MILWAUKEE — The plan to better connect downtown Milwaukee is moving forward.

Adopted by the Common Council and recently signed by Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Connec+ing MKE: Downtown Plan 2040 is the latest vision for the city’s future. Leaders said the nearly two-year long planning process should connect every neighborhood to Milwaukee’s city center.

The last Downtown Area Plan was adopted in 2010 and included recommendations for streets, public spaces and new development that aimed to create a more distinct downtown center. Since 2010, the Department of City Development (DCD) said more than $4.5 billion has been invested in completed private and public projects. More than $3.1 billion is currently under construction or proposed to start soon.

“The time is now to plan for Milwaukee’s growth and future. The Downtown Area Plan includes priorities, strategies and approaches that will help determine what the city center of Milwaukee will look like in the decades ahead,” Johnson said. “Thank you to DCD and BID #21 for their strong leadership in this planning effort. I am also grateful for every resident who made their voices heard during this process to ensure Connec+ing MKE is a plan by Milwaukee, for Milwaukee’s future.”

The plan prioritizes multiple development projects, including:

• Milwaukee Public Museum and State Office Building redevelopment at MacArthur Square
• Public space management organization for parks and public spaces
• Extending the Hop streetcar (Westown, Bronzeville, Walker’s Point and the East Side)
• 6th Street completion
• Water Street Entertainment District
• Marcus Performing Arts Center parking garage redevelopment site
• Reimagining the I-794 and Clybourn Street corridor

(Courtesy of the City of Milwaukee's Department of City Development and Taylor Korslin)

“Milwaukee experienced a major renaissance following the Downtown Area Plan’s adoption in 2010. Looking at how far we’ve come is inspiring, but we know there’s more work to do in creating our shared vision for the future of Downtown Milwaukee,” DCD Commissioner Lafayette Crump said. “Connec+ing MKE: Downtown Plan 2040 received robust public participation, with more than 2,500 individuals from every Milwaukee zip code providing feedback on their vision for the future of Downtown. Together, we are on a path towards ensuring our Downtown is stronger, more equitable, and easily accessible for every Milwaukeean.”

The DCD said more than 2,500 people provided input on their vision for the future of downtown. 

The full plan is available at milwaukee.gov/downtownplan.