Mayor's Office

The city-supported Associated in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) program is now accepting applications for 2023! The 26-week program aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the commercial real estate industry by attracting and retaining individuals of color in various areas such as property management construction, and more. The City is proud to be partnering with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to offer students a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge of these industries while creating a valuable network of fellow students, ACRE graduates, and industry professionals.

ACRE is designed to provide aspiring real estate professionals of color with industry-leading content and real-world education with an emphasis on social responsibility. Participants accepted into the program will have the chance to work alongside experienced professionals, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry through a hands-on approach. Typically, ACRE students have some college training and several years of business experience.

Once exclusive to Milwaukee residents, the program expanded in 2020 to include eligibility for those who live in Madison. Several Madison residents have graduated from the program since, including Saran Ouk, the City of Madison’s Office of Business Resources Manager.

“ACRE has connected me with so many amazing people. I gained a great mentor, wonderful Madison ACRE colleagues, and even friends from Milwaukee who took their time to come to Madison to learn about our City. ACRE has provided me with the information, network and resources I need to help build generational wealth for our community. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the organizers in Milwaukee to increase Madison participation in the program and increasing the partnership between Madison and Milwaukee,” said Ouk.

Those interested in applying to the program, click here. All applications are due by 5 pm on August 3, 2023. If you have questions about the program or application process, feel free to get in touch with Saran Ouk souk@cityofmadison.com or Charles Clark at cclark@lisc.org.