Business Improvement District 2 Email Formats

About Business Improvement District 2

Business Improvement District No. 2 (BID#2) provides strategic direction and financing for special projects. BID#2 is a state statute-enabled entity created in 1987 and is the oldest operating BID in the City of Milwaukee. Each year, BID #2 is responsible for submitting an operating plan to the Common Council as part of the city’s budget declarations, which includes the budget and goals for the year, as well as the proposed formula for assessing the commercial property inside the district. BIDs are classified as quasi-governmental bodies and, as extensions of municipal government, are subject to Wisconsin’s Open Meetings law. BID #2 has a nine-member board that is appointed by the mayor and is subject to common council approval. BID #2 is unique because it is one of, if not the only, BID with operating businesses. BID #2 employs more than 80 team members; owns and operates two parking structures and the Milwaukee Public Market; maintains the streetscapes and Riverwalk in the neighborhood; and leases space to more than 20 tenants. In 2023, the total property value in BID #2’s district was around $892 million with 3.5 million square feet of commercial space. Business improvement districts have the power to levy assessments on commercial property in the district to accomplish ongoing objectives. Assessments on these commercial properties provide about 15 percent of the total $3.3 million operating budget. The remainder of the budget is funded by BID #2’s operating businesses. BID #2 maintains over 10 public spaces in the Historic Third Ward, handling trash removal, landscaping, and seasonal decor. It provides 24/7 security through patrols, cameras, and license plate readers. The addition of two parking structures in the '90s boosted local business growth. Key projects include the award-winning Riverwalk and the new Riverwalk Commons with pickleball courts. A downtown dog park is also being created in collaboration with local partners.

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