Regional challenges require shared ownership

​By Tim Sheehy, MMAC President

As we look ahead at the priorities for the MMAC, it's worth taking stock of the current metro Milwaukee balance sheet from a business perspective.

On the asset side, Metro Milwaukee has a solid foundation: a concentration of global corporate headquarters; an enviable footprint of next generation manufacturing; industry diversification that spans financial services to water technologies; and a workforce recognized for its ingenuity and productivity. In addition, we boast some of the best health care in the world, outstanding educational institutions at all levels and a quality of life that is accessible and exceptional.
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“To those employers who are seeking to improve this region as place to grow, invest capital and create jobs, consider joining the Association to strengthen this collective effort.”

​Our balance sheet also has some challenging liabilities. Metro Milwaukee faces deep divides including concentrated poverty, high rates of incarceration for African Americans, low educational attainment rates and a workforce shortage that is growing more acute. These factors combine to leave a significant portion of our population on the sidelines of the economy. And as a region we do not cohesively respond to these challenges, which at times is paralyzing.
 
Our assets – and our challenges – have been built over many decades. But the speed and global nature of economic change demand that we respond quickly, and as one region. A shared ownership of the region’s future is the only effective response. Bottom line, while we are making progress, we need to accelerate our pace and close the inter-regional gaps. MMAC’s Blueprint for Economic Prosperity is an accelerant to ignite the region’s economic success.
 
As we look forward from our 155-year-old history, we do so with an urgency to address the challenges facing our members and the community. Change is only possible through engagement. Thank you.