CDA | 2025 Annual Conference

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Community Development Alliance 2025 Annual Conference

"Protecting Aging Neighbors from Displacement"

CONFERENCE BACKGROUND

Milwaukee residents have elevated displacement as posing a risk to the quality of life of past, present and future generations in vulnerable Milwaukee neighborhoods. If our city's aging neighbors cannot afford their homes, they will be displaced from their neighborhoods. This leaves aging neighbors without stable housing, and neighborhoods lose quality inventory for future generations when investors buy those homes. Communities across the country have helped solve this problem by providing for a lower property tax rate for aging neighbors. For too long in Wisconsin we have been intimidated by our state’s Uniformity Clause, but other states have successfully amended their Uniformity Clauses to protect aging neighbors. Join us in learning from allies in other states and help set a path forward to protect aging neighbors in Milwaukee.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

Residents, Neighborhood Organizations, Advocacy Organizations, Implementors, Philanthropy, Investors, and other allies from the public and private sector, are invited to:

Understand the extent of displacement of aging neighbors, how Wisconsin property taxes operate, and what other states have done to resolve. Over the last three years, CDA has collaborated with hundreds of residents, and a primary concern continues to be displacement, particularly for aging neighbors. There is confusion on how tax assessments work, and a desire for policy solutions to solve the problem. CDA, and its network of allies, have researched data and strategies from across the country that address displacement for aging neighbors. This information will be shared at the conference.
Provide direction on future Policy Changes. A potential policy proposal designed in partnership with allies will be presented for discussion and direction by attendees through several interactive sessions.
Build Momentum for Change in Milwaukee. This conference is not just for informational purposes. It is a call for action. Participants will guide future policy work that they are excited about and willing to lend their time, energy and resources to make a reality for aging neighbors in Milwaukee.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Pre-conference Recording

Event Presentation

Post Conference Survey

Over 130 residents, community leaders, advocates, and partners came together for the CDA Annual Conference, to continue the work begun at last year’s conference: Building a Homeowner and Future Homeowner Bill of Rights.

This year’s focus centered on one urgent priority—protecting aging neighbors from displacement. Attendees examined the risks posed when aging neighbors are forced out of their homes and explored policy strategies to safeguard stability for both current and future Milwaukee homeowners.

With a special thanks to our sponsor,

Read Speaker Bios

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Shared Understanding – Participants gained clarity on how property tax assessments operate in Wisconsin, and how displacement impacts vulnerable communities.
Learning from Other States – Philadelphia was highlighted as examples of bipartisan action to protect aging residents, offering valuable lessons for Milwaukee.
Policy Direction – Attendees participated in a gallery walk to share thoughts, comments, stories, concerns, and suggestions around displacement, assessments, and property taxes. Attendees also joined in a table discussion to evaluate a draft policy proposal and provide input on potential impacts, unintended consequences, and strategies for organizing and accountability.
Momentum for Change – The conference reaffirmed a citywide commitment to advancing policies that protect aging neighbors and strengthen Milwaukee’s neighborhoods.

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

Stories of Displacement – Ex Fabula Storytellers and special guests grounded the day with personal experiences.
Homeownership Update – CDA staff and Resident Advisory Council on Housing (RACH) members shared progress on strategies to expand Black and Latino homeownership.
Policy Deep Dive – A breakdown in Wisconsin’s property tax system followed by a discussion on what’s possible with reform.
Alliance Panel – Representatives from residents, neighborhood organizations, implementors, philanthropy, and funders reflected on the day’s discussions and called for collective action.

The CDA annual conference graphic notes created by Meaningful Marks

LOOKING AHEAD

The Annual Meeting was not just a conversation—it was a call to action. Together, participants committed to building momentum toward policy changes that will protect aging neighbors and ensure affordable, quality homeownership for all Milwaukeeans.