U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Secures Funding for Sherman Park Development in Milwaukee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin worked to successfully secure $750,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Community Services (OCS) for the Sherman Phoenix Project to spur economic activity and enhance opportunities for Milwaukee residents. Senator Baldwin advocated for this federal grant to help close the funding gap for this critical economic development project in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park neighborhood.

“I worked to support the Sherman Phoenix Project because it will create much-needed economic development and job opportunities for Milwaukee,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to partner with WWBIC and community leaders to secure this funding and move this community development project forward. When we invest in small businesses that create jobs, we can create economic growth for the community.”

The federal funds will be awarded to the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) for their efforts directly supporting this project that will transform a vacant, fire-damaged BMO Harris Bank building into high-quality commercial space for 29 small entrepreneurs, offering prepared foods, wellness services, and arts and cultural activities. The Sherman Phoenix Project anticipates creating 49 new full-time, full year jobs for low-income residents.

WWBIC will use a share of the grant funds to provide quality business and financial educational programming and one-on-one technical assistance to the Sherman Phoenix tenant entrepreneurs and business owners as well as business support in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Sherman Phoenix Project development site was the epicenter of civil unrest and riots in August 2016 that affected several neighborhood businesses and resulted in $6 million in damage. This project aims to revitalize this area, create new jobs and support the local economy.