The nine communities around General Mitchell International Airport are working toward an agreement to take a more regional and collaborative approach with regard to land use, economic development, and the Aerotropolis Milwaukee concept.
The municipalities are seeking local approval of the proposed Interlocal Cooperation Agreement, which is designed to encourage government parties to “cooperate with each other with respect to regional land use planning and economic development within the areas surrounding the (airport ) and transportation corridors.”
The local government members of Aerotropolis Milwaukee which may adopt this agreement include, the City of Milwaukee; the City of St. Francis; the City of Cudahy; the City of South Milwaukee; the City of Oak Creek; the City of Franklin; the Village of Greendale; the City of Greenfield; and the village of Hales Corners.
Discussions are planned with Milwaukee County for inclusion in the effort as well.
According to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement, “The purpose of this Agreement is to provide a cooperative intergovernmental process for land use planning and economic development activities within the Interlocal Aerotropolis Area, in connection with attracting commercial, industrial, and other businesses and activities having a direct or indirect relationship to intermodal transportation, logistics, air commerce and the use of (the airport).”
The agreement enables the local governments to discuss and approve other matters to which they may agree in good faith, including design and development principles; streamlined or expedited permitting processes; economic incentives; joint marketing and promotion and infrastructure development.
Aerotropolis concepts are currently being implemented in 38 American cities. A core principle of aerotropolis implementation is that development can occur more efficiently if land use plans accommodate transportation and logistics uses around an airport and other transportation assets. This agreement is a means of coordinating land use plans across municipal boundaries to produce a collaborative strategy for growth in the Aerotropolis Milwaukee area.
