Inside West Allis's Playbook for Stronger Local Economies

About this episode

The episode discusses how West Allis, Wisconsin transformed into a business-friendly city through community-driven initiatives after factory closures.

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!

People in this episode

Guests: Steve Schaer, Patrick Schloss

Topics covered

• local economies
• urban development
• community revitalization
• zoning
• adaptive reuse
• business-friendly policies

Keywords

• West Allis
• local economies
• business-friendly
• adaptive reuse
• zoning shifts
• community outreach
• transportation academies

Mentioned in this episode

Places: West Allis, Wisconsin

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