Milwaukee leaders urge passage of Housing Element plan, with goal of expanding access to homeownership

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A press conference was held at City Hall Monday, July 7, calling for the immediate passage of the Housing Element plan. 

Community leaders discussed areas of concern such as housing costs and public safety. 

According to a poll by Together for Homes, more than 80% of Milwaukee residents believe the city does not have enough affordable housing. 

The plan is a "Milwaukee first" approach, tailored toward long-time residents throughout the city. 

"We have a housing shortage here in Milwaukee, just like the rest of the country," said Montavius Jones, of Together for Homes. "Housing just costs too much; a lot of our residents and central workers here in the city cannot afford to maintain their homes and stay in their neighborhood because prices keep going up and up and up."

The goal of Together for Homes is for the Common Council to adopt the Housing Element plan before they start their summer recess.