Strategic plan

Overview

In 1971, the Garden Homes Neighborhood Association, Inc. (GHNAI) was founded as a resident-led, volunteer nonprofit organization based in Milwaukee’s historic Garden Homes neighborhood—America’s first municipally sponsored cooperative housing development listed on the National Register of Historic Places; Wisconsin Register of Historic Places and as a Milwaukee Landmark district.

 

Mission

  • To raise awareness of the historic significance of the 100-home Garden Homes Historic District,  AMERICA’S FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING;
  • To maintain the integrity of the historic district and the other 288 residential units within the total area served by the association through promotion of owner-occupied home purchasing, support for repair and renovation resources and endeavors, stimulation of neighborhood upkeep and advancement of neighborly social cohesion;  And,
  • To collaborate and partner with like-minded neighborhood groups within the broader Garden Homes Neighborhood and the City of Milwaukee to uphold the values of historicity, family, children, high quality living conditions, affordable and decent housing, good education, safety, pride and equal opportunity.

Vision

A welcoming space where every family feels proud to call home.

Impacts

  • Sustaining and promoting a nationally significant historic district through advocacy and partnerships.
  • Contributing to renovation reinvestment, improving distressed properties, and expanding affordable housing.
  • Strengthening neighborhood cohesion and reducing blight through recurring cleanup efforts.
  • Positioning Garden Homes as a pilot area for integrating preservation, equity-focused housing policy, and community-driven planning.