We’re not in this alone — and if we approach economic development that way, we’ll be worse off for it.
That’s why I am happy to support regional efforts like Aerotropolis Milwaukee, the initiative to bring local communities together to seize on the advantages provided by proximity to Mitchell International Airport, the Port of Milwaukee, our rail network and other transportation hubs.
The South Milwaukee City Council put our stamp of approval on this effort in 2010. We took that a step further Tuesday by adopting an agreement aimed at promoting a more collaborative approach to issues like economic development and land use.
Check out the BizTimes story here. From it:
According to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement, “The purpose of this Agreement is to provide a cooperative intergovernmental process for land use planning and economic development activities within the Interlocal Aerotropolis Area, in connection with attracting commercial, industrial, and other businesses and activities having a direct or indirect relationship to intermodal transportation, logistics, air commerce and the use of (the airport).”
The agreement enables the local governments to discuss and approve other matters to which they may agree in good faith, including design and development principles; streamlined or expedited permitting processes; economic incentives; joint marketing and promotion and infrastructure development.
Of course, this is all on paper. I look forward to seeing this spirit of cooperation come to life — and in a way that will lift the entire South Shore.
South Milwaukee Blog 