In May 2008, Joseph Zilber announced a new ten year, $50 million community development initiative which seeks to improve the quality of life throughout Milwaukee.  The Joseph and Vera Zilber Family Foundation is supporting the development of community plans in ten neighborhoods and a number of citywide projects that benefit low- and moderate-income Milwaukeeans.  

"The Zilber Neighborhood Initiative was created because I see the promise and opportunity to make a difference in Milwaukee that will be felt for generations to come," explains Joseph Zilber, Foundation Chairman who turned ninety a few months prior to the announcement. 

The Zilber Neighborhood Initiative is being carried out by an operating partnership, which consists of the Foundation, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation of Milwaukee, United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee, and community organizations. 

In September 2008, the Foundation named the first neighborhoods to participate in the Initiative: Lindsay Heights and Clarke Square.  The Walnut Way Conservation Corp. leads the effort in Lindsay Heights on the north side, where Joe Zilber grew up, and Journey House is coordinating the initiative on the south side in Clarke Square. Plans for these neighborhoods will be completed in fall 2009 and implemented over the next five years.  Four more sites will be added in each of the next two years, bringing the total to ten neighborhoods by 2010. 

 

 "The first step is a rigorous comprehensive community planning process," said Foundation Executive Director Susan Lloyd.  "Residents, local organizations, public agencies, business leaders, and faith and other anchor institutions are working together to produce five-year "quality of life" plans, each with an articulated vision, set of projects, agreed-upon accountabilities, and work plans."

 

Over 80 Lindsay Heights residents and associations have been meeting regularly since January to develop the quality of life plan, and to carry out "early action" projects that build momentum and create visibility.  Youth and family activities, for example, include a hip hop poetry slam, a new summer baseball league, and with the help of the UW-Extension School of Agriculture, the introduction of an urban 4H Youth Program.

"The boldness of Mr. Zilber's vision and the comprehensive framework provided by the Initiative to create healthy neighborhoods where families live, learn, work, play, and serve is increasing the visibility and capacity of our community's efforts," said Sharon Adams, Walnut Way Conservation Corp. Program Director. 

 

At the end of the ten years, the Initiative's desired outcomes include reducing rates of crime, poverty, and alcohol and drug addiction, while creating economic diversity in neighborhoods, safer streets, higher employment rates, better school outcomes and improved social and health outcomes.

Philanthropists like Mr. Zilber often envision large-scale improvements in a city's quality of life; however, it's uncommon to find someone so committed to building the capacity of residents, local organizations, and citywide intermediaries to revitalize neighborhoods and sustain lasting change.