Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21

Over the past 30 years, Downtown Milwaukee has seen new construction, new housing, new events, new public art and a growing sense of pride. At the nexus of all that development and growth is Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21.

Founded in the late ’90s, the Downtown BID connects businesses, residents, investors and more to promote and grow a clean, safe, welcoming Downtown. It attracts businesses and development; operates Public Service Ambassador, Clean Sweep and landscaping programs; supports Milwaukee County’s homeless outreach efforts to help the unsheltered find housing and support services; funds public art installations and murals; hosts events like Downtown Dining Week, Employee Appreciation Week and the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival; and showcases all the dining, entertainment and more that Downtown has to offer.

“Downtown Milwaukee is the social, cultural and economic hub of the state of Wisconsin,” says Matt Dorner, Milwaukee Downtown’s new CEO. “We have strong business and civic leadership, and world-class employers and cultural institutions that really make Milwaukee an amazing city and Downtown a thriving neighborhood.”

Dorner, who served as Milwaukee Downtown’s economic development director for the past decade, took over as CEO in June from Beth Weirick, who led the organization for nearly 30 years. “Working closely with Beth, I’ve learned so much from her and seen firsthand the impact the organization has had on quality of life, economic development, public spaces and more,” Dorner says. “I’m excited to continue that upward trajectory for Downtown.”

Recent years have seen Downtown land major employers like Milwaukee Tool, Fiserv and Enerpac, to name just a few. Newer developments such as BMO Tower, the Baird Center expansion, Downtown’s first dog park, and thousands of apartments are transforming Downtown.

Dorner is looking forward to other catalytic developments in the years ahead. Northwestern Mutual is investing $500 million to modernize its North Office Building and welcome 2,000 additional employees Downtown. The Milwaukee Public Museum will soon be moving to its new location, where it will be named the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin. Plus, new hotel and residential developments are on the docket, Downtown’s food and beverage scene is evolving with new offerings, and investments in streets and public spaces are planned.

“Downtown’s recent wins, combined with our natural and built environment, make this a place where people want to be,” Dorner says. “People live Downtown, they work Downtown, and they visit Downtown. It’s a vibrant neighborhood, and we’re continuing to help drive its growth, attract new employers and investment, improve our public spaces and make Milwaukee one of the best downtowns in the country.”