LiberateMKE
We’ve sunset our LiberateMKE campaign. Click below to learn more.
About LiberateMKE
The LiberateMKE campaign was developed by the African American Roundtable (AART) in 2019 to address systemic issues in Milwaukee, such as the disproportionate allocation of resources to policing over public health and housing.
Alongside our friends, neighbors and comrades, we had authentic conversations with residents to find out what a liberated Milwaukee looked like to them. This led us to our campaign demands of establishing a participatory budgeting (PB) program in Milwaukee, investments in public health, affordable housing, opportunities for youth, as well as divestment from police. Over the years, we’ve built meaningful relationships and brought about lasting community change.
The campaign was officially sunset in 2025.
CAMPAIGN WINS & IMPACT
Since we launched the LiberateMKE campaign in 2019, we have:
Divested almost $4 million from the Milwaukee Police Department
Invested resources into community programs like housing, libraries, lead prevention and summer opportunities for young people
Taught residents how to civically participate in Milwaukee’s budget processes
Began to change the conversation about policing and safety in Milwaukee
Won a $600,000 participatory budgeting (PB) program for Milwaukee residents, which will give them decision-making power over the city’s public funds
