With a renewed focus on business retention, recruitment, events, marketing and other efforts, we’re working hard every day to bring new life to our city, and city center.
We’re also building the foundation for long-term economic development success. A key part of that: our comprehensive and downtown plans, which took major steps forward this week.
The South Milwaukee City Council voted unanimously to approve the selection of Graef as the consulting firm for updating our comprehensive plan and building a separate downtown plan.
We interviewed two firms for the work, and, as part of the committee making the recommendation, I can say it was a very tough call. Both Vandewalle and Graef are terrific firms that would do a great job on these plans.
Graef brings strong experience, creativity, vision and a demonstrated commitment to implementing the plans they lead. For this effort, they also bring a partnership with Business Districts Inc., a firm focused on downtown revitalization that will only add to our plan and process.
You can see their joint proposal here.
Now the work begins. The planning effort will pick up quickly, and be substantially wrapped up by the end of the year. Then we get to work on bringing the plan to life – not letting it sit on a shelf and collect dust like so many others in the past.
Have a plan, work the plan. We will work this plan.
My ask: Look for ways to be part of the process, and actually be a part of it. There will be plenty of opportunities to have your voice heard as we build this roadmap for the future of South Milwaukee and our downtown.
Join us!
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