PURPOSE: Section 66.1109, Wis. Stats., allows cities to
create one or more business improvement districts to develop, manage
and promote the district. They are further permitted to establish an assessment method to fund the activities to be undertaken by the district. All of the foregoing are described in an annual operating plan which is prepared by the district board and approved by the Common Council. The operating plan also describes the amount of the special assessment to be levied against each property in the district.
The proposed Lincoln Village Business Improvement District is located within Milwaukee’s historic South Side, an area known for its strong immigrant heritage, walkable neighborhood fabric, and long-standing commercial corridors. Lincoln Village has served generations of residents, workers, and business owners and continues to reflect the cultural diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, and neighborhood pride of the South Side.
The proposed district is centered along West Lincoln Avenue, one of the primary east-west commercial corridors serving Milwaukee’s South Side. The corridor includes a variety of commercial and mixed-use buildings, many of which are located close to the street and reflect the traditional neighborhood business district pattern found throughout older Milwaukee neighborhoods. The area generally follows Lincoln Avenue from 5th Street to 25th Street.
COMPOSITION: Nine members, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council. A majority of members must be owners or occupants of property within the District. Any members who are not owners or occupants of property within the district shall be residents of the City of Milwaukee. The Board shall elect a Chairperson from among its members. Members serve three-year terms, staggered. The Board elects its chair from among its members. Appointment to the Board shall be for a period of three years, except that initial appointments may be staggered to provide continuity. Initial terms may include members appointed for one-year, two-year, and three-year terms.
A member continues to serve after the completion of his or her term until reappointed or until a successor has been appointed.
CREATING AUTHORITY: Section 66.1109, Wis. Stats., and Common Council File Number 220632
SALARY: None
STAFFING: Matthew Rejc, Kenneth.little@milwaukee.gov, 414-286-5617
LAST UPDATED: October 27, 2026.