Milwaukee County to administer $7.75 million HUD lead‑hazard grant covering 2025–2029

Administrator Jim Mathew of Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services told the finance committee the county received a competitive award of $7,750,000 from HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes to create a lead hazard control reduction program. The grant period runs from March 1, 2025, through March 1, 2029.

Program purpose and scope: Mathew said the program will operate under HUD income eligibility guidelines and will target suburban homeowners within the county’s CDBG jurisdiction; the county will coordinate with local health departments and school districts to prioritize children with elevated blood‑lead levels for remediation. The program’s services will mirror existing emergency home‑repair processes but will be targeted to lead remediation needs.

Budget and staffing: Mathew said the program will be administered through existing county staff and that the grant will allow some levy‑funded staff time to be reallocated to grant administration, producing a net positive effect for the county levy. Eligibility, intake and program design details will follow HUD guidance; DHHS staff said they will implement intake and start work quickly to meet grant timelines.

Why it matters: The award is a substantial federal investment in lead hazard remediation in suburban areas of Milwaukee County and can accelerate remediation in older housing stock where children are at risk. Supervisors asked about income eligibility and whether county funds could be used to serve city addresses if suburban uptake is low; Mathew said the county may be able to extend services into city areas later if capacity allows.

Next steps: DHHS will establish eligibility and intake processes, coordinate with partner health departments and school districts to prioritize households, and begin remediation planning and contracting according to HUD grant terms.