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Council commits $2.8 million and adopts food‑access measures to address grocery closures
Summary
The Common Council approved a package of substitute resolutions and allocations aimed at retaining and attracting full‑service grocery stores and pharmacies, including a $2.8 million investment and a resolution declaring food apartheid a public‑health emergency.
The Milwaukee Common Council advanced a multi-part package intended to stabilize and expand access to full‑service grocery stores and pharmacies across the city.
Members described a coordinated effort across the Department of City Development, the Health Department and community partners. Alderman Stamper, speaking for the package, said the council’s actions represent a “major step toward strengthening food access,” and stated that a total of $2,800,000 will be invested to support grocery and pharmacy retention and attraction.
The package included items directing the Department of City Development to produce strategies for retention and attraction of grocery stores and pharmacies (item 71), allocations from the Large Impact Development Fund (item 72), and resolutions reallocating funds to city events and community grant programs (item 78 and related files). Steering & Rules also presented a resolution declaring 'food apartheid' a public‑health emergency and directing coordinated city action; council members described the measures as part of a broader equity and economic‑development strategy.
The council adopted the committee recommendations by roll call (recorded as 14 ayes, 1 excused), and many members signed on as cosponsors.
