhoods navigate new housing developments. Other projects explore housing stability for people returning from incarceration, preserving historic homes, and policies that could help residents manage rising energy costs.
Together, the projects demonstrate how residents and local stakeholders can apply research, policy tools, and community engagement to identify practical ways to expand housing options and strengthen neighborhoods.
“We understand that bringing people together to learn more about housing challenges is an important step toward creating more opportunities. But housing issues are complex, and there are many forces at play. When we have informed, pro-housing advocates on the ground in Wisconsin cities, we know that they will help move local conversations toward action. The final projects are a great opportunity to see participants putting that knowledge to work and really moving the needle in terms of what needs to happen statewide to address the housing shortage and affordability issues.” said Montavius Jones of Together for Homes, and a facilitator at the Milwaukee Community Housing Academy.
Please join us on Wednesday, October 28! The final session will celebrate participants’ work while offering a special opportunity for community members to hear about their plans to start impacting housing in the greater Milwaukee area. Anyone interested is welcome to attend; Though we do ask that you RSVP here so we can plan for all guests. We encourage members of the media, local elected officials, and other housing advocates from across Milwaukee County to attend and hear directly from residents on their plans to turn ideas into action!
EVENT DETAILS:
What: Milwaukee Community Housing Academy Final Presentations
When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 5:30–8 p.m.
Where: Independence First, 540 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Attendance: Open to the community – RSVP here.
Media: Members of the media are welcome to attend the final presentations. Formal presentations and remarks may be quoted on the record. Interviews with individual participants can be arranged with their permission. For interview requests or additional information, please contact Ali Hoffman (ali@1kfriends.org).
About Housing Onward Wisconsin:
Housing Onward Wisconsin is a statewide coalition of neighbors and nonprofits advancing practical housing solutions and updated land use policies to support strong, sustainable communities across Wisconsin. The Community Housing Academy is done in collaboration with 1000 Friends of Wisconsin and Together for Homes as part of our work to build understanding of Wisconsin’s housing challenges and advance practical, nonpartisan solutions that create more housing choices.
Learn more: housingonward.org
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Ali Hoffman
Communications & Digital Manager, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin
608-259-1000
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