Beyond Brewing: An Economic Development Report for Milwaukee

Abstract

This undertaking seeks to better understand both the quantitative and qualitative (socio)-economic dynamics and underpinnings of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). It begins with a brief economic and demographic profile of the city and region, then transitions into more specific analyses of the social, political, and economic trends taking place in the region. Despite the fact that Milwaukee has historically been known as a manufacturing and brewing powerhouse, it has since taken steps to diversify its economic functions. With a variety of regional specializations—including electrical equipment, internet service providers, printing, and couriers—Milwaukee has been performing secondary and tertiary economic functions as well as diversifying into the service sector. Several important industries have experienced substantial growth in recent years (health care, private sector, services), while other sectors have witnessed a severe decline (logging, mining, textiles, manufacturing). The Milwaukee MSA is also heavily gender-stratified. Sectors experiencing the highest growth rates are private services, wholesale trade, and construction; while declining industries include but are not limited to military functions, state government, farming, and markedly manufacturing.