5 Ideas for the Milwaukee RiverWalk

The Milwaukee RiverWalk is already pretty great, but there's still work than can be done.

1 minute read

August 31, 2017, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sue Stokes / Shutterstock

Jeramey Jannene writes:

The Milwaukee RiverWalk is a success by any measure. It’s used in marketing materials for the city. It has re-knit the city’s connection with its namesake river. And last, but not least, the system has produced a billion dollars in increased property values for the $52 million invested in its creation. Impressive. But could it be better?

The public-private partnership is reportedly 83 percent complete, but Jannene has his mind on ways to improve the RiverWalk, so he gathered details on five big ideas:

  1. Install and Better Signage
  2. More Placemaking
  3. How About Some Events?
  4. Better Connect with the City
  5. Plan for the Future

According to Jannene, the city will soon turn its attention to the Menomonee Valley Riverwalk Plan.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in Urban Milwaukee

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

45 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

2 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

2 hours ago - Newsweek

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.