Milwaukee, WI

Background

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has a strong track-record of innovation in manufacturing, clean energy, green infrastructure, urban planning, and water technology.

The City of Milwaukee Office of Environmental Sustainability is partnering with the Building Owners and Management Association (BOMA), the Downtown Business Improvement District, civic leaders, and the US Department of Energy to join the Better Buildings Challenge (http://city.milwaukee.gov/sustainability/bbc). Mayor Tom Barrett established energy reduction goals for all City facilities in 2005. Milwaukee is now poised to extend these energy efficiency efforts throughout the downtown and broader community, and has already received commitments from some of the most prominent downtown buildings, such as the City Center at 735. The City of Milwaukee is providing financial support to businesses that take the Better Buildings Challenge and complete energy efficiency projects. The Milwaukee Energy Efficiency Program, Me²(http://www.smartenergypays.com/), is an ARRA funded program that provides rebates and financing to help spur the clean energy economy forward, improve the city’s buildings stock and help put residents back to work.