The Milwaukee County Committee on Health Equity, Human Needs, and Strategic Planning convened on March 7, 2025, to address pressing issues related to housing affordability and community health initiatives. The meeting highlighted the growing need for affordable housing options, with committee members expressing concern over the increasing difficulty for residents to purchase homes or find rental properties within their budget.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on a report from the Department of Health and Human Services, which sought authorization for multiyear contracts aimed at enhancing services for children, youth, and families. The committee discussed the implementation of the Advanced Peace Fellowship, a new program funded by a $2 million grant from the Office of Justice Programs. This grant, which spans three years, is dedicated to community-based violence intervention and prevention initiatives.

Administrator Kelly Pethke outlined the details of the contracts, which include partnerships with the Milwaukee Christian Center, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Dr. Jason Corburn from the University of California, Berkeley. The Milwaukee Christian Center will receive over $1 million to lead the program, leveraging their established presence in community violence intervention. The Medical College will serve as a research partner, conducting a needs assessment and strategic planning as part of the grant's requirements. Dr. Corburn will provide data evaluation services to ensure the program's effectiveness.

The Advanced Peace model, which emphasizes training and support for local organizations, aims to foster a collaborative approach to reducing violence in Milwaukee County. The committee's discussions underscored the importance of these initiatives in addressing both immediate community needs and long-term health equity goals.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the critical nature of these efforts and the necessity for ongoing focus on affordable housing and community health services. The next steps will involve further discussions on the implementation of the proposed contracts and the anticipated impact of the Advanced Peace Fellowship on local communities.