Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 is an organization established to support the interests of the downtown Milwaukee business community. Created in 1998 through private sector leadership, Milwaukee Downtown is a business improvement district that oversees 120 blocks representing approximately 400 property owners in the center of downtown Milwaukee.

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined geographic area where property owners agree to assess themselves annually to fund specific programs and projects. Through BID #21 assessments, Milwaukee Downtown funds specific initiatives aimed at creating a clean, safe and friendly downtown.

BID #21 represents one square mile, the boundaries of Milwaukee Downtown are 10th Street on the west, Lake Michigan on the east, Schlitz Park on the north and St. Paul Avenue on the south.

Click here to download the 2009-2010 Downtown Economic Status Report as a PDF.

Click here to download the 2008 Milwaukee Downtown Annual Report as a PDF.

Click here to download the 2007 Milwaukee Downtown Annual Report as a PDF.

Click here to download the 2006 Milwaukee Downtown Annual Report as a PDF.

Click here to download the 2005 Milwaukee Downtown Annual Report as a PDF.

Mission
We lead and inspire believers in Milwaukee to engage in efforts that build Downtown as the thriving, sustainable, innovative, and vibrant heart of the community.

Vision
Milwaukee Downtown is an economic catalyst. Downtown emerges as a premier destination of choice. Milwaukee becomes a renowned world-class city.

Top Priorities
Downtown Economic Development Leader
Reposition BID #21 as a driver of economic prosperity of Milwaukee's Downtown.

Nighttime Economy Initiatives
Fully implement recommendations and action priorities of the Responsible Hospitality Task Force.

Internal Organizational Capacity
Invest in expanded staffing and resources in order to maintain existing levels of excellent service while strengthening the BID's leadership role in Downtown economic development.

Goals

• Expand BID #21’s leadership position in growing the economy in Downtown Milwaukee.
• Be a catalyst for an effective, feasible, affordable, accessible, and connected transportation and parking system.
• Continue and expand efforts that make Downtown Milwaukee a safe destination.
• Brand and consistently market Downtown Milwaukee to targeted constituencies.
• Harness the energy and vibrancy of downtown residents, young professionals and other downtown believers to position them for leadership roles in the Downtown community.

Chair
Thomas G. Bernacchi
Towne Realty, Inc.

Vice-Chair
Joseph G. Ullrich
US Bank

Secretary
Kevin Kennedy
Northwestern Mutual

Assistant Secretary
Kevin Behl
Madison Medical Affiliates

Treasurer
Gerald Rappaport
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Tammy Babisch
Reit Management & Research

Juan Carrasquillo
We Energies

Katie Falvey
The Marcus Corporation

John Grunau
Schlitz Park

Dextra A. Hadnot
AT&T Wisconsin

William E. Halper
Thompson National Properties

Phyllis M. Resop
Pentagon Property Management

Debra L. Usinger
Fred Usinger, Inc.

Joseph T. Weirick
CRP Commercial Services

Scott Welsh
Inland Companies, Inc.

William O. Zeidler
BMO Harris Bank

Ex-Officio Members
Daniel T. Keegan
Milwaukee Art Museum

Paul Upchurch
VISIT Milwaukee

Emeritus
Gary P. Grunau
Grucon group