AP - WI Governor Offers $4.5M to Troubled Milwaukee Neighborhood

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is promising $4.5 million for job creation and to clean up blighted property in a poor neighborhood on Milwaukee’s north side where the recent fatal police shooting of a black man led to violent unrest.

Advertisement

Community leaders say frustration over unemployment and economic disparities underlie the violence and destruction of property that rocked Sherman Park for two nights following the Aug. 13 killing of Sylville Smith.

Walker announced the initiative at a news conference Friday, just hours before Smith’s funeral at Christian Faith Fellowship Church.

The governor was accompanied by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele (AYE’-blee) and cabinet members.

Police say Smith had fled a traffic stop and was turned toward an officer with a gun in hand when he was shot.

SOUND OFF: Do you think this will help Milwaukee’s troubles or is Walker just throwing money at the problem?

Join the conversation as a VIP Member