Building Official: Jezamil Arroyo-Vega
809 N. Broadway, 1st Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 286-8210
Email: DevelopmentCenterInfo@milwaukee.gov
Our Milwaukee Dashboard
Population as of 2024
556,111
Median Age
31.8
Median Household Income
$49,733
Median Household Size
2.42
Mayor
Cavalier Johnson
2022-Current
Police Chief
Jeffrey Norman
2021-Current
2021-Current
Fire Chief
Aaron Lipski
2021-Current
2021-Current
Famous Milwaukeeans
Gene Wilder
Gene Wilder was an actor, comedian and writer known for his roles in "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," "Young Frankenstein," and "Blazing Saddles." He was born in Milwaukee.
Heather Graham
Heather Graham is an actress known for her roles in "Boogie Nights," "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me," and "The Hangover." She was born in Milwaukee.
Spencer Tracy
Spencer Tracy was an actor renowned for his work in classic films such as "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Inherit the Wind," and "Judgment at Nuremberg." He was born in Milwaukee.
Charlotte Rae
Charlotte Rae was an actress and singer best known for her role as Edna Garrett on the sitcoms "Diff'rent Strokes" and "The Facts of Life." She was born in Milwaukee.
Al Jarreau
Al Jarreau was a jazz singer known for his versatile vocal style and hit songs like "We're in This Love Together" and "After All." He was born in Milwaukee.
Rachel Brosnahan
Rachel Brosnahan is an actress best known for her role as Miriam "Midge" Maisel in the television series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," for which she has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe. She was born in Milwaukee.
The Good Land
Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin with a population of around 550,000. We're known for our rich brewing traditions and lively cultural scene, playing a significant role in the economic and cultural landscape of the Midwest.
Our history dates back to the early 19th century, with European immigrants (mainly Germans) bringing a strong brewing tradition. This heritage is alive and well today, as Milwaukee is home to major breweries like Miller Brewing Company and hosts numerous beer-related events, including the annual Summerfest, one of the largest music festivals in the world.
Our economy is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, health care, finance and education. We have a strong industrial base, with companies like Harley-Davidson, Rockwell Automation and Johnson Controls headquartered here. Recently, we've seen a shift toward technology and innovation, with many startups and tech firms establishing themselves in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee offers a rich array of museums, theaters and festivals. The Milwaukee Art Museum, with its iconic Quadracci Pavilion designed by Santiago Calatrava, houses a collection of over 30,000 works. Our performing arts scene includes the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and the Florentine Opera. Additionally, we celebrate our diverse heritage with ethnic festivals like Polish Fest, German Fest and Festa Italiana.
Geographically, our location on the shores of Lake Michigan provides us with ample opportunities for water-based activities. Our lakefront is a hub of activity, featuring parks, beaches and the Milwaukee Riverwalk, which offers scenic views and access to numerous restaurants and shops.
Our climate features cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, supporting a variety of outdoor activities year-round, from ice skating and skiing in the winter to boating and biking in the summer.
We have a comprehensive transportation network, including highways, public transit options like buses and the Milwaukee Streetcar, and General Mitchell International Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights.
Diamond Certified Companies Serving Milwaukee
Building Codes and Permits
Milwaukee FAQs
Q: What is Milwaukee known for?
A: Milwaukee is known for its brewing history, vibrant arts scene and beautiful lakefront along Lake Michigan.
Q: When is the best time to visit Milwaukee?
A: The best time to visit Milwaukee is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when the weather is warm and the city hosts numerous festivals.
Q: How is public transportation in Milwaukee?
A: Public transportation in Milwaukee includes the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) buses and The Hop streetcar, both of which provide good coverage within the city.
Q: Are there any museums or art galleries in Milwaukee?
A: Milwaukee is home to several museums and art galleries, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum and Discovery World.
Q: What are the best areas to explore in Milwaukee?
A: Some of the best areas to explore in Milwaukee include the Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee Riverwalk, Lakefront and the Brady Street area.
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Serving Our Milwaukee Area
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Our Milwaukee Glossary
Brew City
A nickname for Milwaukee that reflects its rich history in beer brewing and numerous breweries.
Lakefront
Refers to the area along Lake Michigan known for its parks, museums and summer festivals.
Summerfest
The world’s largest music festival, held annually along the lakefront with hundreds of performances over 11 days.
The Hop
Milwaukee’s streetcar system, providing convenient public transportation in the downtown area.
Harley-Davidson Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of the iconic motorcycle brand, which was founded in Milwaukee.
Cream City Brick
A distinctive pale yellow brick made from local clay that’s commonly used in Milwaukee's historic buildings.
Third Ward
A historic district known for its arts, dining and shopping, as well as the Milwaukee Public Market.
Bronze Fonz
A statue of Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli from the TV show "Happy Days," located along the Milwaukee Riverwalk.
Mitchell Park Domes
A trio of beehive-shaped conservatories housing a variety of plant species and environments.
Milwaukee's Perennial Events
MARCH
Milwaukee St. Patrick's Day ParadeThis parade through downtown Milwaukee features Irish dancers, bagpipers and colorful floats.
MARCH
Easter Egg Hunt at Boerner Botanical GardensThis annual Easter event features egg hunts, crafts and visits from the Easter Bunny.
JUNE – JULY
SummerfestKnown as Wisconsin's largest music festival, Summerfest is held annually in late June and early July.
JULY
German FestThis celebration of German culture with food, music and dance is held every year in late July.
OCTOBER
Boo at the ZooThis family-friendly Halloween event features trick-or-treating, pumpkin displays and spooky animal exhibits.
Milwaukee Maps
ZIP Codes Within Milwaukee City
- 53215, 53209, 53218, 53221, 53204, 53207, 53211, 53214, 53219, 53216, 53212, 53208, 53217, 53223, 53213, 53210, 53225, 53222, 53220, 53202, 53227, 53206, 53224, 53226, 53228, 53233, 53205, 53203, 53295
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We invite you to join us and get your always-free membership now.
Featured Milwaukee Links
Groups and Clubs Serving Milwaukee
Milwaukee Bicycle Collective
This nonprofit is dedicated to providing affordable bicycles and bike repair services, promoting cycling in the Milwaukee community.
Urban Ecology Center
This organization focuses on environmental education and outdoor activities, promoting sustainability through community engagement.
Milwaukee Running Group (Badgerland Striders)
One of the largest running clubs in Wisconsin, the Badgerland Striders offer group runs, races and training programs for runners of all levels.
Milwaukee Audubon Society
This organization focuses on the conservation of birds and their habitats in the Milwaukee area, offering birdwatching tours, educational programs and conservation initiatives.
Religious Organizations
Serving Milwaukee
Islamic Society of Milwaukee
This mosque offers daily prayers, Islamic education, community outreach and social services. It also hosts numerous cultural and religious events.
Congregation Shalom
This Reform synagogue is known for its welcoming atmosphere, worship services, educational programs and strong community involvement.
Milwaukee Kollel
This Orthodox synagogue offers daily prayer services, Torah study, youth programs and various community outreach activities.
Epikos Church
This church focuses on gospel-centered teaching, contemporary worship and community outreach.
Social Milwaukee
Oldest Milwaukee
Businesses
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
(Founded in 1837)
Schlitz Brewing Company
(Founded in 1849)
Usinger’s Famous Sausage
(Founded in 1880)
Pabst Theater
(Founded in 1895)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
(Founded in 1903)
Popular Spots!
Milwaukee Art Museum
This museum is known for its architecture and extensive art collections, including works from antiquity to contemporary pieces.
Harley-Davidson Museum
This museum showcases the history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, featuring exhibits of classic bikes, memorabilia and interactive displays.
Milwaukee Public Market
This bustling market in the Historic Third Ward features a variety of local vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, meats and artisanal products.
Pabst Mansion
This is the former home of Captain Frederick Pabst, a Milwaukee beer baron. It’s a well-preserved mansion showcasing Gilded Age architecture and décor.
Restaurants We Love
Sanford
Sanford is an upscale dining establishment known for its inventive American cuisine with a global twist.
Lakefront Brewery
Lakefront Brewery is known for its craft beers and lively atmosphere. It offers brewery tours and a menu featuring pub favorites.
Odd Duck
Odd Duck is a trendy spot in Bay View that offers small plates with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The menu features a variety of globally-inspired dishes.
Ardent
Known for its tasting menus and intimate setting, Ardent offers an upscale dining experience with a focus on locally sourced and meticulously prepared dishes.