A city plan calls for reimagining an elevated freeway that cuts through downtown communities and redeveloping public properties.
Updates proposed to Milwaukee's new downtown comprehensive plan by Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s Department of City Development include a focus on reconnecting communities separated by Interstate 794 and redeveloping MacArthur Square, a long-vacant area next to the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Tom Daykin describes the plan in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Goals for the new comprehensive plan include growing the downtown population, investing in parks and public spaces, improving public transit, and enhancing streets to be safer and more accessible to all users.
The plan calls for evaluating the potential to replace I-794 with at-grade streets and utilize the 32.5 acres under the now-elevated freeway for other development. In lieu of full removal, the proposal advocates for “any interim alternative should prioritize modernization of the infrastructure to reduce the footprint, activation of the public spaces and streets under the bridges, improvements to the ramp connections, and increase safety for pedestrian crossings.”
Daykin details other parts of the plan, including Complete Streets improvements for North Water Street, the redevelopment of a downtown parking garage into high-density, mixed-use projects, and the expansion of The Hop streetcar.
FULL STORY: New downtown Milwaukee plan includes a focus on removing I-794 and a renewed MacArthur Square.
Downtown Los Angeles Gears Up for Growth
A new report highlights Downtown L.A.’s ongoing revival through major housing projects, adaptive reuse, hospitality growth, and preparations for global events in the years ahead.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Downtown Los Angeles on the Rise: A Promising 2025
Fueled by new developments, cultural investments, and a growing dining scene, downtown Los Angeles is poised for significant growth in 2025, despite challenges from recent wildfires and economic uncertainties.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie