Economic Empowerment
Milwaukee County’s Office of Equity is working to remove barriers that prevent residents from building wealth and achieving financial stability. By coordinating services and strengthening partnerships across government and the community, we are expanding access to financial resources and ensuring more people know how to use them.
Our efforts focus on financial literacy, support for local and community owned businesses, and better alignment of programs that help residents grow and sustain wealth.
Financial Empowerment Blueprint
In June 2025, the Office of Equity began an 18‑month strategic planning process to create Milwaukee County’s first Financial Empowerment Blueprint. This plan will recommend actions the County can take to close the racial wealth gap and support long-term financial well‑being for all residents.
Resources:
• Milwaukee Story of Wealth – Executive Summary (PDF)
• Milwaukee Story of Wealth – Infographic (PDF)
• Boosts and Blocks Report (PDF)
• Blueprint website (graphics and link)
Housing Access & Stability
Housing is the largest expense for most residents. Milwaukee County is working to reduce pressure on renters, expand housing options, and support pathways to homeownership and legacy planning.
OOE Programs:
- Stay tuned to hear more!
Other County Programs:
- Zero-Interest Home Repair Loans
- Lead Hazard Reduction Program
- Sec. 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program
- Milwaukee County Cooling Centers
- Milwaukee County Warming Centers (coming soon!)
Employment & Entrepreneurship
Family supporting jobs and small business growth are key to building financial stability and wealth. OOE supports programs that empower workers and support current and future small business owners.
OOE Programs:
• Blueprint to Build Initiative: Hosted seven events reaching 274 youth, introducing them to entrepreneurship and business skills.
• Government Contracting Workshop: Provided training to more than 90 local small business owners on how to compete for government contracts.
• 2026 Sustainability Summit: Brought together over 70 business owners, nonprofit leaders, and Chamber representatives to discuss navigating a changing financial and political landscape.
Partnerships:
• The Business Council (TBC): Supporting five small businesses through TBC’s business training program and tailored technical assistance.
• Incubator Program : Supporting 12 entrepreneurs in an incubator program focused on marketing and access to capital.
Other County Programs:
Wealth Building
Through surveys, listening sessions, interviews, and community events, residents shared how they defined wealth. The findings show that many residents are working, caregiving, managing debt, and trying to plan for the future while immediate financial pressure consumes the space needed to save, invest, buy homes, or start businesses.
With support from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), Milwaukee County is leading two major initiatives to embed financial empowerment into County services and expand access to affordable banking and savings tools.Programs:
Programs:
• Youth Banking Connect Academy: Provides financial education, free and easy‑to‑open bank accounts, and technical assistance to young adults at the Community Reintegration Center (CRC). This program is offered in partnership with the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services workforce development program, BankOn Greater Milwaukee (a project of the Urban Economic Development Association/UEDA), and local financial institutions.
Financial Empowerment Centers Grant supports the long‑term sustainability and potential expansion of free, professional financial counseling for Milwaukee County residents.