nidc_milwaukee

07/17/2026

"Thousands of begonias, marigolds and other colorful flowers pop up in City of Milwaukee neighborhoods each spring through the city’s annual Bloom and Groom initiative."

“This is not just a fundraiser or selling plants, it is an event where community can really connect with each other,” said Brittney Taylor, resource and development organizer for Metcalfe Park Community Bridges.

The 2026 series of neighborhood flower and plant sales wrapped up in early June with 15 neighborhood groups participating, according to Angela Mitchell Reid, community outreach projects liaison with the city’s Neighborhood Improvement Development Corp. As many as 22 groups have participated over the years.

The Neighborhood Improvement Development Corp. (NIDC) is affiliated with the Milwaukee Department of City Development and provides housing resources and facilitates community programs like the Healing Spaces Initiative."
Read more from Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service ⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://milwaukeenns.org/2026/07/09/after-15-years-the-citys-bloom-and-groom-program-continues-to-bring-blossoms-to-neighborhoods/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTHRn9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEekHu-hAN6wXgFHY93aVeiHT8dSHdrYIOwQA1TpfxwROGBUEl2PvMn01l632o_aem_MEep5Q423rlRvCLle7cs0Q

Through the Bloom and Groom initiative, neighborhood groups sell flowers, vegetables and herbs to residents at discounted prices and receive up to $1,500 in reimbursement.

07/06/2026

Community groups, leaders and organizations who are interested in applying for an NIDC Community Improvement Project match grant are invited to attend the 1-hour informational session on Tuesday, July 7 from 6-7PM at Mitchell Street Library: 906 W. Historic Mitchell Street.

+ Community Improvement Project (CIP) grants are available citywide
+ CIP grants are available up to a maximum of $4,000 depending on project totals and require a dollar-for-dollar match. The first $1,000 is a grant, no match is required.
+ Grant activities should stimulate resident engagement and support sustainable projects within a small geographic area
+ CIP grants are not eligible to be used to start a non-profit business, commercial or personal property improvements, or as a payroll subsidy
+ The orientation is required in order to be eligible to submit a CIP application.

For more information: Visit Milwaukee.Gov/CIP.

05/06/2026

Free Native (native!) Trees are being given away at Havenwoods on Saturday, May 9. Many are shorter trees & shrubs, and are PERFECT for our urban yards. Just protect them from the rabbits.

8-10:30 Bird Walks

10-12:00 Free Trees!

11-12:00 Bird Walk for families

Saturday, May 9

Havenwoods State Forest (free entry)

6141 N. Hopkins (near W. Silver Spring & N. Sherman)

04/14/2026

We’re excited to share with our community partners an informational session event hosted by the Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (NIDC) at the City of Milwaukee. This is a fantastic opportunity for residential contractors to learn about working with the STRONG Homes Loan, Home Rehab and the Tax Incremental District (TID) Programs.

Event Details: 📅 Date: May 12th ⏰ Time: 4:00 PM 📍 Location: Tippecanoe Public Library – 3912 S Howell Ave – (virtual option available upon request)

At the event, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the opportunities, requirements, and procedures for becoming a contractor with these programs. NIDC is looking for experienced contractors who can manage complete rehabilitation projects. Additionally, we’ll provide valuable resources to help attendees obtain licensing and meet eligibility requirements.

If you know of any clients or individuals who might be interested, please share this information and encourage them to RSVP via email at [email protected], by phone at (414) 286-5608.