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Committee directs DCD to study employee down-payment assistance program for Milwaukee workers
Summary
The committee approved a substitute resolution directing the Department of City Development to study the feasibility of a homeownership incentive limited to properties inside the City of Milwaukee for city employees; DCD said it will convene an internal working group and return with findings in time for the 2027 budget process.
Alderman Bergellis presented a substitute resolution asking the Department of City Development (DCD) to study a city employee down-payment assistance (DPA) program limited to properties inside Milwaukee. Bergellis said the goal is to increase resident city-employment rates among departments with low residency and to ensure city employees who protect and run city services can live in the community.
DCD’s Larry Kilmer said the department has prior experience with homebuyer assistance, a DPA program and targeted incentives for city-owned properties; DCD has convened an internal working group with representation from DCD, innovation staff in DOA, DER and the mayor’s office. Kilmer said staff expect to review research findings internally and bring recommendations back to council in a few months, with an eye toward inclusion in the 2027 budget cycle.
Committee members clarified the program would only apply to City of Milwaukee properties (not neighboring jurisdictions) and asked whether first responders could be prioritized; Kilmer said such design choices would involve bargaining and collective-bargaining considerations if benefits are targeted by job class.
Committee recommended the file to proceed as a study; DCD will provide timing and scope information as the working group finalizes research.
