Economic Development

Downtown full glass skyscrapers.

Advocating For Downtown’s Economy

At BID #21, the economic development of Downtown Milwaukee is a key priority. We provide resources to our business community, pursue new opportunities, support improvement projects, and promote our city as the place to be.

Two women walk along the riverwalk.

19.8M+

square feet of office inventory

$5.2B+

in under-construction, planned, and completed projects since 2020 

60%

of downtown residents with bachelor’s degree or higher

2nd

best city for college graduates to find jobs

A downtown storefront with the letters MKE In the window.

What We Do

As unprecedented economic growth transforms Downtown Milwaukee, we ensure the success is captured and the momentum is sustained. This includes compiling up-to-date market data reports, tracking all proposed, planned, and completed public and private projects, and advocating for grants and incentives to be awarded to our business community.

A Resource for Your Business

When you do business in Downtown Milwaukee, we are in your corner. BID #21 provides information on current grant and loan programs, runs a database of available commercial property, and champions your success daily.

Downtown Milwaukee skyline at sunset.

Why Downtown Milwaukee?

If you’re a business considering a move to Downtown Milwaukee, good news—it’s the place to be. Discover the advantages of taking root in our thriving economic hub and vibrant community.

More of What We Do

We invest in the people and the time needed to make Downtown Milwaukee a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all. Take a closer look at ways BID #21 brings this vision to life.

A member of the Homeless Outreach team in their car.

Quality-of-Life Initiatives

Through the creation of intervention teams, fundraising campaigns, and outreach programs, we have worked to assist and reduce the city’s unhoused population.

Kids play in a park.

Placemaking and Public Art

We are reinvigorating public spaces with new events, exciting programming, and public art—all to make Downtown Milwaukee more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming.

Kids line up to peek inside a Department of Public Works truck at Big Truck Day.

Events and Marketing

We love to celebrate with the community. From holiday festivals to weekday concert series, join us at the many events we coordinate throughout the year. 

A Public Service Ambassador helps a mom and daughter at the park.

Public Service Ambassadors

Our spirit squad, walking concierges, and information gurus. Discover how this team promotes Downtown Milwaukee and works to keep it a safe, welcoming place for all.

A member of the Clean Sweep crew cleans the sidewalk.

Clean Sweep Ambassadors

They sweep. They scrub. They stop gum from ever meeting your shoe. This hardworking crew helps keep our district litter-free and sparkling clean, sunup to sundown.

A member of the landscape crew waters flowers in Milwaukee.

Landscape Crew

Over 375 planters and beds, and 75 hanging baskets brighten up the streets in our community. All thanks to these green thumbs, who rotate out arrangements every season.

A Public Service Ambassador cleans an old Milwaukee police call box.

Graffiti Removal Team

It’s not just about wiping away stubborn, unwanted markings. Graffiti removal also helps keep property values from lowering and criminal activity from rising.