Downtown Waukesha Market Analysis Finalized
Posted March 1, 2016

The Downtown Waukesha Market Analysis was developed as to provide business and community leaders with objective information to guide business development efforts in Downtown Waukesha. Market information is assembled here to help support efforts with business retention, expansion and recruitment, and to guide business development at the community level.

This community-led research can be used to identify gaps in the community and support efforts to fill empty commercial space. Another unique aspect of this research includes comparisons to economic activities in two peer city downtowns.

The research findings were presented January 28th, 2016 at a Community Input Session with 42 downtown business operators, property owners, elected officials and downtown trade area residents. Focus group input was captured and shared in Section 9 along with evaluation data.

Recommendations for effective community use of the Downtown Waukesha Market Analysis:

1. Utilize research to guide downtown community efforts. This can assist the launch of marketing programs; business retention, expansion and recruitment; and branding.

2. Make research findings available to likely users such as prospective entrepreneurs, community leaders, developers, existing businesses and brokers.

3. Use research honestly and correctly. Downtown leaders should take ownership of the analysis and assist others to use it correctly. Reliable data can be used to foster more informed decision-making.

4. Utilize data to address specific questions. The business community can use this study on-the-fly to address market related questions as they arise.

5. Evaluate efforts. Use benchmarks related to downtown health to help assess impacts and outcomes on the business district.

A special thank you to all who contributed to towards the cost of the Downtown Waukesha Market Analysis: the Study Team, peer city downtown leaders in Appleton and Fond du Lac, and the Waukesha County Community Development Block Grant (project sponsor).

Click here for Downtown Waukesha Market Analysis
Click here for Downtown Waukesha Market Analysis summary

For more information, contact:

Steve Chmielewski
[email protected]