06/01/2026
The Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (known as the MANDIs) will celebrate 27 years, continuing to recognize the successful efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen the community. Following public nominations, a volunteer Selection Committee has named 14 finalists for this year's awards.
Finalists in seven categories were announced May 27, 2026, on www.mandiawards.com, and a recording is also available on the site. The announcement was recorded at HoneyBee Sage Wellness and Apothecary's new location in the Third Ward. Honeybee Sage was the 2025 MANDI winner of the JPMorganChase Economic Development Award.
The Milwaukee office of LISC (Local Initiative Support Corporation) produces the MANDIs in partnership with the Presenting Sponsor, US Bank. The MANDIs recognize individuals, organizations, and projects that are improving conditions in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. Finalists are selected from public nominations by a 26-member, independent, cross-sector volunteer committee.
Winners will be announced at the annual event on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The MANDIs will be held at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Sponsorships and tickets are available at www.mandiawards.com.
LISC Milwaukee, Executive Director, Theodore Lipscomb, stated, “LISC is proud to host the 2026 MANDIs along with our sponsors, and grateful to those who submitted nearly 80 powerful nominations. The finalists serve as a testament to the many people, projects, and programs who are working to improve Milwaukee.”
The “Associated Bank Trailblazer Award” for an innovative approach to a community problem.
- Homes MKE Initiative
- Riverworks Financial Clinic Life & Legacy Planning Workshop Series
The “BMO Cornerstone Award” is for commitment and effectiveness over time.
- Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee
- United Community Center (UCC)
The “Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award” is for a public space that helps build the community.
- Cactus Plus
- Ten Mile Park
The “Husch Blackwell Building Blocks Award” for a real estate project that advances the community.
- Early Childhood Educators Homeownership Initiative-Developer Group
- T A S Solutions LLC.
The “JPMorganChase Economic Development Award” for economic and business development.
- It Takes A Village Reentry Foundation
- Standard of Excellence Education & Training Center, LLC.
The “Navigator Award” for individual leadership.
- Maudwella Kirkendoll
- LaNelle Ramey
The “Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award” will be given to the three finalists who receive the most public votes. Voting will take place August 3-12, 2026, on the Urban Milwaukee website. In addition to the recognition and prestige, MANDI Award Winners receive $1,000 for their organization.
ABOUT LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION (LISC)
LISC invests in nearly every corner of community life, building on a foundation of affordable housing to fuel healthy families and businesses, as well as growing local economies.
Since 1995, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and its affiliates have invested over $933 million in Wisconsin, through grants, loans, and technical assistance, with a focus on Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. This investment resulted in the development, preservation or improvement of 10,000 homes.
Learn more at mandiawards.com lisc.org or lisc.org/milwaukee.
https://vimeo.com/1088471131?fl=tl&fe=ec
THE WAIT IS OVER! Get ready for the big reveal — the 2026 MANDI Awards Finalist Announcement is happening Wednesday, May 27th and you won’t want to miss it! Date: Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM (sharp!) Tune in LIVE at www.mandiawards.com/livestream or just click the link below and joi...
