The objective of MMAC's Blueprint for Economic Prosperity for LIVABILITY is invest in a region for all.

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livability 2017-2019 Results

Infrastructure and physical assets
Objective: Improve our infrastructure to support business needs, accessibility and efficiency

Through lobbying efforts at the state level:

• Secured $484 million in new Transportation Fund revenues.
• Continued funding for Southeastern Wisconsin “megaprojects”: North leg of the Zoo Interchange, I-94 N/S, I-43 North Leg.
• Secured $35 million in new funding for Hiawatha rail service expansion and improvement.
• Obtained state backing for bonds issued to expand the downtown Milwaukee Convention Center.
• Gained a $1.5 million Intermodal Facilities Grant to design intermodal freight rail infrastructure at the port.
• $10 million in funding for the new Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center.
• Obtained approval and funding for UWM capital projects:
  • Chemistry Building: $129.5 million (funding)
  • Student Union: $40.7 million (project authorization)
  • Klotsche Center: $7 million (project authorization)
• Received $250,000 WEDC retention grant for the 128th Air Refueling Wing project.
• Supported measure allowing the state Public Service Commission to approve settlement agreements in utility rate hearings to avoid lengthy and costly contested cases.

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Catalytic real estate developments
Objective: Enhance the viability and livability of Milwaukee.

• Provided $2.35 million in financing for Grand Avenue Mall redevelopment. A new mixed-use development, known as The Avenue, will include offices, retail and a food market.
  
• Facilitated rehabilitation and expansion of the Grand Theater, the new home for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The $89 million facility is expected to open in fall 2020.
• Contributed $200,000 to Common Ground to buy and rehabilitate homes in Milwaukee victimized by the foreclosure crisis. Funding enabled refurbishment of seven homes using local, minority-owned companies.
• Provided gap debt financing to redevelop a vacant building into Milwaukee’s first hostel.
• Worked with Near West Side Partners to position 20 properties for potential development