BLOC urges the Mayor to Prioritize Investing in Communities

Large majority of budget forum attendees ask for divesting from police

Milwaukee, WI - Last night, Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC) was proud to stand with dozens of residents and over 45 partner organizations to demand that the City of Milwaukee invest $25 Million Dollars in communities by divesting $25 Million Dollars from the Milwaukee Police Department as a part of the LiberateMKE Campaign.

Of the over 150 people who attended, not one person testified for a desire to give the police more of our tax dollars. The overwhelming feeling was for the Mayor to divest from police and invest in communities.

Responding to the Mayor’s story of how school children want more police officers, BLOC Political Director Rick Banks said, “People say they want more police because you never given them an alternative to safety.”

“The people have spoken, and 47% of our budget going to the police is no longer acceptable. There are cheaper, more effective, and more moral ways to make our communities safe,” said Angela Lang, BLOC Executive Director.


BLOC has knocked over 10,000 doors on Milwaukee’s north side since May and engaged over 1,000 Milwaukee residents & community members in determining the needs and wants of the Black Community. The results have been consistent: people want safety, employment and recreational opportunities, especially for youth, and they want quality, affordable housing. BLOC will continue to engage community members to ensure that elected officials respond to their needs and to educate them on the upcoming elections in 2020.

We implore the Mayor and the Common Council to stand with the desires of residents and pass a budget that reflects the right of people to have the Freedom to Thrive.