Good Morning Downtown-ers,

Signs that downtown Milwaukee is bouncing back are more evident than ever!
 
Last month, we hosted WEDC for the launch of their Main Street Bounceback Grant program. Learn how your business, non-profit organization or tenants might be eligible for $10,000 in grant funding.
 
Plans for a Downtown Dog Park under I-794, along the Milwaukee River at the Plankinton Avenue exit, are cruising ahead. Donations are now being accepted at the project's new website to help make the project a reality. Donations of any size are welcome and may be tax deductible, plus some donation categories include great sponsor perks!
 
Downtown Employee Appreciation Week is happening now thru Sept. 3. The week features free lunch, Office Challenge Games, after-hours socials and competitions, and much, much more. Get the details below and round up your co-workers.
 
Advancements have also been made on updates to the Downtown Area Plan, Connec+ing MKE 2040. Just last month, we announced our lead consultants – P3 Development Group, The Kubala Washatko Architects (TKWA), and HNTB with support from American Design and raSmith.
 
And last, the future of the Broadway corridor remains bright. Over the last year, we completed the “Brighten the Passage” project, welcomed new businesses to the neighborhood, and captured the attention of the International Downtown Association’s Award Committee. Learn more about this prestigious recognition for our city!
 
Thanks for reading! 
fake signature Matt Dorner
Matt Dorner
Economic Development Director
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21
Follow us on Twitter | @RealResultsMKE
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WEDC Launches Main Street Bounceback Grant

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation recently launched the Main Street Bounceback Grant – a support mechanism that provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses and non-profits opening new locations or expanding into vacant commercial properties.
 
The grant is not limited to first-floor spaces, and can be used in buildings of all sizes as long as the eligibility criteria is met by the applying business. More information on the program is available in the attached flyer.
 
The program is open to new or existing businesses opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space as of Jan. 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. To get the application process going, visit wedc.org/mainstreet-bounceback.
Dog Park Fundraising Underway

Fundraising efforts for downtown Milwaukee’s first public dog park kicked off last month with the launch of a new website and fundraising portal – www.mkedogpark.com. Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, Historic Third Ward BID #2, Downtown Neighbors Association (DNA) and other partners are excited to bring this new community asset to the centrally located site under I-794, between the Milwaukee River and Plankinton Avenue, along Clybourn Street.
 
Proposed Features Include:
 
  • Separate small and large dog areas
  • Synthetic turf with irrigation for convenient maintenance
  • Security lighting
  • Decorative fencing
  • Water stations
  • Access & expansion of Riverwalk system
  • Agility stations
  • Public art
  • Prominent donor recognition opportunities
 
Help us make this important project a reality! Toss us a bone and donate today at www.mkedogpark.com.
 
Whether one is a pet enthusiast and wants to see this amenity added to enhance the city’s qualify of life, or they want to see this highly visible (but neglected) site revitalized, we aim to accomplish many diverse goals with this project that will positively impact our community.
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logo for downtown employee appreciation week on colorful graphic background
Downtown Employee Appreciation Week,
Now Thru Sept. 3

Milwaukee Downtown is teaming up with downtown businesses and community leaders to welcome back downtown employees during the 16th annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, now thru Sept. 3. The weeklong celebration will feature free lunches, Office Challenge Games and after-hours socials.
 
Throughout the week, lunchtime giveaways and live music will travel to various downtown locations and include 1,000-item treats ranging from subs and hot dogs to ice cream and cookies. In addition to food and live music, employees can play the Office Challenge Games, which include Corporate Ladder, Paper Clip Toss and Donut Dunk. Daily prizes are up for grabs for the top contenders in each game. All lunchtime activities will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Schlitz Park (Wednesday, Sept. 1), Zeidler Union Square (Thursday, Sept. 2), and Pere Marquette Park (Friday, Sept. 3).
 
View the complete schedule of events at www.iworkdowntownmke.com or download a 2021 brochure here.

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Project Consultants Announced for Downtown Area Plan

The City of Milwaukee’s Department of City Development is partnering with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to co-lead updates to the Downtown Area Plan. The revised plan, “Connec+ing MKE 2040,” will include strategic updates to the 2010 plan that will guide land use decisions, redevelopment of key sites, and improvements to streets and public spaces over the next 10-20 years.
 
After an RFQ process for Equity & Engagement Services and Urban Design Services, the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 selected P3 Development Group to lead the Downtown Community Council and support equity and engagement for the planning process. The Kubala Washatko Architects (TKWA), HNTB, American Design, Inc. (ADI), and raSmith have also been hired for the urban design services. As the plan’s name suggests, downtown’s accessibility and connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods will be a key focus.

The “Connec+ing MKE 2040” plan is expected to be released in 2022. A website featuring community engagement opportunities will soon be launched. In the meantime, questions and comments can be sent to DowntownPlan@milwaukee.gov.
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