Milwaukee “Aerotropolis”

Since taking office 16 months ago, I have been working to improve economic development near General Mitchell International Airport, which is owned and operated by Milwaukee County. These efforts culminated in July with a meeting of many elected officials and a discussion with John Kasarda, the leading expert on the “Aerotropolis” concept.

He believes that a new urban form is emerging-the Aerotropolis. These are aviation-oriented businesses clustered around airports and nearby transportation corridors. Similar to the traditional metropolis, the Aerotropolis consists of an airport core, outlying corridors, and clusters of aviation-linked businesses within a 20-mile radius. Elected officials from Milwaukee County, local municipalities, and designees from the state and federal levels are currently brainstorming how to spark further economic development within this zone.

We must first make sure the airport area is attractive for businesses. A wide range of businesses can benefit from locating near major airports like ours. Airports can provide accessibility, speed, and agility to supply chains and connect entrepreneurs with customers and other partners across the globe. For many people, the airport is the first and last place they see when visiting Milwaukee. Think of when you are shopping for a home and pull up to a house that is for sale. If it doesn’t look good, you’re probably not going to buy it. Simple things like planting trees and beautifying airport corridors will make the area more inviting and appealing.

We must work collectively to develop a long-term strategic plan for our airport area. Municipalities should come together to formulate a cross-jurisdictional Milwaukee Metro Aerotropolis Authority to oversee an integrated Aerotropolis. This marketing tool can effectively advertise our unique Milwaukee spirit. We’ve already started by adding Alterra Coffee and Nonna Bartolotta’s inside the airport.

Kasarda noted that Milwaukee County is actually ahead of the curve on the Aerotropolis idea. Our easily accessible shipping port, short freeway travel times, and proximity to the overflowing Chicago business market all give Milwaukee County a competitive edge. We should leap at this unique opportunity.

If you have ideas on how to increase this competitive advantage even further, please contact my office. For more information on the Aerotropolis concept, visit aerotropolis.com.

Chris Larson is supervisor of Milwaukee County’s 14th District, which encompasses southern parts of Bay View, the airport, and other parts of Milwaukee’s southeast side. He can be reached at chris.larson@milwcnty.com or (414) 278-4252.

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