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.

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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.

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With a special thanks to our sponsor,

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

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• 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.

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AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

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• 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.​​​​​​​​​​​