Power of the Partnership: Business Improvement District #10

Although the Near West Side Business Improvement District #10 (BID #10) expanded to its current format in 2015 covering all of the Near West Side, it has been around since 1993.

In that 26 year history there has been numerous successful initiatives, projects and developments. BID #10 has and continues to support the base operations of the Near West Side Partners and the many residential, business and community partners.

This partnership of BID #10 is important has proven to be invaluable and it is the leadership of the board that solidifies that partnership. Here are five examples highlighting the Power of the Partnership with Near West Side and BID #10.

#1: Property Improvements

BID #10 supports clean and attractive commercial corridors and that means that businesses are encouraged to continue to improve their facades and landscapes. This encouragement may come in a form of a letter, a visit to the property or having NWSP staff attend a license hearing.

#2: Safety

BID #10 has participated with many of it's businesses in safety programs and initiatives to including installing cameras, lights and implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles in landscaping and property improvements. Kilbourn Supermarket is installing additional cameras and the BP gas station is clearing areas of overgrowth adjacent to the property to improve the site-line and safety.

#3: Infrastructure Improvement and Advocacy

BID #10 works closely with the City of Milwaukee and has advocated for millions of dollars worth of improvements along the various commercial corridors. Wisconsin Avenue, 27th Street and Highland Boulevard are the many streets that have seen infrastructure improvements in the past 3 years.

#4: Business Recruitment

Daddy's Soul, Siebert Lutheran Foundation, Central Standard Distillery and Pete's Pop are just a few of the businesses that have called the Near West Side home in the past three years. There are currently 10 new businesses going through the process of making NWS home with 2 businesses having dates to open in 2019.

#5: Business Retention

BID #10 works to make sure that our current businesses have the support they need to be successful. That support can come in many forms including letters of support, facade and property improvement grants, sponsorships, and more. Each year a percentage of BID #10 budget is dedicated to sponsoring and hosting local events to that bring thousands of people to come and patronize NWS businesses.

As BID #10 celebrates its 27th birthday we are gearing up for an exciting future with plans of a large Wisconsin Avenue Streetscape, announcements on new businesses opening and working closely with the BID board to provide the support our businesses need to thrive in 2019.