Milwaukee Common Council Honors Local Icons; Mayor Proposes $1 Million to Tackle Food Deserts

Common Council Convenes to Honor Historian Reuben Harpole and Bucks President Peter Feigin

The Milwaukee Common Council met this morning, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, for a high-profile session dedicated to celebrating community leadership and addressing urgent local needs. Common Council President José G. Pérez led the proceedings, which featured special recognitions for two individuals who have significantly shaped the city’s cultural and economic landscape over the past several decades.

First among the honorees was local historian Reuben Harpole. The Council recognized Harpole for his extensive service, including his role in developing more than 25 community centers across the city and his work with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Center for Urban Community Development. Harpole was also lauded for his instrumental efforts in preserving history through America’s Black Holocaust Museum. Later in the session, the Council honored outgoing Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin. During his 12-year tenure, Feigin was a central figure in the development of the Fiserv Forum and the Deer District, eventually leading the organization to an NBA championship and fostering numerous community partnerships.

Mayor Johnson Targets Food Insecurity with $1 Million Grant Proposal

In addition to the morning’s honorary proceedings, the city administration is moving forward with a major policy proposal to address the growing crisis of food deserts in Milwaukee. Mayor Cavalier Johnson has proposed a $1 million grant program specifically designed to support independent grocers and pharmacies. This initiative comes in response to a troubling wave of closures that has seen at least seven full-service grocery stores shutter across Milwaukee County in the last year.

The North Side has been hit particularly hard, with the recent closure of the Sentry Foods near 64th Street and Silver Spring serving as a catalyst for the Mayor’s proposal. The mayor emphasized that the city is actively leveraging partnerships to stem the current wave of closures. The proposed funding aims to provide a lifeline to smaller, independent retailers who serve as the primary source of fresh produce and essential medication for thousands of residents in underserved neighborhoods where access to healthy food is shrinking.

Tuesday Committee Schedule and Public Meetings

Several other government bodies are active today, though some scheduled sessions have seen changes. The following activities are noted for Tuesday, February 10, 2026:

• Licenses Committee: Met at 8:45 a.m. in the Council Chambers to review motions regarding city licensing recommendations.
• Fire and Police Commission: Held a session at 8:30 a.m. in City Hall, Room 301-B.
• Board of Review: Convened at 9:00 a.m. in City Hall, Room 301-A for a hybrid session.
• Milwaukee Arts Board: Scheduled to meet virtually at 4:00 p.m. to discuss ongoing public art initiatives, following a 3:00 p.m. subcommittee meeting.

Notably, the 1:30 p.m. meeting of the Board of City Service Commissioners was cancelled for today. Residents interested in following the day's legislative actions can watch live broadcasts of the primary Common Council sessions on the City Channel via Spectrum cable channel 25 or AT&T U-Verse channel 99.