Partner Spotlight: Milwaukee Downtown

Each month we celebrate a local business or organization that supports Radio Milwaukee. This month, we chat with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21

Hi, what is your name and title at Milwaukee Downtown?

Beth Weirick, CEO, Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21

What is one song you can't stop listening to and why?

“Until You Remember” by Tedeschi Trucks Band. My late husband Joe Weirick and I shared a love for Tesdeschi Trucks. They’re one of my favorite bands.

What are you passionate about in regards to our community and what is Milwaukee Downtown doing for the community?

For a long time, I felt like we were the Whos in Whoville – shouting from the rooftops “We are here! We are here!” In recent years, it’s been inspiring to see so many people take ownership of our downtown and build upon the momentum. Since 2010, over $3.5 billion has been invested in completed private and public projects in our central business district and more than $2.5 billion is currently under construction or proposed to start soon.

*Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival – Running now through Jan. 1, the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival is a six-week festival that bundles downtown’s lights and sights.*

We truly have one of the greatest downtowns in the world and the people here make it that much more of phenomenal place. I look at the all interactions our Public Service Ambassadors and Clean Sweep Ambassadors have with residents, employees and guests and believe that a lot of our success is attributed to the remarkable quality of life we offer to everyone who spends time in our neighborhood.

How did Milwaukee Downtown get started and what are some highlights from 2019 and what's in store for 2020?

Ensuring positive perceptions of downtown Milwaukee was the driving force behind the creation of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 in 1998. Cleanliness, safety and friendliness; while seemingly simple, are critical factors for establishing a thriving environment. Some initiatives on the docket for 2020 include: our new street-level HQ relocation to The Avenue, making our services more accessible to visitors; advocating for accessible, affordable and connected pedestrian and parking systems and continuing efforts to assist the homeless in our community. This summer, we hired downtown’s first Homeless Outreach Coordinator, Beth Lappen, who is working to place individuals into permanent housing and support them with wraparound services.

*Milwaukee Downtown’s Public Service Ambassadors*

Additionally, as the city prepares to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention in July 2020, Milwaukee Downtown is poised to play a vital role in welcoming guests. Aiding where needed with our core programs, communications resources and beyond, we will rise to the occasion to ensure Milwaukee shines in the global spotlight.

Why do you chose to support 88Nine?

88Nine Radio Milwaukee and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 share a number of common goals. While we are heavily focused on strengthening downtown’s nighttime economy, 88Nine has enhanced Milwaukee’s nightlife and music scene, while building connections to the community. We love your attention and focus on community stories. We love how you unite our community, not only through music, but through your engagement in community initiatives.