Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Oversaw Rental Assistance Program Linked to Wife’s Employment
David Crowley, the Democratic nominee for governor in Wisconsin, managed Milwaukee County during its distribution of significant federal rental assistance through a nonprofit where his wife works, according to information obtained by the Daily Caller.
The nonprofit, Community Advocates, received federal funding through Milwaukee County’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) program, aimed at helping renters who are struggling with housing insecurity. Since June 2020, Milwaukee County has disbursed over $65 million in ERA2 funds in cooperation with Community Advocates.
Ericka Crowley started her role at Community Advocates in 2020, the same year David Crowley took office. She was later promoted to director of the Rental Housing Resource Center and is currently listed in that position on the center’s website.
When asked whether Crowley had a role in approving the funding agreement with Community Advocates, if he disclosed any potential conflicts of interest, or if he noted any changes to her pay during that time, his campaign did not provide a response.
Community Advocates confirmed that Crowley ultimately approved the contract but asserted he “did not influence the decision-making process for the ERA2 funding.”
In November 2022, the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services revealed it had received $15 million from the Treasury Department for the ERA2 program. The press release indicated that this funding would continue the rental assistance program in partnership with Community Advocates.
The same announcement also stated that a total of $65.4 million in ERA2 funds has been allocated “through a partnership with Community Advocates” since Crowley assumed office in 2020.
While Community Advocates did not specify whether Ericka received a raise following her promotion, they noted that her compensation is comparable to that of other managers. They added that she was hired for her two decades of experience working with underserved families in Milwaukee County.
Currently, Crowley is running against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the gubernatorial election scheduled for November 3.
