Making an impact since 1948
The GMC serves as a catalyst behind Milwaukee’s most important civic progress, and holds itself accountable for results. The organization has evolved from a driver of brick-and-mortar projects in the region to taking on more complex social issues. Notable accomplishments include:
1948
GMC officially incorporates
1950
Milwaukee Arena (now UWM Panther Arena) is constructed
1952
County Stadium completed, the Braves arrive the following year
1955
General Mitchell Field’s new terminal opens
1957
War Memorial dedicated on lakefront
1963
Social Development Commission (SDC) launches in Milwaukee
1964
New Milwaukee County Zoo opens
1967
United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) begins
1969
Regional Medical Center development opens
1970
Pilots land in Milwaukee and become the Brewers
1975
Milwaukee Art Museum expansion opens on lakefront
1982
Grand Avenue Mall dedicated
1985
First Riverwalk segment opens
2001
Miller Park (now American Family Field) opens
2005
Milwaukee 7 initiative unites seven counties around an agenda to grow, expand, and attract world-class businesses and talent
2006
Regional Transit Authority established
2007
Inner City Growth Awards begin
2007
MPS approves new Strategic Plan as first full-year class graduates from Bradley Tech High School
2008
BizStarts Milwaukee forges region-wide approach to assisting entrepreneurs
2008
Creative Alliance Milwaukee audits cultural assets and develops new strategic plan
2009
Launch of The Water Council
2010
Milwaukee earns its first “Well City USA” designation followed by a second designation in 2015, the first city to be given the title twice.
2011
Effective Government Committee champions fiscal and governance improvements in county
2011
Milwaukee Succeeds launches
2012
Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit enhances companies’ diversity recruitment
2013
Teachtown MKE and Key to the City launched, improving teacher retention rates
2014
The Commons connects regional university and college students with companies to apply entrepreneurial teachings and improve talent development & retention
2014
Guiding Lens Group formed to facilitate the Beerline Trail Neighborhood Development creative placemaking project in Harambee and Riverwest Neighborhoods
2015
MKE United Strategic Action Agenda launched to create a shared and inclusive vision for the Greater Downtown
2017
Scale Up Milwaukee companies project $270M+ in revenue, over 600 new jobs in the region
2019
Launched the Anti-Displacement Fund to prevent homeowner displacement and gentrification of neighborhoods surrounding downtown Milwaukee.
2022
Performed an Operational Review of the City of Milwaukee to discover efficiencies and highlight sustainable solutions
2023
Celebrated 75-year Anniversary
2023
Passed Act 12 in collaboration with the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Metropolitan Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce
2024
Launched new strategic plan to address Fiscal Strength, Education, Infrastructure, Public Safety
2025
Announced MPS Superintendent Leader Impact Fund to support new MPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius
