Beth Weirick

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for Cocoa with the Clauses on Dec. 14

The free, family-friendly event will offer cookies, hot cocoa and photo ops at Cathedral Square Park

Marvel at Downtown’s holiday lights aboard the Jingle Bus

Narrated tours return Thursday through Sunday evening as part of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Ornament Trail returns to Downtown as part of Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

15 larger-than-life, hand-painted ornaments will be displayed throughout Downtown and the Third Ward

100 East Redevelopment Secures Key Financing Component, See Renderings

Historic redevelopment includes pool deck, 384 apartments.

Downtown Milwaukee’s Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee moves to new Halloween Village at Baird Community Commons on Oct. 26

Downtown’s pumpkin palooza returns with more free goodies and a backdrop of seasonal lights

Halloween lights debut in Downtown Milwaukee as part of new Halloween Village at Baird Community Commons

Interactive displays and a giant, walkthrough pumpkin delighting families now thru Oct. 31

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to brighten downtown visits Nov. 21 – Jan. 1

Six-week festival returns with over 500,000 lights, an ornament trail and other festive happenings

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host State of Downtown meeting addressing successes, future of Downtown Milwaukee on Oct. 1

Meeting to be held at Baird Center with keynote address from David Downey, president and CEO of International Downtown Association

Remembering Cecilia Gilbert

'The Queen' brought joyful passion and a savvy insider's knowledge to her work with city government and many civic boards.

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week returns August 19

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 will host five days of free lunches, Office Challenge Games, giveaways and more

Giant Inflatable Art Installation Debuts Downtown

Starting July 23, 'Elysian Arcs' will be on display for just one week at the Marcus Center.

Milwaukee Downtown to Host “Wrap Party” Featuring Giveaways

Milwaukee Downtown to host “Wrap Party” featuring giveaways and limited open tabs at local restaurants

Giveaways will be “unwrapped” all week as a thank you to the Downtown workforce and residents for welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to Milwaukee this month

Isabel Ullrich joins Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 as new Marketing, Events and Social Media Manager

Lunchtime Concerts Return to Downtown Milwaukee This Summer

Heart(beats) of the City powered by MGIC and PNC presents Tunes@Noon to bring free, midday melodies to public spaces downtown

Menu details released for 18th annual Downtown Dining Week

Lunch and dinner menus for 30+ restaurants now available online ahead of the May 30 – June 6 event

Downtown Dining Week Returns May 30

Weeklong event features 32 restaurants offering specially-priced, multi-course meals.

Downtown Dining Week returns May 30 – June 6

More than 30 downtown eateries will offer lunch and dinner specials during the annual event

5 Huge Rainbow Arcs Coming To Downtown

Rainbow Summer will light up middle of Downtown with 'Elysian Arcs'.

‘Big Truck Day’ returns to Downtown Milwaukee‘Big Truck Day’ returns to Downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, May 18, celebrating National Public Works Week on Saturday, May 18, celebrating National Public Works Week

Dozens of big rigs from the Department of Public Works, Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee Fire Department will be on site at Red Arrow Park for kids to check out

Downtown Milwaukee’s Taste & Toast returns February 26 – March 1

Five nights of discounted bottles and bites available at more than 20 restaurants from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. nightly

Milwaukee Downtown Names New Director of Public Space Initiatives

Milwaukee Art Museum Unveils New Lights

Stark white building gets its first dash of color on the darkest day of the year.

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for Cocoa with the Clauses on Dec. 9

The free, family-friendly event will offer cookies, hot cocoa and photo ops at Cathedral Square Park

Pfister Hotel chosen for this year’s Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival ornament

Celebrating 130 years, the hotel joins a collection of downtown’s most revered landmarks depicted in the annual ornament cast in pewter by local artist Andrew Schumann.

Gabriel Yeager, Director of Public Space Initiatives, Leaving Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21

Milwaukee Downtown introduces new Holiday Lights Festival attraction: Ornament Trail

15 larger-than-life, hand-painted ornaments will be displayed along Wisconsin Avenue and Water Street.

WMSE & The Hop Take Frontier Radio to the Rails

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to dazzle downtown visitors, Nov. 16 – Jan. 1

Six-week festival to ring in holiday season with festive lights and jubilant happenings

Downtown Milwaukee hosts 2nd annual Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee on Oct. 28

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 casts a spell on Red Arrow Park for a family-friendly Halloween event

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off August 14

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host free lunches, Office Challenge Games, giveaways and more, Aug. 14 – 18

How Committed Is City To Tearing Down 794?

Council members question 'weasel language' in Milwaukee plan for Downtown.

Northwestern Mutual Wins Key Vote To Close Cass Street

But not without derision, and the suggestion to create an open-air passageway for the public.

How To Get to Summerfest 2023

No car? No problem. Here are 9 other ways to get there.

Massive Bubbles Coming To Downtown In July

Promoter promises 'the most Instagrammable moment of the summer.'

Rainbow Summer HIGHLIGHT featuring Evanescent coming to Marcus Performing Arts Center this summer

Marcus Performing Arts Center and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 partner to bring an immersive, large-scale public art installation and five nights of free public performances

Roller Skating Coming to Red Arrow Park

Summer Spinz will be held every third Friday in June, July and August.

Downtown Dining Week Restaurants Revealed

More than 25 downtown eateries will participate in this year's event.

City Seeks Restaurant or Cafe For Downtown Park

Its plan for Vel R. Phillips Plaza is to create new gathering spot for Westown.

Downtown Shines with Two Art Experiences Planned for April 21 & 22

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host “Light Club” and “Lights In Bloom” for a multisensory experience

Superheroes and A Touch of Arendelle On Tap For Red Arrow Park’s “Slice of Ice” Rink

Downtown Ice CAPE-ade and “Broadway Skates” featuring Disney’s FROZEN among the themed skating events for February

Northwestern Mutual To Create Second Glassy Tower With $500 Million Investment

Company will completely overhaul existing building, create pedestrian street and relocate Franklin employees to Downtown.

Cathedral Square Now Features Ice Bar, Immersive Art Exhibit

Milwaukee Downtown plans additional activities, including Broadway-themed ice skating, in coming months.

Giving Tents to Homeless Sparks Debate

Street Angels defends it; downtown business leader calls it 'enabling' such behavior, then walks back comment.

“Lightfield” Immersive Art Coming to Cathedral Square

It's art and mathematics. 24 light-emitting sculptures will illuminate park next year.

“Lightfield” by HYBYCOZO coming to Cathedral Square Park in January

World-renowned art duo bringing 24 light-emitting sculptures to Milwaukee for an immersive experience

City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host third meeting for Downtown Area Plan update

Milwaukee-area residents encouraged to attend a Community Open House on Dec. 7

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to dazzle downtown visitors, Nov. 17 – Jan. 1

Seven-week festival to ring in holiday season with festive lights and jubilant happenings

Downtown Plans Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee

Downtown BID announces "Milwaukee's only pumpkin patch,' a family-friendly, October event at Red Arrow Park.

Downtown Dining Week begins today, runs Sept. 8 – 15

“From steak and seafood to BBQ and global cuisine, there’s something for every palate on this year’s list of Downtown Dining Week participants,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.

Downtown Dining Week Returns

More than 25 downtown restaurants offering specials Sept. 8 to 15.

Downtown Dining Week sets the table for a September return

Annual feast returns September 8 – 15 with 25+ downtown eateries offering lunch and dinner specials

Art Campaign Highlights Milwaukee, New York Teens

Milwaukee streetcar and New York subway stops to feature inspirational messages.

MKE Airport presents “Top Gun” film screening Downtown

Museum Center Park to host outdoor screening of the 1986 classic movie on National Aviation Day, August 19

Bublr Bash 2022 Musical Line Up and Speakers Released

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off August 15

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host free lunches, Office Challenge Games, giveaways and more, Aug. 15 – 19

Sculpture Milwaukee Returning In Phases For 2022

Five pieces on display now with more to follow as part of sixth-annual series.

Downtown Roller Rink Looks Feasible

Downtown BID offers help, parks report says temporary structure needed to protect Red Arrow ice rink.

More Renderings of Downtown ‘Iron District’ Released

11-acre development with new soccer stadium, concert venue lists big-name supporters.

Milwaukee Downtown announces summer schedule, reveals Heart(beats) of the City series

“Summer in the City” campaign to bundle Downtown’s summer happenings and offer a staycation giveaway

The Return of the Bronze Fonz

Downtown landmark reinstalled on riverwalk, but with a new look.

The Bronze Fonz Returns to the Milwaukee RiverWalk on March 11

VISIT Milwaukee hosting ceremony officially unveiling the statue’s new look

Downtown Milwaukee’s Taste & Toast returns March 7 – 11

Five nights of discounted bottles and bites available at 15 restaurants from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. nightly

New Murals Coming To Skywalk System

Murals will bookend Plankinton Arcade building in heavily-traveled corridor.

Public art elevated to a new level – two skywalk murals on the docket in downtown Milwaukee

City Completes Renaming Old World Third To Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

Milwaukee fixes a 1984 "injustice" by extending King Drive through Downtown.

Cathedral Square Park to host Cocoa with the Clauses on Dec. 11

Free, family event featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, cookies, hot cocoa, and photo ops galore

Make Your Voice Heard on The Future of Downtown

City soliciting input via community meeting, interactive maps and idea wall.

Proposal for Pop-up Holiday Alley Activation wins AARP Wisconsin grant

WCD Celebrates Start of Convention Center Expansion

$420 million project is intended to boost business, fully realize Wisconin Center's potential.

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to set Downtown aglow Nov. 18 – Jan. 1

Six-week festival bundles more than a half million lights and downtown’s most cherished happenings

Milwaukee To Go “Claws Up” For The Brewers

City will light up blue and yellow to support baseball team during playoffs.

Consulting Team Announced for New Downtown Plan

The plan is intended to guide development through 2040.

City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 announce project partners for Downtown Area Plan

P3 Development Group and TKWA among lead consultants

Should Water Street Be Gun-Free District?

Downtown stakeholders consider how Kansas City, Memphis, New Orleans handle bar district problems.

Rebecca Sue Button joins Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 as Marketing, Events and Social Media Director

First annual “Buskerfest” brings music to downtown as part of Jumpst(ART) Downtown campaign

Featuring over 60 musicians performing nearly 100 hours of live music, Aug. 6 - 8

Milwaukee Downtown Hosting “Art in the Park”

Red Arrow Park will be site of live canvas and chalk mural painting through August 11th.

Will New Art Jumpstart Downtown?

Milwaukee Downtown hoping art draws people back to the heart of city.

Artist Selected For Downtown’s Largest Mural

Greg Gossel will paint 9,600-square-foot mural in Schlitz Park this summer.

City Updating Downtown Plan

Equity and inclusion at forefront of latest effort.

Fire & Police Commission Ties On Next Police Chief

Will meet again on December 10th.

DNC-Timed Art Installation Covers Downtown

Work by local artists highlights democracy for convention, though delegates won't attend.

WEDC, Milwaukee Downtown Tout “We’re All In” Safety Campaign

Saying COVID-19 is not a political issue, leaders want individuals to support businesses with safe practices.

New box lunch campaign encourages downtown employers to support neighborhood eateries

Comeback Cuisine to inspire the purchase of 3,000 lunches from downtown restaurants within 30 days

King Drive Cleanup Draws Hundreds

De facto center of George Floyd protests spiffed up. "This is our city," says volunteer Pamela Bell.

Sculpture Milwaukee Will Return in June

Annual art exhibit is expanding into Historic Third Ward.

Sculpture Milwaukee 2020 Season Announced

"Outdoor museum" to bring world-class artworks to Milwaukee's streets

Downtown buildings to shine in red, white and blue as beacons of hope and strength

The Hop Unveils CityPost Smart Kiosk Initiative

Digital kiosks to provide real-time arrival information and other civic amenities while generating revenue to support streetcar operations

Grab a bite and beverage during downtown Milwaukee’s Taste & Toast, March 2 – 6

Five nights of sipping and sampling at 25+ downtown Milwaukee restaurants

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 and East Town Association issue “Call for Walls” for new mural project in East Town neighborhood

Gabriel Yeager joins Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) – Wisconsin Board

Park East Apartments Cleared for Takeoff

Plus: Why Molson Coors picked Milwaukee over Denver.

Mural Spurs Historic Preservation Reform

Historic Preservation Commission moving to establish guidelines for murals.

A New Four-Story, Downtown Mural

Artist Mauricio Ramirez paints "Heart & Sol," his biggest work yet.

Mauricio Ramirez wraps up large-scale mural on Community Advocates, Inc. building in heart of downtown Milwaukee’s Westown neighborhood

Community encouraged to help artist paint Tuesday and Wednesday; Ribbon-cutting ceremony slated for Thursday

New Apartments Near Streetcar Line

Plus: Where does the Strauss deal stand? State office building moving forward.

Downtown BID Touts Successes, Awards

Downtown growing, group adds homeless outreach coordinator, charts plan for 2020.

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $100

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to illuminate downtown visits, Nov. 21 – Jan. 1

Six-week festival to bundle light displays and holiday happenings

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 launches Downtown Community Perceptions Survey

The survey aims to understand how the community interacts with downtown Milwaukee and what perceptions are on downtown’s offerings, amenities, attractiveness and more.

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off July 22

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, July 22 - 26

Say Hello to Postman’s Porch

Milwaukee Downtown leads the reinvention of small triangular park near 2nd and Wells.

“The Blue” Gets $30 Million Upgrade

See the transformation of under-used office building on now booming W. Wisconsin Ave.

Westown to blossom this summer with new gateway mural by Emma Daisy Gertel

Gertel will seek input from the community to design the final composition.

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $100

Sculpture Milwaukee Announces Final Artists for 2019

Red Grooms, Haas Brothers, John Riepenhoff, Carlos Rolón, Arlene Schechet, Sean Scully, B. Wurtz to join list of artists

Milwaukee Downtown seeks artist applications for gateway mural in Westown

A request for qualifications has been issued seeking submissions from an artist or artist collective.

Grab a bite and beverage during downtown Milwaukee’s Taste & Toast, Feb. 25 – March 1

Five nights of sipping and sampling at 25+ downtown Milwaukee restaurants

Just One Proposal for Soldiers Home

VA attracts only one bidder to redevelop three historic buildings.

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 announces move to West Wisconsin Avenue

Downtown advocacy group signs 10-year lease at The Avenue

Milwaukee Downtown seeks Key to Change donations during season of giving

Ongoing campaign aims to end homelessness through an outreach coordinator and housing placements

Jingle Bus tour captures downtown Milwaukee’s lights and sights for $2

See downtown Milwaukee’s festive panorama with a 40-minute narrated tour, Thursdays through Sundays, until Dec. 30

DNA Fundraiser for Cathedral Square Friends!

The Downtown Neighbors Association is holding their Holiday Party and proceeds from the event will go to help Cathedral Square Friends.

Streetcar Opens to Public

"This is your assignment: ride the streetcar," says Mayor Barrett.

Downtown Tunnel Gets Colorful Mural

"Migration," a 50-foot-long mural, will delight 1,400 migrating weekday pedestrians.

Regional Transit Leadership Council Names New Executive Director

Dave Steele named new executive director to move region’s connectivity and economy forward

Gabriel Yeager

"We are incredibly fortunate to live on the fresh coast."

ALL DAY TOMORROW – Free Bus Rides, Free Stickers and Free Admission

Take Your Kid on the Bus Day: Saturday, September 22, 2018

Downtown activates parking spaces into vibrant public spaces for one-day event

Parking spaces transformed for global movement, PARK(ing) Day, is Sept. 21

Downtown GO! Kart debuts on Wisconsin Avenue with tabletop games

The Downtown GO! Kart offers an assortment of games for all ages and skill levels to play.

Sculpture Milwaukee kicks off June 1 with live entertainment and free lunch

Northwestern Mutual Gardens to host ribbon-cutting ceremony from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Sample the city during Milwaukee’s 13th annual Downtown Dining Week

Three-course meal deals available at nearly 40 downtown establishments, May 31 – June 7

Follow Bob the dog’s “tail” of downtown exploration for a good cause

All proceeds from the book will go toward Key to Change, an initiative created by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to end chronic homelessness, in memory of Joe Weirick.

Savor the flavors of downtown Milwaukee during Taste & Toast, March 5 – 9

Five nights of sipping and sampling at 30 downtown Milwaukee restaurants

New Parking Meters Will Help Homeless

Local dignitaries unveiled key-shaped meters that will help fund program for homeless.

Downtown Activates 11 Metered Parking Spaces for One-Day Event Tomorrow

Parking spaces transformed for global PARK(ing) Day on Sept. 15

Downtown debuts Key to Change meters on Sept. 13 to aid in ending chronic homelessness

Seven parking meters retrofitted to collect coin donations for quality-of-life programs

Downtown employees to bask in week of summertime freebies and perks

Milwaukee Downtown to host Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, July 31 – Aug. 4

10 Wisconsin Avenue Mini-Murals

Artist Mauricio Ramirez's murals on 10 Wisconsin Ave. utility boxes are complete. Take a look.

Wisconsin Avenue utility box mural project concludes with ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 11

All 10 utility box murals were composed and created by Mauricio Ramirez

Sculpture Milwaukee Opens to Public

City now has a world-class sculpture exhibition on its main street.

Sculpture Milwaukee kicks off May 31 with mayoral proclamation, live entertainment and free lunch

Chase Tower at Water and Wisconsin to host ribbon-cutting ceremony from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Urban sculpture installation to debut along Wisconsin Avenue in June

Featuring 22 sculptures by 21 artists, the pieces will be positioned along Wisconsin Avenue from 6th Street to O’Donnell Park.

Why Strip Club Deal Fell Apart

Deal would have ended suits against city if council okayed new club.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $400

Sample downtown Milwaukee’s flavor during Taste & Toast March 6 – 10

Five nights of discounted bottles and bites at 24 downtown Milwaukee restaurants

Wisconsin Ave. Will Get 10 Murals

But small ones. On utility boxes. Made by artists. Paid by Downtown BID.

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 announces design competition for Wisconsin Avenue utility boxes

The utility box mural installations will serve as the pilot initiative for Arts on Wisconsin Avenue.

Bublr Bikes Moving HQ, Maintenance Operation Into Shops of Grand Avenue

Move Kicks Off Grand Avenue Revitalization, Places Bublr at Center of Regional Network

City Outlaws Panhandling on Medians, Ramps

Violators could be fined or imprisoned.

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week Begins Monday July 25

The opening ceremony well be held at Red Arrow Park from 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Is Kimpton Hotel “Project of the Decade”?

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel opens in Third Ward, to cheers of city and civic officials.

Behind the Headlines: The Status of the Streetcar

As part of its continuing effort to encourage in-depth analysis of the most important issues of the day, the Milwaukee Press Club is pleased to present its next Behind the Headlines topic.

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $100

The Table is Set for Milwaukee’s 2016 Downtown Dining Week

Three-course meal deals at 44 downtown eateries June 2-9

Contribution to Michael Murphy of $100

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $500

Raise a glass to the return of Milwaukee Downtown’s Taste & Toast Feb. 29 – March 4

Five nights of bottles and bites at downtown Milwaukee restaurants

BID Sells Streetcar-Related Development

Downtown BID guide shows business support, sells vacant land along streetcar route.

13 Ways to Revive Grand Avenue

Experts offer ideas to transform downtown’s long-struggling mall

New Era for Riverside Theater

Cool new retro marquee unveiled. And an ongoing project will upgrade the entire theater.

Contribution to José G. Pérez of $100

City Accepts $14 Million Federal Streetcar Grant

City wins TIGER grant after "a brutal competition" where demand for transit dollars greatly exceeded the sums appropriated.

Lakefront Gateway Plaza National Design Competition Culminates with the Selection of the Graef Team

Water, Year-Round Activity Featured Among Ideas

Contribution to José G. Pérez of $100

City weighs new Silk Exotic plan, settlement with strip club

Downtown employees to enjoy week of summertime perks

Milwaukee Downtown to host Downtown Employee Appreciation Week July 27 – July 31

Celebrating the Life of Paul Jakubovich

A host of notables gathered to salute Jakubovich and the fabulous historic architecture of Milwaukee he helped protect.

Downtown’s summer trolley bells will toll again beginning June 4

The service will run Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., June 4 through Sept. 5.

Contribution to Nik Kovac of $100

We Want a New Arena!

Bradley Center rally organized by MMAC featured five speakers touting the benefits of building a taxpayer-subsidized NBA arena.

Contribution to José G. Pérez of $100

Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration

The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 endorses Mayor’s streetcar plan

“The Milwaukee Streetcar is a game changer for downtown.”

Does Milwaukee Need a Fashion Incubator?

Downtown activist Beth Weirick is leading the charge to create one in or near the Third Ward.

Who Will Be Streetcar Operator?

The city? A private company? The downtown BID? Maybe Ald. Bauman? No one really knows.

Let Them Take Taxis…or Uber or Lyft

City may lift cap on cabs and embrace upstart ride sharing services. There will be rides for everyone!

Downtown’s summer trolleys to ring again June 5

Downtown Milwaukee’s trolley service, the Milwaukee Trolley Loop presented by VISIT Milwaukee, will roll out Thursday, June 5.

Downtown restaurants prep for Downtown Dining Week 2014

Three-course meal deals to be served June 5 – 12 at 40 eateries

Campaign Season Kicks Off

Politicos flock to Jon Richards fundraiser, and judicial candidate Janet C. Protasiewicz's event.

Bike Share Launching in 2014

Phase I of bike share program will have at least 28 stations and 250 bikes, thanks to a federal grant.

Strip Club Coming to Downtown?

City committee rules against exotic nightclub on Old World Third, then seems to open door to a location across from Bradley Center.

Beth Weirick’s Gay Nineties Home

The city's best-known Downtown promoter lives in a charming, 123-year-old home.

VISIT Milwaukee to Present Lamplighter Award to Milwaukee Downtown BID #21

Annual Meeting on March 5th also features Bill Davidson with preview of the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary

Debra Usinger to receive Fred Goldsmith Kiwanian of the Year Award posthumously

Debra Usinger, great-granddaughter of the founder of Usinger's Famous Sausage, will be named Fred Goldsmith Kiwanian of the Year posthumously at an awards ceremony at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at the Milwaukee County War Memorial.

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off Monday

Monday marks the start of the 7th Annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, July 30 – August 3.

Milwaukee Downtown names Steven Looft new Economic Development Director

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 has hired Steven Looft as its first Economic Development Director.

Grand Theatre ticket booth transformed to meet needs of visitors and newcomers

Downtown Milwaukee is finding creative ways to revitalize Wisconsin Ave.

Commission Approves Expansion of BID 21

In stark contrast to the previous City Plan Commission meeting, this meeting featured no heated debates but it did see the approval of two resolutions aimed at improving downtown Milwaukee. Resolution 080617 proposed the expansion of Business Improvement District (“BID”) 21.  This expansion has been in the works for the past four years and went through a lengthy process of approval within the BID membership.  The expansion includes Schlitz Park, The Brewery, Manpower, East Point, the Park East and two other tax exempt areas.  Although these properties currently don’t represent a large addition to the BID tax base, these additions were made looking to the future.  Additionally, Beth Nichols, the executive director BID 21, explained that in order to bring more retail options to downtown Milwaukee the BID has recently hired a retail strategist and will be adding a retail coordinator soon.  This resolution was approved and will now go before the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee. Resolution 080515 proposed creating the first Neighborhood Improvement District in Wisconsin.  It was explained that the key difference between a Business Improvement District and a Neighborhood Improvement District (“NID”) is that the NID can include residential properties with eight units or more whereas a BID can’t include residential properties.  This NID would include The Brewery neighborhood and would pay for, the upkeep of pocket parks, streetscaping, alleys, the Pabst sign, and storm-water management facilities.  This resolution was approved and will now go before the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.

City Image Logo to be Unveiled Soon

The nonprofit Spirit of Milwaukee is undertaking an image rebranding for the community.

In-House Election Commission Good Idea?

It is more of an internal workgroup,” Pat Curley said.