The Capitol Neighborhood Association (CNA) was a nonprofit organization formed in the
summer of 1972 to address issues of concern to Milwaukee’s Westside neighborhoods
bounded by West Keefe Avenue, North 35th Street, West Lincoln Creek Parkway and
North 60th Street. The organization was started specifically to address issues of
panic selling, school quality, property taxes and neighborhood safety. The CNA
joined National Neighbors in 1975. During the same time period, it initiated a
grass-roots video program, receiving grant funding to create the Westside Community
Video Center that would explore the Westside residents’ concerns and values through
the medium of film. In May of 1976, the CNA Board voted to disband the organization
due to a lack of interest on the part of neighborhood residents as well as the
overwhelming time and work needed to keep the Association afloat. In 1977, the CNA
began publishing a local newspaper called the Westside
Word but it ceased December 12, 1978. The CNA worked with other local,
regional and national organizations to improve social and economic conditions of
Milwaukee’s West Side residents.
