MKE Aerotropolis Development Plan
about Aerotropolis Milwaukee
Aerotropolis Milwaukee originated in 2009 with the formation of the Milwaukee Gateway Aerotropolis Corporation (MGAC), a public-private nonprofit created to advance coordinated economic development centered around General Mitchell International Airport. In 2013, the organization adopted the brand name Aerotropolis Milwaukee to better reflect its regional focus and long-term vision.
Led by The Gateway to Milwaukee, Aerotropolis Milwaukee brought together municipalities, businesses, and regional partners to strengthen economic collaboration across the airport area. The initiative focused on linking the region’s air, rail, road, and shipping transportation assets with existing and future real estate and business development—supporting business growth, job creation, improved connectivity, and coordinated land use across surrounding communities.
Through this work, Aerotropolis Milwaukee helped advance a shared regional approach to development around one of southeastern Wisconsin’s most important economic drivers: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
Development Plan
In 2017, Aerotropolis Milwaukee and its partners reached a major milestone with completion of the MKE Aerotropolis Development Plan, a year-long planning effort led in partnership with the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.
The plan identifies opportunities related to:
- Industry and business development
- Freight, logistics, and multimodal transportation
- Infrastructure and connectivity to the airport
- Strategic growth areas near the airport and major corridors
The report provides a shared framework to guide local governments, industry leaders, and developers in future land use decisions and strategic investments across the airport region.
Building on the Aerotropolis Vision
The Gateway to Milwaukee continues to work with municipalities, businesses, and regional partners to advance planning, redevelopment, and economic development efforts throughout the Airport Gateway area and surrounding corridors.
Building on the Aerotropolis Vision
Aerotropolis Milwaukee is no longer an active standalone initiative, and the original website is no longer maintained. The Gateway to Milwaukee continues to work with municipalities, businesses, and regional partners to advance planning, redevelopment, and economic development efforts throughout the Airport Gateway area and surrounding corridors.
