The Commercial Revitalization Affinity Group (CRAG) is a professional network for people who work to revitalize commercial districts in southeastern Wisconsin. The network is open to nonprofit economic development practitioners, government employees, and members of the private sector, such as real estate brokers, architects and business owners.

CRAG meets monthly for training and networking events. Facilitated by Milwaukee LISC since 2001 with funding from State Farm Insurance, CRAG gives participants the opportunity to learn from trainers and other experts in their fields about trends, strategies and best practices in urban commercial development. Past topics have included:

» Environmental Design and Safety
» Commercial District Purchasing Power
» Visual Merchandising and Window Display Techniques
» Alternative Financing for Small Business
» Forming a Business Improvement District (BID)
» Fundraising for Commercial Revitalization Efforts
» Organizing Neighbors to Fight Nuisances

Through CRAG connections, practitioners can share experiences, referrals, resources and lessons learned. In addition, CRAG provides partial scholarships to national community development conferences such as the National Main Street Centers Town Meeting, and LISC’s Urban Forum.