Mission

Riverworks Development Corporation (RDC) drives social and economic development by aligning residents and businesses with specialized resources that strengthen Harambee, Riverwest and surrounding communities.

What We Do

Financial Clinic: Provides innovative solutions to help families, individuals and small businesses reach their full potential by increasing credit scores, building wealth, and learning new ways to achieve short and long-term financial goals. The Clinic accomplishes this through one-on-one financial coaching, group-based education, free tax preparation services (VITA program), debt management, planning, goal setting, building banking relationships, and other referral resources.

Neighborhood Development & Creative Placemaking: Collaborates with residents and other stakeholders to create a vibrant community that reflects the culture and values of the Harambee and Riverwest neighborhoods. This includes activating and revitalizing public spaces, such as the Beerline Trail, with art and culture, facilitating community improvement and safety projects, and connecting residents and homeowners to resources - including those available through the Harambee Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) #7.

Business Development HUB: Provides technical assistance to local entrepreneurs and businesses along with business coaching, financial and grant resources. Services available to businesses include: property/business beautification strategies, security initiatives, marketing & promotional opportunities, and business planning. We connect property owners and entrepreneurs/small businesses to physical space, and offer networking and educational opportunities.

Riverworks Cleans: Hires community members who have barriers to employment through this social enterprise program. They serve the community by cleaning up sidewalks and curbs, vacant lots and commercial districts. Services include litter and graffiti removal, event set up, minor landscaping, streetscape maintenance, and returning stolen property. Contracts include private businesses, BIDS, and the City of Milwaukee.

Real Estate Development: Leads catalytic residential and commercial projects which have a positive economic and social impact on the community. The four core values are: create jobs, increase tax revenues, reuse vacant & blighted properties, and generate revenue for RDC's programs. RDC has completed $11.6M in development, including two commercial projects (over 47,000 square feet) and 36 affordable apartments.