Director
Marquette University Center for Peacemaking
FOCUS
Patrick believes that the challenges faced by urban neighborhoods and schools can be solved rather than managed. He envisions communities transformed to destinations for families of all incomes; communities where throughout their lives people are successful and healthy; places where businesses thrive, children play without fear, and people are proud of the housing.
Through his work and research, Patrick realizes efforts to create the communities he envisions are often done in silos and lack coordination. Through his work in Milwaukee at the Marquette Center for Peacemaking, and with the Near West Side Partners, Patrick has demonstrated how anchor institutions, residents, government, and community stakeholders can form collaborations to activate distressed commercial corridors, address safety concerns, improve housing conditions, strengthen collective efficacy, and change perceptions. The results are thriving urban neighborhoods that are healthier, stronger, and more equitable.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE: Integrate Anti-Racism & Housing Parity to Make Milwaukee’s Near West Side a Healthy Neighborhood
Housing, physical, social, and economic conditions and health outcomes contribute to a community’s culture of health. Milwaukee County recognizes racism and housing disparities as a public health crisis. This community initiative seeks to make Milwaukee’s Near West Side a healthy neighborhood and address the debilitating effect of housing disparities. My project seeks to: preserve and improve senior public housing; build momentum to address social determinants of health and achieve positive outcomes related to health, safety, and activation of commercial spaces; and educate stakeholders and transform the neighborhood into a mixed-use community with amenities and assets. This project builds upon the a Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant ($1,300,000), Near West Side Partners and Center for Peacemaking’s Promoting Assets, Reducing Crime ($3,5000,000+) model for facilitating change. Marquette, Near West Side Partners, and the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee are committed partners.
MORE ABOUT PATRICK
A university leader, experienced educator, and researcher focused on building a culture of health. Experienced in leading community based participatory research. Enjoys teamwork, challenges, and problem-solving. Goals include enhancing the technical and creative capacity of organizations and contributing to community revitalization. Personal characteristics are avid learner, flexible, diplomatic, determined, collaborative, dedicated to work, and able to provide excellent follow-through. Committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
PATRICK’S WORK AND VISION
Click here to watch Patrick’s Legacy Project video.