Community Engagement > Resilient Milwaukee
Resilient Milwaukee Program
Climate change is hitting Milwaukee hard, especially in neighborhoods like the 30th Street Corridor. Resilient Milwaukee is Clean Wisconsin’s long-term initiative to reduce flooding, restore trust, and build climate-ready communities through green infrastructure and local partnerships.
Jump to Section
Explore Initiatives
Location Information
Our Milwaukee Office
Office Address
4201 N. 27th Street,
Milwaukee, WI 53216
Program Staff
Nancy Retana
Ethan Taxman
Resilience Starts with Community
Local Solutions for a Changing Climate
Milwaukee is seeing more frequent storms, heavier rainfall, and aging infrastructure that can’t keep up, especially in historically underserved areas. Resilient Milwaukee tackles these challenges with practical, community-driven solutions like rain gardens, rain barrels, and updated local policies.
At the heart of this work are strong relationships. By partnering with residents, local leaders, and organizations, we ensure every project reflects community needs and delivers long-term impact. Together, we’re building greener neighborhoods and a more climate-ready Milwaukee.
Videos
Stories That Matter
https://youtu.be/527mocwPOOM
Community Advisory Committee
Centering Community Voices
We believe that lasting environmental progress happens when the people most impacted have a seat at the table. Clean Wisconsin’s Resilient Communities Program Director, Nancy Retana, serves as the chair of the Milwaukee River Estuary Area of Concern’s Community Advisory Committe (CAC). The CAC works to ensure Milwaukee residents, especially those underrepresented in environmental decision making, play an active role in guiding the restoration of Milwaukee’s waterways, beaches, and natural ecosystems.
Events Calendar
Attend An Event
Area of Concern Hike at Havenwoods State Forest
Event Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Event Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Event Location: Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
KEY INITIATIVES
Building Resilience Block by Block
Every neighborhood deserves to be part of a climate-ready future. Resilient Milwaukee focuses on green infrastructure projects that prevent flooding, reduce runoff, and beautify communities, while centering the voices of those most impacted.
Managing Rain Where It Falls
Green infrastructure practices—like rain gardens and rain barrels, bioswales, green roofs, and permeable pavement—help reduce flooding, filter pollutants, and keep stormwater out of our lakes and rivers. Since 2014, we’ve partnered with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District to install rain gardens, distribute rain barrels, and build community support for smarter water management.
Volunteer With Us
Help bring green infrastructure to life in Milwaukee’s northside. Whether you’re installing rain gardens, sharing resources with neighbors, or supporting education efforts, there’s a role for you.
To get started or plan a volunteer activity, contact Ethan Taxman, Green Infrastructure Manager, at etaxman@cleanwisconsin.org.
Required volunteer form below.
Green Infrastructure Toolkit
Wisconsin is warmer and wetter than ever before—and our outdated stormwater systems weren’t built for this reality. Clean Wisconsin’s Green Infrastructure Toolkit for Wisconsin Municipalities equips local governments with policy guidance, cost-benefit data, and implementation strategies to help communities adapt.
With input from communities across the state, this toolkit includes:
- Policy and permitting recommendations
- Case studies from cities and towns in Wisconsin
- Funding strategies and public engagement tips
- Technical and regulatory solutions for rural and urban areas
Developed in partnership with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), Green Bay-area leaders, and Monroe County’s Climate Change Task Force, the toolkit is a direct extension of our on-the-ground work—and made possible by the McDougal Family Foundation.
Access the ToolkitResources
Resilient Milwaukee News and Stories
Explore community voices, success stories, press coverage, and podcast episodes related to the Resilient Communities Program.
Area of Concern Hike at Havenwoods State Forest
Where Art Meets Environmental Justice: Inspiring a Movement in Milwaukee
Greening the city: A movement for a sustainable future
Under the Lens: Modeling the challenge of stormwater management in Milwaukee
Frequently Asked Questions
Resilient Milwaukee FAQs
What is the Resilient Milwaukee Program?
It’s Clean Wisconsin’s initiative to help Milwaukee communities adapt to climate change, address environmental justice issues, and build healthier, more sustainable places to live—through solutions like green infrastructure, policy support, and public engagement.
Why focus on Milwaukee’s 30th Street Corridor?
This area has a history of severe flooding and environmental injustice. Our work here prioritizes residents who’ve been most impacted by climate threats—and builds long-standing relationships to ensure solutions are rooted in community needs.
How do rain gardens and barrels help?
They prevent stormwater from overwhelming sewers and flooding basements. These tools also reduce runoff pollution, recharge groundwater, and create greener, more beautiful neighborhoods.
Who are your partners?
We collaborate with MMSD, community organizations, local governments, and residents. These partnerships are essential to ensuring each project reflects local priorities and creates long-term value.
How can I get involved?
You can volunteer, attend workshops, share resources, or help advocate for local climate solutions. Sign up for updates or reach out to join a project.
SIGN UP
Stay Connected with Clean Wisconsin
Sign Up For Email Updates
"*" indicates required fields