You know I’m always looking for innovative ways to create jobs, which is why I’m very excited for this opportunity today.
As you may have heard, Milwaukee was named a finalist in the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge, a competition created to inspire American cities to generate innovative ideas that solve major challenges and improve city life – and that ultimately can be shared with other cities across the nation.
Our urban agriculture effort – HOME GR/OWN – is a project that tackles a very real challenge to many American cities – foreclosures and the availability of good sources of food – with an innovative solution that will create stronger, healthier neighborhoods and good local jobs.
Milwaukee is now competing against 19 other cities across the country for the $5 million grand prize as well as one of four additional prizes of $1 million each.
And here’s how you can help. By visiting the contest on the Huffington Post, you can vote for Milwaukee to win $5 million to help take this idea to scale.
Milwaukee was selected based on its innovative idea to transform foreclosed properties into community assets that improve public health and spark economic opportunity through urban agriculture. As Mayor, I’m proud that Milwaukee is leading the way. This effort empowers residents and community organizations to transform foreclosed properties into community assets that improve public health and nutritional outcomes, revitalize neighborhoods, and spark economic opportunity.
The voting just opened. Please go now to cast your vote and show your support for this innovative program that creates jobs, demonstrates urban innovation and improves food security for some of our neediest neighborhoods.
P.S. By supporting us in this challenge, you can help this idea go national. So encourage your friends – wherever they are – to vote for us in the challenge. (To see a video and message about the Milwaukee project and to vote for Milwaukee, click here.
Tom Barrett is the mayor of Milwaukee.
