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The Milwaukee Times Weekly Paper
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 - Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013
An NCON Publication
Editorials
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper Louvenia Johnson Luther Golden Nathan Conyers (1981-2008) (1981-2005) (1981- ) Lynda J. Jackson-Conyers, Publisher Ruthe Eleanor Latta, Editorial Page Editor
Dispute over minority hiring (Continued from pg. 2) Department of Justice to look into disparities that persist in the City of Milwaukee's contracting and procurement policies, despite studies commissioned by the city that have documented disparities and identified recommendations to eliminate them. The complaint asked the Justice Department to investigate the claims and "grant any other relief it deems just and proper." In its complaint, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People said the city spent about $82 million on construction projects from 2005 through 2008, but less than $2.5 million went to qualified African Americanowned businesses. The complaint states that over an 18-year period the city spent $1 million on disparity studies but made no significant changes. A spokesman for the Justice Department would confirm only that the complaint was received. Milwaukee NAACP President James Hall said "It's my understanding that an investigator has been assigned to the case." He said he's also submitted additional information to federal officials. Earlier this year, the city settled a federal lawsuit brought by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin and the American Indian Chamber of Commerce by agreeing to repeal a new ordinance aimed at dealing with race- and gender-based contract preferences. In the suit the chambers contended that the new law, Ordinance 370, was an unconstitutional program of preferences in city contracting based on race and gender. They argued that the study on which the law was based was flawed and statistically invalid. The ordinance provided work opportunities for African American, Asian American, female-owned and small businesses. Hispanic-owned and other minority-owned businesses were not given any annual participation requirement because city officials said the disparity study showed that Hispanic construction firms had been so successful
that they no longer needed such preference. Rhonda Kelsey, purchasing director for the city, said that in light of the legal settlement, the city has reverted to its prior position of race and gender neutrality in awarding contracts. She said the city's office of small business development is focused on helping businesses get certified to take advantage of contracts and provide other assistance, including loans to businesses. Common Council President Willie Hines, who is
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Publisher/President Lynda J. Jackson-Conyers Marketing Manager & Assistant to the President George Neal also chairman of the housing authority board of commissioners, said the council is developing a new ordinance designed to deal with minority contract participation. He also maintained that the housing authority is in compliance with federal Section 3 laws on Westlawn but he said he's also waiting to hear what HUD has to say.
Graphic Artists William Gooden Michelle Anibas
Founders Louvenia Johnson Nathan Conyers Luther Golden Accounting Terry Taylor Printing Manager Angel Reyes
The Milwaukee Times email address: miltimes@gmail.com The Milwaukee Times Weekly newspaper is published each Thursday at 1936 N. MLK Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53212 Telephone: 414-263-5088 • Fax: 414-263-4445 Email: miltimes@gmail.com
Partnering to rebuild Milwaukee neighborhoods What is the emerging Business program? The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority’s (WHEDA®) Emerging Business Program (EBP) is a powerful catalyst for creating better job opportunities in Wisconsin communities. WHEDA offers a variety of resources to support the development, involvement and utilization of economically disadvantaged businesses and workers in Wisconsin.
eBp in action Northcott Neighborhood House on Milwaukee’s north side partnered with Oregon, Wisconsin-based developer Gorman & Company on the Northside Housing Initiative, a landmark housing restoration effort. The project featured the construction of 40 rent-to-own, single-family homes on formerly vacant lots and the rehabilitation of a series of existing duplexes to provide an added 40 affordable rental units in the Metcalfe Park and North Division neighborhoods of Milwaukee, which are littered with foreclosures and blighted properties. WHEDA awarded $951,620 in Low Income Housing Tax Credits to Gorman in 2010 for the initiative and just over $1.5 million in credits in 2012. Gorman’s Wisconsin Market President Ted Matkom now depends greatly on the 24 recently-trained Northcott students for the second phase of the project, the acquisition and rehabilitation of 105 single-family homes into affordable rental units. “Northcott is literally training individuals in building homes, in siding, roofing, and carpentry,” said Matkom. “It’s a great idea.” Christopher Edwards, 41 and Elliott Urquhart, 45, both from Milwaukee, attend Northcott’s class. Edwards’ expertise is remodeling homes, while Urquhart is an unemployed welder. Advertisement
“I have an impeccable resume,” said Edwards. “But I can’t find work. I’m here to make myself more marketable, more employable.” “My goal is to get a respectable wage, own a home, and pass it on to my son,” said Urquhart. Both Edwards and Urquhart dream of being contractors someday, but have an even greater motivation. “I will unboard every boarded up house in this city,” Edwards proclaimed. “That’s my aspiration.” “We’re tired of seeing all those green boards,” Urquhart concurred. “If you’re going to revitalize the community, you have to hire from within those who are unemployed,” said Tony Kearney, Project Director at Northcott Neighborhood House. A former, previously unemployed student earned $17,898 last year and will likely make $25,000 this year. That type of turnaround is imperative in a community crippled by above average unemployment. The Gorman-Northcott partnership has been a success finding sustainable employment for the students. There is currently a waiting list of 1,200 to get into the Northcott classrooms. “WHEDA’s Emerging Business program is essential to facilitating small business,” said Matkom. “It’s working just great.” To learn more visit www.wheda.com/ EmergingBusiness and view our program performance report. Or, contact Jesse Greenlee, Emerging Business Program Manager at 800.628.4833 or email at jesse.greenlee@wheda.com.