Milwaukee Sister Cities Day celebrates community connections with cultural festivities

The Milwaukee Community & Economic Development Committee convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including the evaluation of the PAIR program and upcoming community events.

The meeting began with a presentation on the PAIR program, which focuses on using art to address serious community issues. Alderman Malay Lake Hogs, chair of the arts board, emphasized the transformative power of art, expressing hope for the program's continuation and improvement. The final evaluation report for the arts board will be available on the city’s website, and community members are encouraged to reach out with questions.

Following this, committee members praised the arts board's efforts, noting the limited budget and resources available. There was a call for increased support for the arts, particularly in light of the challenges artists faced during the pandemic. Discussions included the potential for beautification projects at the airport, with a suggestion to incorporate art into the airport's design.

The committee then moved on to discuss the Milwaukee Sister Cities Day, scheduled for May 16, 2025. A resolution was passed to allocate $3,000 from the economic development committee fund to support this event. The celebration aims to promote cultural connections and educate the community about Milwaukee's sister cities, which include locations such as Abuja, Nigeria, and Galway, Ireland. Organizers highlighted the importance of community involvement and the cultural significance of the event.

The meeting concluded with a request to hold a discussion on an environmentally sustainable business enterprise program for a future date. Overall, the committee's discussions reflected a commitment to enhancing community engagement through art and cultural events while addressing the need for sustainable development initiatives.