The big question Milwaukee has is how do we keep our talent here? How do we convince them that there are opportunities and resources here when the media says differently? According to the 2019 Recommendations on Reducing Human Capital Flight (Brain Drain) from Milwaukee and its City Government report, 18 to 24 year olds and 25 to 29 year olds leave the state at a higher rate than the national average.
The report also stated the top 20 things Millennials are looking for in a city with the number one thing being a thriving job market. Sadly, Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is 3.3%, with the national average being 3.7%. And, the numbers get worst when it comes to Milwaukee because the unemployment rate is 3.6%. So, it’s no surprise why our young people leave as soon as they get the chance.
To combat the brain drain, “The Creative Corridor” was born. Que El-Amin and Khalif El-Amin, co-founders of Young Enterprising Society; Ray Nitti, rapper and community advocate; and Mikal Wesley, President at Urbane Communities LLC., are in the process of developing a 197-rental unit that is tailored to creatives on N. 32nd St. and W. Center St.
The Creative Corridor will be located at the old Briggs and Stratton site that employed hundreds of Miwaukeeans. Que came up with the idea for the development and currently sits on the board of The 30th Street Industrial Corridor, or The Corridor, as the secretary, which is where the name for the development comes from. The Corridor has been around for over 20 years and focuses on economic development in Milwaukee’s central city.
“This project represents a rebuilding of that corridor,” said Que.
Yesterday, the men held a Q & A session where they revealed their plans for the project, which has been in the works for three years.
According to the presentation, The Creative Corridor is expected to bring $116.4 million in economic impact and will have over 300,000 sq. ft. The development will have two sides: the West and East. The West side will include 70 units, a skate park, a fitness center, a small business incubator and more. The East side will have 127 units, a sports facility, a dog park, office space and more.
The Creative Corridor will also include resources to help creatives thrive, which includes lessons from two-time Grammy nominated producer and Milwaukee native Bizness Boi.
“We’re looking to bring an influx of positivity into the neighborhood,” said Ray Nitti. “[We will] make sure artists and creatives are getting connected to opportunities.”
One of the biggest things Que said they are focused on is making sure they preserve the affordability of the units. Once the funding is secured, the men will begin to start hosting community meetings because it’s important that the residents are involved in every step.
To stay up-to-date on the progress of The Creative Corridor, contact Que El-Amin at Que@scott-Crawford.com.