Plan Update Underway:

Since the 2010 adoption of the Downtown Area Plan, a significant amount of investment has occurred in Downtown Milwaukee and many of the recommendations and catalytic projects called for in the plan have been implemented or are underway. The area plan is now in need of a strategic update to guide land use decisions, redevelopment of key sites and improvements to streets and public spaces over the next 10-20 years. 

On March 2, 2021, the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee adopted File No. 201357 directing DCD to prepare a strategic update to the Downtown Area Plan. DCD will partner with the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID21) to co-lead the planning effort. The planing process will launch in the fall of 2021, and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2022.

To receive information about the plan update and opportunities to participate in the process, please sign up for E-Notify and select the Downtown Plan category.

Plan Amendments:

Equitable Growth Through Transit Oriented Development (2018)
Update! Milwaukee Lakefront Gateway Project

The Downtown Area Plan is an update to the original 1999 Milwaukee Downtown Plan. The updated plan is not intended to replace the 1999 plan, but rather to build on the vision and successful initiatives of that plan. Since the inception of the 1999 plan most of the goals and objectives have been met, and most of the catalytic projects recommended in the 1999 plan are either completed or underway. This includes the creation of the Milwaukee Public Market, the redevelopment of the Park East Freeway Corridor, the re-use of the historic Pabst Brewery Complex, the renovation and expansion of the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, and the construction and expansion of the Milwaukee Riverwalk.  The 2010 Downtown Area Plan is an attempt to build on the momentum created by the policies and projects of the original 1999 plan and to provide a new vision for the future of Downtown Milwaukee.

READ THE 1999 MILWAUKEE DOWNTOWN PLAN
 

Supporting Documents

Area Projects and Initiatives

With the approval of the Downtown Area Plan, a number of items remain to be done to implement the plan and carry out its goals. This includes the formation of stakeholder group to carry out the detailed catalytic projects. Policy and regulation changes such as zoning code revisions, design guidelines, and specialized task-forces will be needed in order to implement the concepts adopted by this plan. A continued public-private partnership, with strong involvement of the downtown area BIDs and other organizations will help to ensure their efforts become reality in the upcoming decade and beyond.

Click to view larger map of plan area

Area Common Council Members

	District 3: Ald. Nik Kovac
	District 4: Ald. Robert Bauman
	District 6: Ald. Milele A. Coggs