Youth Also Learn Neighborhood Economic Development

Another summer youth program exposed young people to the economic development facet of city government. The Main Street Milwaukee Program collaborated with the Summer Youth Initiative Program to teach youth the potential of neighborhood economic development to create new jobs and wealth, to reduce crime and to increase neighborhood pride and improve the quality of life.

There are four areas in the Main Street Milwaukee program, including the Burleigh Street Commercial Business District from N. Sherman Blvd. west to N. 60th St. In addition to learning about urban redevelopment, participants in the youth initiative program also serve as Main Street Milwaukee Neighborhood Ambassadors. They are taught how to professionally interact with local business owners, help the merchants access city services and contact the alderman who serves the district.

The neighborhood ambassadors also work to improve the physical appearance of key commercial areas with litter and graffiti removal and serve as a visible presence to promote public safety. "These ambassadors serve as important liaisons between city government and local businesses, inform the public about the goals of Main Street Milwaukee and perform a much needed role in improving this city," said Ald. Wade. "It is my hope that the Main Street Summer Youth Initiative can continue in the summer of 2007."