Riverworks Newsletter - May 2021
Greeting Friends and Neighbors:
We are excited to share out 2020 Annual Report! Please take a few minutes to learn more about our programs and impact from last year. As we "spring" forward, Riverworks has lots of fun and productive events and activities ahead. We hope to see you soon! #loveyourneighborhood
Extraordinary Care from the Financial Clinic
Have you, or someone you know, faced significant challenges when attempting to unlock the doors to homeownership? Do you have below-average credit scores, a lack of savings, collections, student loans, or other consumer debt? If you answered yes to any of the above, have no fear!
The Financial Clinic helps families to realize their full potential through homeownership, and makes those dreams a reality! Owning a home can be a source of pride and security for generations. We offer a personalized action pan to guide you through the process.
Here's some advice from recently-new homeowners who faced similar struggles and were able to succeed with the help of the Financial Clinic.
"When you are sick and tired of renting, call the Financial Clinic to obtain your action plan"
- S. Gibbs
"The sacrifices you make today will pay off tomorrow"
- J. Wyonicky
For more information about Financial Clinic programs and services, call 414.882.7430
Neighborhood News
Bloom & Groom PLUS Spaces & Traces 2021
Riverworks is collaborating with the City of Milwaukee's Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (NIDC) to host the Bloom & Groom plant and flower sale! The sale will take place on Saturday, May 22 in the parking lot at 3334 N Holton Street. The sale begins at 10:00 am; it is first-come first-served, and will only be open while supplies last. There will be annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, pepper plants and tomato plants.
Spaces & Traces is a beloved annual event brought to you by Historic Milwaukee, which allows residents a peak into a variety of establishments throughout the city! Spaces & Traces will take place from May 6th through May 16th this year. We are excited to announce that Spaces & Traces 2021 will be featuring a tour of the Beerline Trail - which can be experienced virtually or as a self-guided tour on the trail! The tour was developed by artist Annushka Peck, and will be available as a mobile app beginning May 6th. Check out Historic Milwaukee's website to book your tickets and for more details!
Creative Placemaking on the Beerline Trail
Community Branding on the Beerline Trail Linear Park
In our journey to implement the Lifeways Plan into what will become a linear park on the Beerline Trail, we have several steps to take and things to consider. One exciting step is branding! We are engaging in a large outreach campaign to gather community opinions on colors, symbols, and a name for the park. Guiding Lens is the community arm of the Beerline Trail Leadership Committee, and they will be hosting a community branding session (round two) on Wednesday, May 5th; please see the event information below, or visit our website. In addition to that meeting, we will be surveying people who use the trail, sending emails, and reaching people via social media. This is a critical step as this branding will be a major way that residents from throughout the city identify with the trail, and we want that identity to be reflective of the people and cultures that live, work, and play nearby!
If you live in Harambee or Riverwest, or own a business in the Riverworks BID, we would love to hear from you! Please attend the meeting below, or contact Rosalynn at 414.882.7429
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 6:30pm
Meeting ID: 819 1230 0003
Passcode: 326692
Call In Number: (312) 626-6799 US
Building and Beautifying the Community
Beerline Trail Celebrates Arbor Day
Riverworks Development Corporation, in collaboration with the City of Milwaukee Forestry Department, Milwaukee Public Schools, La Escuela Fratney, Black Husky Brewing, and the Riverworks Business Improvement District #25, have big plans for tree plantings along the Beerline Trail. On April 30, for Arbor Day, these partners and community leaders planted 4 beautiful spruce trees along the Beerline trail, near Buffum Street. The Forestry Department also shared best practices for healthy tree planting, and promoted urban forestry in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. Thanks to all of our supporters and partners who were critical in making this happen!
Small Business & Entrepreneurial Resources
Small Business Week 2021
With enthusiasm and excitement, please join us in celebrating Small Business Week 2021 this week (May 3 - 7). Entrepreneurs, the visionaries and creators of small businesses, are abundant in our community - whether it be yourself, a family member, and/or your next door neighbor. Riverworks has a team of passionate professionals that are ready to assist the community in starting and growing small businesses. In the spirit of Small Business Week, Riverworks will be sharing business tools, resources, and videos to continue fostering and growing small businesses for strong economic development in the Riverworks community! Keep your eyes out for information we will be sharing on our Facebook page.
Riverworks Coin Laundry
Three Years of Serving the Community
Riverworks Coin Laundry, located at 3334 N Holton Street, is entering its third year of service. We are open 7 days a week, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and we have the lowest prices around. We offer free books for children to read while you do your laundry, and they can even take it home with them! Come check us out when you're in the neighborhood!
BID #25: Milwaukee's Creative District
Cleaning Up Milwaukee's Creative District
As the snow slowly melted and Milwaukee began to warm up, a new layer of garbage became very apparent throughout our commercial and residential corridors. At the Riverworks BID #25, it is our highest priority for our district to look nice, be maintained and create a welcoming environment for all businesses and customers. To tackle these litter issues, the Riverworks BID #25 will be initiating a district wide Anti-Litter campaign, aimed at removing local litter through cleanups, adding more trashcans in strategic areas and educating our community on how much money goes toward litter clean up in the district. What can you do to partner with us on this initiative? Keep the area around your business clean by regularly picking up trash on your site, locking your dumpsters, and being leaders of this campaign by encouraging your customers to use local trash receptacles. Help us locate any illegal dumping by reporting it to us here.
Harambee NID #7
New Home Repair Grant Guidelines for 2021
The Harambee NID #7 provides grant opportunities to eligible homeowners to undertake needed repairs to their primary residence with a goal to eliminate blight and stabilize property values. This year, the NID board has decided to open up the opportunity to receive funds for a wider range of projects than in previous years. A matching grant between $500 and $7,500 is available for properties that are owner-occupied. Property owners are responsible for project costs over $7,500. The Harambee NID will assist with financial contributions of applicants who qualify based on HUD County Median Income Eligibility Guidelines.
For more information or to find out if you qualify, visit Harambee NID's website or contact Clarissa Morales at 414.882.7437
Shout Out to Our Supporters!
A special thanks to the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, who recently granted Riverworks' Financial Clinic $10,000 to help residents get their finances back on track after pandemic-related losses or other set-backs. The United Way is a new donor to this program, and we are delighted to be a part of their important work in the community. Funds were received through their UW Credit Union Fund for Racial Equity.
To donate today, click the link below or Text-to-Give at 414.251.2225
Upcoming Events
