FAQ

What is The Gateway to Milwaukee?

The Gateway to Milwaukee is General Mitchell International Airport plus the surrounding area, including I-94 that divides into the I-894/43 beltway around and the I-43/94 freeway through downtown Milwaukee, an Amtrak station, a proposed station for the developing KRM railroad and the Port of Milwaukee. Within this area are many hospitality businesses, trucking terminals, warehouses, manufacturers and other businesses supporting the Airport and exporting activities. This is the Gateway not only to greater Milwaukee but also to the Milwaukee 7 counties of southeastern Wisconsin.

Who supports the Gateway to Milwaukee programs?

The Gateway to Milwaukee is brought to you by Airport Gateway Business Improvement District #40, the Airport Gateway Business Association, and the Milwaukee Gateway Aerotropolis Corporation.

What is the Airport Gateway Business Improvement District #40? (AGBID)

AGBID was formed in 2006 and is a defined geographic district in the City of Milwaukee’s Garden District along the north and west sides of the Airport. Over 460 commercial property owners in the District pay annual assessments ranging from $250 to $5,000 proportionate to their assessed values. These monies total over $320,000 and are used to execute the Operating Plan that is approved annually by the City of Milwaukee to enhance the business environment in the District. These activities include interacting positively with governments, beautification, security, marketing the area, networking to grow the businesses in the area and administration.

 

What is the Milwaukee Gateway Aerotropolis Corporation? (MGAC)

MGAC is a collaborative effort among municipalities, port operators, planning agencies, and private sector businesses which advocates for the creation of an Aerotropolis in The Gateway region.  This is a long-term planning effort which aims to create an efficient multi-modal transportation hub around the existing transportation assets within the region.  The benefits of creating an Aerotropolis include positioning Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin to be more competitive in the fast-paced global economy, creating jobs in the logistics and shipping industries, and approach economic development with a regional perspective of collaboration between different municipalities.  For more information on the Aerotropolis effort, please visit the Aerotropolis section of this website.

What is the Airport Gateway Business Association? (AGBA)

AGBA was begun in May of 2005 by about 10 business people at the suggestion of the City of Milwaukee's 13th District Alderman Terry Witkowski.  Originally, the goal of AGBA was simply to make the areas near the west and north sides of the Airport look better. It has since grown into a 501(c)6 non-profit organization with over 125 members that manage the AGBID and similarly influence the business environment in the other municipalities surrounding the Airport.

What are some of the key activities of AGBA?

Most significantly, AGBA:

1. Manages the affairs of the Milwaukee Gateway Aerotropolis Corporation (MGAC);
2. Has worked with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to ensure that the Layton Avenue ramps stay open and are safely modified during the current I-94 reconstruction project;
3. Works with WisDOT in planning the upgraded appearance of the Airport Spur, helping to monitor traffic flows in The Gateway area during construction, and communicating with businesses and the public in the area regarding this project;
4. Has participated in the City of Milwaukee’ Southeast Side Comprehensive Plan formation to highlight the needs of businesses in the area and continues to advocate for the needs of businesses within the region;
5. Contracts with Security Personnel Inc. to patrol the area at night to enhance the safety and security of The Gateway
6. Coordinates with the forestry departments of the City and County of Milwaukee to supplement landscaping along medians in the area;
7. Has worked with neighborhood and business associations in the Garden District in support of their public garden displays;
8. Manages The Gateway's promotional efforts including the website, www.gatewaytomilwaukee.com, producing and distributing printed newsletters, and manages E-News Updates.

How can I join AGBA?

You can go to the web site’s home page and click on “Join The Gateway” or select “Membership” from the main menu.  Annual dues are $100.

How can I get involved with AGBA?

You can volunteer to join one of the committees that currently include Government, Beautification, Security, Marketing, Hospitality, and Programs.