At the end of 2021 we reflected on the inspiring work we were a part of in the UEDA Community, took the opportunity to thank our members and partners, and shared our optimism for what to expect in 2022. View our New Year video message here.
We also invite you to view our 2021 UEDA Impact Report and our UEDA 2021 Year in Review Slideshow, which summarizes last year’s programs, activities, and events. We helped increase collaboration, capacity, and connections in the community and economic development sector through:
- Growth of our membership network by 8% and more people and groups participating in our programs and events.
- A 42% year-over-year increase in outreach and educational webinars/events across all programs, reaching 1,100 people and connecting them to information and resources related to critical housing, community and economic development issues.
- The 10th Anniversary of our homeownership sustainability program, Take Root Milwaukee, and the continued growth of our Bank On Greater Milwaukee coalition.
- Completion of the City of Milwaukee’s current HUD Consolidated Plan, launch of the Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center, and support of the CDA and Milwaukee’s Collective Affordable Housing Plan.
After experiencing program and staff growth for 2+ years, two of our staff transitioned to pursue new opportunities with State partners. We are excited to watch Johanna Jimenez continue shepherding the launch of Take Root Wisconsin and Jessica Wetzel supporting the growth and impact of the State of Wisconsin’s College Savings Program. We truly appreciate all they’ve done to support UEDA!
In November we welcomed Kat Klawes as our Communications & Events Coordinator and hope to add our next Take Root Milwaukee Program Director by the end of February 2022.
Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for Carnival Milwaukee Week, UEDA’s annual fundraiser, which will be held February 28-March 4, 2022.
While 2021 continued to bring its challenges, it also offered up many moments of inspiration.
We THANK YOU all for your interest, engagement, and support of UEDA!
The Staff and Board of Directors at UEDA
