Downtown Milwaukee is the heart of our state. Helping to strengthen it will make for a much more profitable and user friendly Wisconsin not to mention the neighborhoods around Downtown.
Three things drive great downtowns: density, diversity and discovery. All are growing in Milwaukee. And, before you ask what I mean by "discovery," I mean those places and things that we use/consume (restaurants, landmarks, venues, bars, the Riverwalk, stores, etc.) and the unique and authentic stuff that make an area attractive.
Chances are, if you only visit or work in Downtown, that you may not sense the massive growth and energy that the area has. I’ve lived in the greater Downtown area for much of life and I can testify that a lot has changed in the recent years.
We’re not a 24/7 town, but on any given Thursday, Friday or Saturday night 30-80,000 additional people come into the Downtown area. That's more than many area suburbs.
Other facts:
- The nighttime economy accounts for 61,879 full-time jobs.
- More than 100 taxis work in the area
- There’s $1.4 billion in income from Downtown residents
- Downtown has 30 valet stands
- Activity in Downtown generates $950 of tax relief per person
The numbers don’t lie, and to keep them growing Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, has retained the services of the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI). I been fortunate enough to help on this project. And, it's been fascinating and rewarding.
Want to join in? Click here to take a survey. Or, just keeping coming Downtown. The area’s growing and awaits your discovery.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
