So Common Ground organized with HACM tenants, built power, and put relentless pressure on Willie Hines and the HACM board.
Together we:
Generated over 250 local, state, and national news stories, raising awareness about public housing issues in outlets such as The Washington Post, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and Wisconsin Public Radio
Made public housing a prominent public issue, helping to balance the scales of justice between tenants and landlords in Milwaukee
Closed a 79-year oversight gap, enabling public housing tenants to call city inspectors for maintenance issues, giving them the same protections as residents in private housing
Successfully lobbied for the hiring of full-time inspectors dedicated to HACM properties
Empowered the Milwaukee Police Department to use the Chronic Nuisance Ordinance against HACM, allowing them to levy fees and fines to address criminal activity on their properties
Helped secure $2 million in federal funding, earmarked by Congresswoman Gwen Moore, for increased security measures at HACM properties by highlighting the severity of crime in these areas
Pressured federal officials, including the Acting Secretary for HUD, to visit Milwaukee and investigate HACM
Developed dozens of tenants as strong leaders in their properties
Pushed HACM to address thousands of individual issues, leading to tangible improvements in living conditions such as new appliances, repairs, improved management, and enhanced security in various properties
For the first time in decades, we’re seeing a culture of transparency and accountability beginning to emerge. Our efforts are now focused on supporting an independent tenants organization to build tenant power.
Developed dozens of tenant leaders
New HACM board
Accountability & transparency
Pastor Will Davis from our strategy team is on the search committee for the new HACM Executive Director.
