How can Milwaukee preserve much-needed affordable housing and more
homeownership opportunities, while protecting senior citizens from being
displaced from the homes they’ve lived in for decades? That’s the
delicate balance nearly 200 Milwaukee residents, community leaders and
housing activists began attempting during a day-long conference earlier
this week organized by the Community Development Alliance (CDA).
One possible solution being examined is amending the state constitution to protect seniors from rapidly rising property tax assessments and tax bills. This, says State Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde, could prevent displacement of seniors throughout Wisconsin.
“My bill (LRB 2691), which I will introduce this fall, amends the constitution to exempt low-income seniors aged 65 and over from property taxes,” said Moore Omokunde. “Our state constitution has been amended 152 times before. Hopefully this legislation will be the 153rd time.”...
Leo’s notes: Milwaukee’s housing crisis isn’t only about building new units—it’s also about keeping longtime residents, especially seniors, in the homes they’ve worked decades to maintain. At this week’s CDA conference, leaders rallied around a bold idea: amending Wisconsin’s constitution to freeze property taxes for low-income seniors, following models already proven in places like Philadelphia. As advocates noted, this is more than a Milwaukee issue—it’s a statewide equity challenge. Protecting aging homeowners from displacement while expanding affordable housing and homeownership pathways is essential if we want growth that honors both community roots and future generations.
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- - Volume: 25 - WEEK: 39 Date: 9/22/2025 10:50:29 AM -