The Residents Preference Program is a tool that can connect Milwaukee residents in need of work to opportunities in construction and landscaping.
City of Milwaukee ordinances require contractors working on city development projects and private development projects that receive more than $1 million in direct financial assistance from the city to hire a percentage of unemployed or underemployed residents.
Most projects need 40% of the work hours to be completed by those certified in the Residents Preference Program.
While completing the certification does not guarantee employment, it gives applicants a competitive edge because it’s attractive to contractors who are looking to meet their percentage requirements, according to Jason Thompson, workforce outreach specialist with the city’s Department of Compliance and Engagement.
Who qualifies for the Residents Preference Program?
To be eligible for the program, you must live in the city of Milwaukee.
Residents need to meet at least one of three requirements: they have been unemployed for the last 15 days, they have worked less than 1,200 hours in the past year, or their household income is at or below eligibility guidelines.
An application form and chart of current income eligibility guidelines through June 30, 2026, are available online. The guidelines start with a yearly income of $28,953 for a one-person household and increases with more people.
What is the application process?
Anyone interested in applying for the certification can schedule an appointment with the Milwaukee Department of Compliance and Engagement by contacting engagemke@milwaukee.gov or 414-286-2424. Appointments will be held at the Office of African American Affairs, 4830 W. Fond du Lac Ave., or at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.
Residents can also schedule an appointment at WRTP/Big Step, a partner organization, at 3841 W. Wisconsin Ave., by calling 414-342-9787.
The Department of Compliance and Engagement also operates Direct Connect Milwaukee, a broader job and training resource program, and can connect residents with other resources.
What do you need to bring?
Applicants need to provide two acceptable types of proof of residency, like a government-issued photo ID and a utility bill, lease, official mail, bank or other billing statement, letter/documents from an educational institute or government agency.
These must be full versions of documents that include the applicant’s full name and address, or if mail, a full envelope including the stamp.
Program staff can answer questions about proof of residency documents.
Applicants are also encouraged to bring a resume if they have previous construction or landscaping experience.
What happens when you apply?
Participants will provide their proof of residency documents, phone number and Social Security number and sign and date an affidavit. The affidavit will be notarized and submitted for certification review.
Certification does not expire unless you move out of the city limits. If you move within the city, you can submit a change of address form with the department to maintain the certification.
Residents can then apply for entry-level positions, apprenticeships or more advanced roles, depending on experience, and let employers know that they are RPP-certified. When contractors reach out to the city looking to hire RPP individuals, it will let them know about certified residents.
The goal is for applicants to be exposed to different opportunities and pathways to build a career in the construction industry.
When to attend an event
Thompson said he hopes to host quarterly outreach events/info sessions on the Residents Preference Program.
The program may also provide information at events like Bronzeville Week, International Human Rights Day and other workforce development events.
Meredith Melland is the neighborhoods reporter for the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and a corps member of Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America plays no role in editorial decisions in the NNS newsroom.
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