Wisconsin Center District Committee Meets Today to Review Future of Major Milwaukee Venues

Analysis of Baird Center and WCD Assets Headlines Monday Schedule

Government activity in Milwaukee today, Monday, March 9, 2026, centers on the future of the city’s premiere convention and entertainment facilities. The Wisconsin Center District (WCD) Highest and Best Use Analysis Committee is scheduled to convene this morning at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the long-term strategic direction of major local venues, including the newly expanded Baird Center.

The meeting, chaired by Liz Sumner, is being held in the N2 Board Room at the Baird Center with options for the public to observe via a live stream. The primary focus of today's session is a comprehensive presentation from leadership at both the Wisconsin Center District and Visit Milwaukee. Key officials expected to provide testimony and data include Marty Brooks, CEO of the WCD, and Peggy Williams-Smith, President and CEO of Visit Milwaukee.

Defining 'Highest and Best Use' for Tourism Assets

The committee is tasked with evaluating how Milwaukee’s major tax-supported venues—the Baird Center, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, and the Miller High Life Theatre—can be utilized to maximize economic impact and community value. Today’s agenda items include:

• A formal review and approval of previous meeting minutes to ensure transparency in the analysis process.
• A collaborative presentation regarding current market trends in tourism and convention booking.
• A question-and-answer session between special committee members and venue operators to identify potential service gaps or redevelopment opportunities.
• Discussion of future meeting dates to finalize the 'highest and best use' recommendations for the full WCD board.

Registration Opens for 16th Annual Girls’ Day at City Hall

In addition to the WCD meeting, city officials have announced that registration officially opens today for the 16th Annual Girls’ Day at City Hall. This long-standing program, supported by the Common Council, aims to introduce middle school and high school-aged girls to careers in public service and elective office. The event itself, which typically features workshops and networking with female leaders in Milwaukee government, is one of the city's most prominent youth outreach initiatives.

Looking Ahead: A Busy Week for Council Committees

While the full Common Council is not in session today, Monday’s activities kick off a dense week of legislative work. Tomorrow, March 10, the Milwaukee Arts Board and the Safety and Civic Commission are scheduled to meet. Later in the week, residents can expect deliberations in the Public Works Committee and the Public Safety and Health Committee, where items regarding neighborhood development and infrastructure grants are slated for discussion.

Today’s WCD committee meeting remains open to the public, and interested residents can access the proceedings via the official Wisconsin Department of Administration public meeting portal or the WCD’s YouTube channel.