Market Data

Placer.AI Highlights Downtown's Upward Trajectory

Milwaukee Downtown is using Placer.ai to track patterns of various user groups in Downtown Milwaukee and the Business Improvement District #21 boundary.

In terms of visitors, Downtown saw an increase of 2.6% or 100,000 visitors in May when compared to April, marking the 2nd highest visitor volume over the last 12 months. The number of employees reporting to Downtown Milwaukee for work saw a decrease to 418,800 when compared to April. This 9.8% decrease is likely attributable to the larger amount of out-of-office time taken around the Memorial Day holiday.

Overall, the consistent increase in visitor and employee travel throughout 2025 continues to showcase the strength of Downtown Milwaukee and our upward trajectory as a destination for travel and work.
 

2025 Economic Development Momentum Snapshot

Downtown Milwaukee is the economic hub of the region and State of Wisconsin with over $9 billion in recently completed, under construction and proposed game-changing projects. This investment has established significant momentum and propels Downtown as a vibrant city center and global gateway. Downtown recently experienced some of its most iconic business recruitment wins, opened Class A office buildings, is a national leader in adaptive reuse, and celebrated the opening of Wisconsin’s tallest residential tower. World-class sports teams, vibrant nightlife, active public spaces, and expanding art, cultural, and civic offerings have Downtown Milwaukee on an unprecedented positive trajectory. Below is a snapshot of update-to-date market data and numerous catalytic projects across all industry sectors.

IDA's Value of Downtown Study

A strong downtown is critical for a successful city and region. A recent study by the International Downtown Association and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 analyzed the contributions of Downtown Milwaukee as an economic driver. Through a variety of metrics, including five key principles -- economy, inclusion, vibrancy, identity and resilience -- the study demonstrated the central business district's value as an epicenter for culture, innovation, community and commerce.

2023 Top 10 Global Trends

The 2023 edition of P.U.M.A.’s Global Trends Report highlights opportunities and challenges arising from converging shifts in demographics, lifestyles, and disruptive forces that are rapidly shaping our cities. This award-winning research effort has been a go-to resource for downtown management organizations, business leaders, and local decision-makers since 2007.

DOWNTOWN PERCEPTIONS SURVEY REPORT

In an effort to better serve its residents, workers and guests, Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 partnered with Community Perceptions, a division of School Perceptions LLC, to conduct a self-selecting perceptions survey to quantify and chronicle the rapid changes occurring in Downtown Milwaukee and the attitudes of various Downtown users.

The survey aimed to understand how the community interacts with Downtown Milwaukee and solicit opinions about a number of topics relating to the experience of living, working and playing in Downtown Milwaukee.

2016 Market Profile: Downtown Milwaukee

View the latest market research conducted by P.U.M.A. (Progressive Urban Management Associates), which benchmarks local growth and changes in demographics; housing; employment; office and retail vacancies; mobility and connectivity; hospitality and tourism; arts, culture and entertainment; education; and the nighttime economy.

FitBid 2016: Downtown Milwaukee Progress Report

Get a snapshot of downtown's growth over the last decade and view recommendations for continuing the momentum.

2015 Downtown Milwaukee Entertainment & Hospitality Comparative Analysis

Prepared by Hunden Strategic Partners, this report compares downtown Milwaukee to 10 of its peer cities in the areas of hospitality, entertainment and nightlife.

2012 Market Profile: Downtown Milwaukee

Get a snapshot of Milwaukee Downtown’s key economic indicators, including residential population, employee demographics, commercial space, housing, hospitality and tourism, and current development.

2009-2010 Downtown Economic Status Report

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 hosted its first State of Downtown Economic Forum on April 15, 2010. Perspectives on the current and future state of downtown Milwaukee were given. A summary of the findings is also available in the 2009-2010 Downtown Economic Status Report.

2007 Downtown Milwaukee Market Analysis

Milwaukee Downtown’s first comprehensive market analysis was conducted in 2007 by the UW-Extension Center for Community and Economic Development and UW-Extension Milwaukee County.

Status of the Downtown Milwaukee Brand in SE Wisconsin: 2005 White Paper Research

View the findings of a telephone survey to residents throughout Kenosha, Racine, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha and Milwaukee counties, which benchmarked perceptions on the downtown Milwaukee brand.