Inside West Allis's Playbook for Stronger Local Economies
About this episode
Steve Schaer and Patrick Schloss share how landlocked, eleven‑square‑mile West Allis, Wisconsin has become one of metro Milwaukee’s most business‑friendly cities by growing from within after major factory closures. They trace the community’s path from brownfields and aging corridors to adaptive reuse, new housing, and lively main streets filled with independent shops, coffee houses, and breweries. Along the way, they highlight zoning shifts, creative financing tools, arts events, transportation academies, and on‑the‑ground outreach that together have changed the city’s trajectory.
ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES- Vote for West Allis in the Strongest Town Contest!
- Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn)
- Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here.
This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you!
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Bottom-Up Revolution publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Bottom-Up Revolution
The Missing Ingredient in Great Placemaking
The Bottom-Up Revolution
The Goldilocks Problem Behind City Taxes
The Bottom-Up Revolution
The Co-Living Exchange Pairing Students and Seniors
The Bottom-Up Revolution
They Want to Pave Old San Juan for Parking
The Bottom-Up Revolution