The reopening of the Social Development Commission has sparked mixed reactions. While some welcome its return, others anticipate challenges ahead, with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson calling for greater transparency from the agency.
Author Archives: Meredith Melland / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Meredith Melland is the neighborhoods and community engagement reporter and a Report for America corps member. Report for America is a national service program that embeds journalists into local newsrooms to cover under-covered issues and communities.
As a journalist committed to local news and community service, Melland has experience covering community stories and writing and editing for a variety of mediums. Before returning to her home state of Wisconsin, she served as digital content editor of the Daily Journal in Kankakee, Illinois, where she also reported stories on COVID-19 and other topics.
While earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism from DePaul University, she produced multimedia reporting for 14 East, DePaul’s student-run online magazine. Melland previously interned at Chicago magazine, WGN and StreetWise.
Posted inEnvironment
In Milwaukee’s Lindsay Heights neighborhood, residents advocate for community through photo research
In Milwaukee’s Lindsay Heights, community gardens coexist with dumped hazardous waste, public art and historical landmarks. These are among the images captured in a unique research project.
Posted inEconomy, Health & Welfare
Milwaukee’s SDC plans to reopen key programs in December
After months of disruption, the Social Development Commission will restart some key programs on Dec. 2 in what is considered a major step toward restoring vital services to Milwaukee’s neediest residents.
Posted inEconomy
Conflict of interest? Milwaukee SDC property sale would benefit former board member
A former Social Development Commission board member is positioned to gain financially from the sale of two of the troubled agency’s buildings that are on the market, raising questions about a potential conflict of interest.
Posted inHealth & Welfare, Justice & Safety
Attorney William Sulton advocates for Milwaukee’s most vulnerable
Milwaukee attorney William Sulton has been in the news for his work with the troubled Social Development Commission. His mission is to represent those considered to be the least, the last or the left behind.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Milwaukee’s Social Development Commission to sell office and warehouse
The Social Development Commission is selling its properties on Milwaukee’s North Avenue for about $3 million to help pay for expenses needed to move the now-closed agency forward.
Posted inGovernment
Inconsistent meeting notices from Milwaukee’s Social Development Commission raise transparency concerns
Since mid-April, the SDC board has met more frequently than usual to develop a strategic plan. But SDC is meeting only part of the open meetings law’s notice requirements, experts say.
Posted inEducation
Here’s what Milwaukee voters should know about the $252 million public school referendum
As the April 2 election draws near, debate continues over whether voters should support Milwaukee Public Schools’ $252 million referendum, which would raise property taxes.