Who We Are
The Milwaukee County Economic Development and Real Estate Services Team is dedicated to driving growth, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. As stewards of Milwaukee County’s development initiatives, we work hand-in-hand with developers, investors, businesses, and community organizations to create opportunities that benefit the region.
Our team specializes in managing county-owned real estate assets, advancing innovative projects, and aligning resources to attract investment, promote sustainable development, and address the unique needs of our diverse communities. From tax-foreclosed properties to large-scale redevelopment efforts, we are committed to transforming challenges into solutions that deliver value for all stakeholders.
With a focus on transparency, partnership, and economic vitality, the Economic Development and Real Estate Services Team strives to position Milwaukee County as a premier destination for business, growth, and community success. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Milwaukee County for today and the future.
How We Can Help
Business Resources
Our Business Resources page provides a list of technical assistance, loan and grant opportunities for small businesses in Milwaukee County.
Foreclosed Properties
Our Foreclosed Properties page lists all properties for sale by Milwaukee County through our tax-deeded foreclosure process.
Meet Our Team
At Milwaukee County Economic Development and Real Estate Services, we are proud to have a team of professionals dedicated to transforming opportunities into results for our community. Get to know the individuals who work tirelessly to drive innovation, foster growth, and support Milwaukee County’s economic vitality.
Celia Benton
Ask Me About: starting or growing your small business, Economic Development’s role in the County’s strategic plan
Celia Benton is an accomplished value-driven professional with fourteen years of leadership in advancing equity-driven community and economic growth. As the Economic Development Director for Milwaukee County, Celia leads the charge to foster racial equity through strategic and sustainable real estate development projects and catalytic wealth-building opportunities. Under Celia’s guidance, the Economic Development Division has spearheaded an affordable housing project in a building previously slated for demolition, recently driven a 90% homeowner occupancy rate in tax-deeded foreclosure sales and improved team processes and procedures by prioritizing customer service, team professional development and organizational efficiency.
Previously, Celia served as Economic Development Program Officer at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in Milwaukee, where she rebuilt the Brew City Match program, resulting in $6.3 million in new grant funding and support for nearly 200 entrepreneurs. Her expertise at LISC extended to workforce development and capacity building by supporting Financial Opportunity Centers and administering HUD Section 4 grants to empower BIPOC entrepreneurs.
Her tenure as Economic and Real Estate Development Director at VIA CDC was marked by transformative neighborhood revitalization projects and small business development. She catalyzed commercial property improvements exceeding $1.7 million, created jobs for BIPOC entrepreneurs, and implemented award-winning community programs such as a senior meal initiative that supported local BIPOC-owned restaurants.
With a strong foundation in planning and public administration, she holds a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University and a Bachelor’s in History from Lawrence University. She was also a Peace Corps Volunteer in El Salvador, where her passion for economic development and speaking Spanish started. She is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional and brings a commitment to equity and a proven track record of achieving audacious and complicated goals.
Erica Goblet
Ask Me About: The County’s support and agreements with its cultural partners, easements, County development projects, and permits to work on County land.
Erica Goblet brings over eleven years of diverse experience in various capacities across the County. Throughout her career, Erica has worked on a range of initiatives aimed at driving sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents. In her current role, she serves as the primary liaison to the County’s cultural partners, supports development projects, assists local businesses, and fosters community growth.
Erica holds a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her background combines legal expertise with a deep understanding of social dynamics, allowing her to bring a unique perspective to her work in economic development.
With extensive experience in a variety of roles at Milwaukee County, Erica’s comprehensive understanding of local government operations, legal frameworks, and community development informs her work and commitment to fostering growth and prosperity for all Milwaukee County residents.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-goblet-30a4a516/
Heather Reindl
Ask Me About: County’s current Development Agreements and upcoming development projects, Economic Development’s TBE goals for developments
Heather Reindl brings over eight years of experience in Economic Development at Milwaukee County, where she has led and contributed to a variety of impactful real estate projects, contract negotiations, and community development initiatives. With a keen focus on maximizing economic growth and revitalizing urban spaces, Heather specializes in navigating complex real estate transactions and ensuring successful project execution from concept to completion.
Heather holds a Juris Doctorate from Marquette University Law School, equipping her with the legal expertise necessary to handle intricate contract management and compliance issues. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy from Marquette University, which has contributed to her strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Throughout her career, Heather has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic growth, with an emphasis on creating long-term value for Milwaukee County and its residents. Her diverse skill set combines legal acumen with a deep understanding of real estate, project management, and strategic partnerships.
Emily Streff
Ask Me About: Tax foreclosed properties
Emily Streff is a Project Manager with Milwaukee County, where she oversees the management and disposition of tax-deeded foreclosed properties, playing a critical role in transforming distressed properties into revitalized community assets. Emily’s work involves navigating complex real estate transactions and collaborating with stakeholders to drive economic development and neighborhood improvement.
Throughout her career, Emily has gained extensive experience managing a variety of real estate asset classes, including residential, commercial, industrial, and vacant land. This diverse background allows her to approach each project with a comprehensive understanding of the property management and redevelopment strategies.
Emily holds a bachelor's degree in economics and political science with a minor in Spanish. She is a licensed real estate broker and has earned the prestigious Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management and the Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certificate from the Business Real Estate Institute. Emily is also a licensed notary, further expanding her expertise in real estate services.
Emily is passionate about her work because it enables her to make a tangible impact on communities, turning underutilized spaces into opportunities for growth and revitalization.
Rami Peltz
Ask Me About: Anything and everything about commercial leasing.
Rami Peltz brings over 20 years of private sector real estate and finance experience to his role at Milwaukee County’s Economic Development Group. Currently, Rami serves as a Leasing Manager, supporting various departments throughout Milwaukee County with their space and real estate needs.
At Milwaukee County's Economic Development Group, he provides comprehensive support for space and real estate needs across multiple departments. Previously, he was the Director of Asset Management at Farpoint Development, a Chicago-based real estate development firm, where he oversaw management, financing, and disposition of the portfolio. Rami played a crucial role in the acquisition and value-add development of Prairie Shores, a 1,675-unit community in Chicago’s Bronzeville Neighborhood. Prior to this, Rami worked as an Asset Manager at a Miami based developer Crescent Heights, managing multifamily operations and capital deployment for approximately 1,100 apartment units, totaling 1.1 million square feet and generating $22 million in Net Operating Income (NOI). He also supported the Acquisitions and Dispositions Group at Prologis, a publicly held industrial REIT, for three years.
Rami holds a BA in Economics with a minor in Political Thought from Tufts University, and an MBA with dual concentrations in Real Estate and Finance from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.
Growing up in Milwaukee County, Rami recently returned from Chicago to be closer to family. As a dedicated Milwaukee County Advocate, Rami is committed to promoting the area’s growth and development. He strives to foster a strong sense of community, aims to help the most vulnerable, and hopes to instill this same fondness for Milwaukee in his two sons.
