Tia Torhorst was recently named chief executive officer of the Harbor District Inc. Torhorst has more than 20 years of public service leadership experience, having served in roles at the state Department of Administration, Gov. Tony Evers’ gubernatorial transition team, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and with former Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. She succeeds the Harbor District’s founding executive director Lilith Fowler. BizTimes reporter Ashley Smart spent some time talking with Torhorst about her new role and vision for the Harbor District moving forward.
What drew you to this position at the Harbor District?
“I think (the position) is unique in that it has three different facets of work, and I’ve worked in and around those three facets throughout my volunteer and professional careers. I’m really excited about the three different ways this is really driving Milwaukee forward. Those are economic development and really being strategic about the industries in the Harbor District; working to improve the health of Milwaukee, whether that’s through environmental work that we can get done or engaging people in the great natural resources along the rivers and lake; … and then really engaging with the communities that surround the Harbor District and helping create an atmosphere that’s really welcoming to all.”
What are currently the most pressing projects for the Harbor District?
“Where I’m most excited to dig in right now is this once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure from the federal government. That’s coming to the state and the county and the city, and (the Harbor District is) trying to help find creative, strategic ways to use that investment to benefit generations to come – whether it’s thinking through physical infrastructure improvements or environmental remediation that would improve health for generations.”
What is the current state of the RiverWalk expansion project?
“The RiverWalk by (Komatsu Mining Corp.’s new headquarters) and Michels Corp. is slated to be open in the next six to 12 months. And then there’s a segment of the RiverWalk – which is probably by definition more of a trail – along the Kinnickinnic River that is being revitalized through Milwaukee Public Schools. We’re starting to have some conversations about how to do a trail that can continue the RiverWalk. I think the federal infrastructure bill will provide an incredible opportunity to help in areas that may not otherwise have the opportunity for the RiverWalk continuation.”
What will the cleanup of the Milwaukee Estuary mean for the Harbor District?
“Generally, improving the health of any river that flows into the lake is a great thing for Milwaukee. The Harbor District is accountable for the three rivers that flow into Lake Michigan, and having part of that cleaned up really helps with the overall health, … the bird population, the fish population, people having public access points to kayak and to fish. ... I think all of those things are incredibly attractive not only for the district, but also the region as a whole.”
What do you believe is the most underappreciated aspect of the district?
“When the Harbor District was formed, there was only one access point for the public, and that has grown exponentially over the last eight years. The access points to the rivers and lake in the district and the work that’s being done to really bring these great natural resources into this urban environment is one of the things I’m most excited to catalyze and share more with our region.”
