More than 90 affordable homes will be built as a result of the funding, which supports a citywide collaborative effort to increase homeownership and revitalization in Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI, April 14, 2026 – Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial services company, is committing more than $3 million over the next three years to support the construction of more than 90 homes in the Amani neighborhood in the city of Milwaukee. This is an additional step towards reaching the company’s goal of completing 500 affordable homes in Milwaukee by 2030, in collaboration with local non-profit partners.
“Northwestern Mutual has called Milwaukee home for 168 years, and ensuring our city thrives remains at the core of our mission,” said Steve Radke, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Our increased support for Amani—where we’re helping fund the construction of more than 90 affordable homes—builds on longstanding partnerships in this neighborhood. By also investing in Metcalfe Park and Muskego Way, we’re strengthening Milwaukee’s neighborhoods and driving revitalization and expanded homeownership across the city.”
Homeownership remains the primary source of wealth for families in the United States1, however, in the Amani neighborhood, over 64% of the current homes were built prior to 1940 and only 32% of residents are homeowners 2. As part of City of Milwaukee’s 2026 “Year of Housing” initiative, Northwestern Mutual’s most recent investment is meant to further financial access and economic advancement through an affordable housing Tax Increment District in partnership with the Dominican Center, Amani United, Community Development Alliance (CDA), the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, local developer Emem Group, Milwaukee Community Crossroads, and Ezekiel Hope. Amani is the third Milwaukee neighborhood to benefit from this innovative, community-centered approach to funding affordable homes.
“Amani is my first home,” said Michael Emem, president and CEO of Emem Group. “That personal connection drives my dedication to creating opportunities for families to plant roots and build a future here. I am grateful for partners like Northwestern Mutual who share in the commitment to expanding access to affordable homeownership across Milwaukee.”
Northwestern Mutual’s efforts to address the housing crisis began in 2020 and through the years resulted in more than $10 million in housing grants to partners across Milwaukee. These grants support the construction of new, affordable homes, critical repairs, resident counseling and food access.
To learn more about how Northwestern Mutual is strengthening and investing in communities, visit www.northwesternmutual.com/who-we-are/sustainability-impact/communities/.
