MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- On Monday, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley outlined his vision for Milwaukee County to achieve racial equity to become the healthiest county in Wisconsin.

Below, the administration outlined three strategic focus areas to achieve their vision of becoming the healthiest county in Wisconsin. 

  1. First, we have to Create Intentional Inclusion. People in historic positions of power have typically been straight and white and male. People fall in the river because those who hold the power don’t always have the interests of all people in mind. Decision-makers and influencers within Milwaukee County must represent the full diversity of all our residents.  
  2. Second, we have to Bridge the Gap in health disparities. We are at the top of a lot of the wrong lists—most segregated city, the worst place for Black children to grow up. People fall in the river because programs and services don’t always address the needs of the whole person or whole families, rather they address issues one by one. Milwaukee County will prioritize resolving racial disparities by making it easier to access services that meet the holistic needs of our residents. 
  3. Third, we have to Invest in Equity. We need to rethink how we spend our money. People fall in the river when we don’t invest far enough upstream. To make any real progress we must invest sufficient resources in our residents and communities so that everyone can thrive, not just survive. 

“We’re working to find every opportunity to advance our racial equity goals. Even at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the nearly complete construction on the Airport’s new retail stores includes 30 percent participation from local Disadvantaged Business Enterprises – exceeding our goal of 25 percent,” said Crowley.

Crowley offered five pieces of advice for neighbors:

  1. Vote. There’s an election tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 11. 
  2. Contact state and federal legislators to tell them how much you value Milwaukee County services. Tell them we need more direct and flexible funding. We can’t invest in equity or health without more resources. You can find them here.  
  3. Engage in our budget process. Visit here for details. 
  4. Support local small businesses in this difficult time. Small businesses are taking it on it the chin due to the pandemic and every customer helps them stay afloat. 
  5. Take a look at the people around you, especially at your leadership tables. How many people of color do you see? Whose voice is the loudest? How many different opinions do you seek out? Think hard about whether the people who make the decisions in your sphere of influence represent the full diversity of Milwaukee County. Think, and most importantly, make an intentional plan about what you are going to do to make the needed changes to achieve equity.