“Southeastern Wisconsin has become an ecosystem where businesses, universities and other groups can come to collectively solve global water challenges. And Milwaukee has created an environment for similar companies, like Zurn, to access world-class talent, innovation and technology development.” – Craig Wehr, President, Zurn Industries, 2017 – Read about Zurn’s decision to relocate to Milwaukee.

With 238 water technology businesses in the region, academic programs and economic development organizations dedicated to the advancement of freshwater technologies, Milwaukee is a textbook case study on the profound impact of a comprehensive cluster development approach. Our region’s unique spirit of collaboration and dedication has created ripple effects in an area referred to as the ‘Milwaukee Water Technology District’ in the Walker’s Point neighborhood. An Economic Investment Analysis was developed to showcase this unique success story of vigorous public-private partnerships.

Why Locate in Milwaukee, WISCONSIN?

In Wisconsin, you’re free to think bigger, encouraged to make your mark, and poised for great things to happen. Check out what makes this state a premier destination for business, career and personal fulfillment.

What is “water technology”?

The Water Council defines water technology as solutions that address water quality and quantity for water users.

What is a “cluster”?

The U.S. Small Business Administration defines clusters as geographic concentrations of organically interconnected small, medium and large businesses, universities, non-governmental organizations, and economic development organizations in a particular field. Cluster activities increase opportunities for these segments to participate and promote innovation, identify research, create jobs and attract capital within a particular industry and generally enhance regional economic growth.

Water Centric City

The Water Centric City initiative spearheaded by the City of Milwaukee connects communities around the world and showcases cities who are global leaders in managing water resources in a sustainable and resilient way.

The City of Milwaukee’s Water Centric City (WCC) initiative promotes and connects communities around the world that demonstrate leadership in managing natural water resource assets in a sustainable and resilient way. The initiative provides a network for cities to share best practices and guidance, and a framework of outcomes and metrics for the following areas: integrated water resource management, water supply and treatment, innovation and technology, water related industry, water education, culture and recreation and water stewardship. The WCC initiative is a program of the City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office in partnership with The Water Council, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Harbor District and many others. Cities anywhere in the world can begin the Water Centric City journey by taking the pledge, completing the framework and publishing a signed commitment to water stewardship from the mayor. Participating cities will be integrated into the WCC network and provided with the official Water Centric City logo to display proudly across their community.

“We have had about 4 years in a row where the U.S. Triathlon comes to compete in Milwaukee. They have told us that it’s the cleanest urban water environment that they compete in. We have people coming to Milwaukee for the clean environment that we created.”
–Kevin Shafer, Executive Director of Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District