Brady Street Business Improvement District 11 Welcomed Into WEDC’s Downtown Revitalization Program
MILWAUKEE, WI. – The Brady Street Business Improvement District #11 has been accepted into the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)’s Connect Communities Program, an initiative that works with communities to advance downtown and historic commercial corridor revitalization efforts.
The Brady Street BID is one of three communities that will join the program this fall, bringing the total number of participating districts in the state to 100.
The new Connect Communities participants are:
- Village of Mazomanie
- Future Neenah
- Brady Street BID No 11
The Connect Communities Program was launched in January 2013. It provides access to resources and training to help communities pursue revitalization and redevelopment efforts. Since its inception, participating communities have reported adding more than 1,100 net new businesses, more than 5,600 jobs and over $5 billion in private investment.
“WEDC congratulates the Brady Street BID for being accepted into this program,” said John Miller, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “A vibrant downtown or neighborhood commercial district is key to the overall economic health of the community, and we applaud Brady Street for taking this step toward making its business district even stronger.”
“Brady Street’s character comes from its independent businesses, rich history, and the people who make this neighborhood their own,” said Anna Matel Antoine, executive director of the Brady Street BID. “Joining Connect Communities gives us new tools, resources, and connections to build on those strengths. We’re excited to learn from other communities as we support our businesses and work toward making Brady Street a welcoming destination.”
Connect Communities participants benefit from a variety of assistance and resources as part of a broad-based network of communities with similar objectives. Program services include:
- An online networking and discussion group to get new ideas from staff and other participating Connect Communities.
- Participation in Main Street workshops focused on a downtown revitalization topic.
- An on-site visit from a member of WEDC’s community development staff to assist in identifying needs and achieving local goals.
- Training for downtown director/program lead, board president, or municipal staff.
- Roundtable discussion groups, quarterly webinars, and regional training sessions on pertinent topics.
- Access to WEDC’s downtown development online library of resources and toolkits.
- Invitation to the annual Main Street Awards program, plus eligibility to nominate a project for a Connect Communities award.
- Businesses in participating districts are also eligible to access matching loan dollars through the Kiva crowdlending platform and apply for annual makeover and place-makeover contests.
To be admitted to the program, each applicant community provided an overview of the existing condition of their downtown/commercial district, identified key individuals that will be involved in revitalization efforts, and identified near term goals that they hope to achieve within their district.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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