Phobruary

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 11th Annual Phobruary. This month-long celebration spotlighted some of Silver City's beloved Southeast Asian restaurants, Thai Bar-B-Que, Bamboo Restaurant, and Vientiane Noodle Shop. Even though Phobruary has come to an end, we continue to encourage patrons to support our local restaurants throughout the year by dining in, ordering takeout, purchasing gift cards, or leaving a kind review and sharing through social media.

2024 Neighborhood Meetings

Thank you for attending our February neighborhood meeting focused on the topic of Law. A special thank you  to our guest speakers Von Briesen & Legal Aid Society for sharing valuable information with our neighbors. Please save the date, March 13, for our March neighborhood meeting focused on Home Repair resources and opportunities. For more information and to RSVP, please visit viacdc.org.

Turnkey Program

VIA's Turnkey Program is thriving with the development of our first new construction home. The home will be located at 1217 S. 35th St. and is expected to be finished early summer. Buyer criteria for this home will be determined in the next few months.

Mock Elections

We organized a Mock Election pop-up at Cristo Rey High School, and it was truly inspiring to see the enthusiasm for civic engagement. Acknowledging that the first-time voting experience can be intimidating to navigate, we consider it essential to equip our future voters and offer support throughout the process.

Silver City Fest Committee

Mark your calendars for Silver City Fest on Saturday, September 7th, from noon to 5 pm. We are eagerly anticipating another fantastic festival in Silver City. Last month we gathered with the Silver City Fest committee, consisting of neighbors, to further develop and organize an enjoyable festival for everyone this September.

School Presentations

We had the pleasure of conducting informative presentations at local schools in the Silver City and Burnham Park neighborhoods. These presentations provided our neighbors with an opportunity to learn about VIA’s mission and understand how we can support them through Economic Development, Community Building, and Affordable Housing. We are always excited to connect with the families we serve and our local schools. 

Brew City Match

Looking to grow your business? Look no further than Brew City Match! With Brew City Match, you have access to a network of support that will help you develop your business plans, find available spaces to locate, and access grants and financing to improve your space and operations.

Brew City Match provides training and financial support to entrepreneurs looking to start or expand within Cesar Chavez Drive, Historic King Drive, Historic Mitchell Street, Near West Side, Silver City, Burnham Park, Layton Park, Clarke Square, North Avenue/Fond du Lac, Riverwest/Harambee and surrounding neighborhoods. 

Grant funds can be used for commercial lease payments, equipment, marketing, signage, and more. Apply today and take your business to the next level with Brew City Match! 

Property owners and/or business owners can learn more about the program by going to brewcitymatch.com or by reaching out to VIA's Economic Development Director, Brisa E. Van Galen at brisa@viacdc.org or by phone at 414-409-8832.

Neighborhood Walks with Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa

Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa will be holding neighborhood walks monthly throughout 2024. We invite 8th Aldermanic District neighbors to join at the meeting spots and walk throughout your neighborhood for about an hour. Other city departments, as well as MPD, will be present as issues of importance will be discussed.

Walk Dates: 

Tuesday, March 19TH

3:00PM | Greenfield Bilingual School Playground 

Meet at the door on Mitchell St between 35th and 36th St.

Wednesday, April 10TH

4:00PM | Cristo Rey High School, Main Entrance 

1818 W National Ave.

For more information please contact JoCasta Zamarripa, 8th District Alderwoman at 414.286.3533 or JoCasta.Zamarripa@milwaukee.gov.

Improving Safety in Burnham Park

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is focused on improving the safety of our streets for people walking, wheeling, biking, taking public transit, and driving across the city, including Burnham Park. There are significant safety concerns on the streets throughout Burnham Park including reckless driving, speeding, dangerous crossings, and crashes resulting in injury and death. Most concerning is the number of crashes concentrated around schools, churches, and parks.

The Department of Public Works is implementing a project in Burnham Park to make streets safer. This project includes public involvement, with ongoing conversations with the community to understand people's safety concerns, explore solutions, and advance an exciting vision for sustainable, vibrant, equitable, and connected streets and public spaces that provide choice, safety, comfort, and access for everyone in Milwaukee.

Learn more and get involved by submitting your feedback.

• Milwaukee Magazine: Where to Slurp Pho in Milwaukee This Phobruary
• Onmilwaukee: Phun is brewing: Get ready for Phobruary, an annual celebration of pho
• Radio Milwaukee: Start your Phobruary right at these three Silver City restaurants
• Urban Milwaukee: Phobruary Returns To Silver City
• Telemundo: Celebración de la 11ª edición de “Phobruary”