People who live or work in the neighborhood indicate where they spend the most time and what development they’d like to see there. (Photo by Elizabeth Baker)

My favorite story is about a gathering of residents, workers and business owners in the Bronzeville neighborhood hosted by city planning leaders to discuss Historic King Drive. People came to learn more about how a potential extension of the Milwaukee streetcar route could bring economic growth to their neighborhood. The neighbors themselves, however, did most of the talking, while the city planners listened to their questions, hopes and worries.

The streetcar has been a widely discussed — often political and controversial —topic in Milwaukee for quite a while, so it was interesting to hear the opinions of local residents on the matter. What I learned at the open house helped me better understand the implications of all the development happening along Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and throughout Bronzeville, and I was also able to report on the opening of the Historic Garfield Apartments later that month.

As more planning and development occurs, it will continue to be important to amplify the voices of the community members affected through our reporting.

Click here to read the story.