Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Building a Stronger Milwaukee Through Civic Leadership
The Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC) is a private sector civic organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural and economic vitality of the Milwaukee Metropolitan area. Founded in 1948, we bring together 200 influential leaders from business, education, labor, and philanthropy to address pressing civic challenges through research-driven collaboration. Our strategic focus areasfiscal strength, education, public safety, and infrastructureguide our efforts to create measurable, equitable solutions that improve quality of life and economic opportunity.We convene cross-sector partnerships, support innovative initiatives like The Water Council and BizStarts Milwaukee, and advocate for policies that strengthen Milwaukee as a place for all to thrive. With decades of experience, our team combines deep local expertise with a commitment to transparency and community engagement, ensuring Milwaukee remains a vibrant, competitive region.
Services
Fiscal Strength
Education
Public Safety
Infrastructure
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We have 75+ years of experience shaping Milwaukee's civic landscape.
- Our cross-sector network includes 200+ business and community leaders.
- We focus on four key areas: fiscal strength, education, public safety, and infrastructure.
- Our research-driven approach creates measurable, equitable solutions.
- We convene partnerships that launched transformative initiatives like The Water Council.
Services
Fiscal Strength
We develop tax policies and operational efficiencies to strengthen Milwaukee's fiscal health. Our research-driven approach identifies sustainable solutions for city and county budgets while promoting economic growth. By collaborating with government and business leaders, we ensure Milwaukee remains financially resilient and competitive.
Education
Our initiatives connect K-12 education with employer needs through programs like the Regional Workforce Alliance. We support early childhood education, teacher retention, and career pathways that prepare Milwaukee residents for high-demand jobs. This creates equitable opportunities for lifelong learning and economic mobility.
Public Safety
We address gun violence, reckless driving, and transit safety through community-led solutions. Our work includes supporting neighborhood development projects and advocating for policies that enhance safety while preserving quality of life. We collaborate with law enforcement and residents to create sustainable change.
Infrastructure
We advance infrastructure projects that improve transportation, housing, and public spaces. Initiatives include the Anti-Displacement Fund to prevent gentrification and strategic plans for downtown Milwaukee's growth. Our efforts ensure infrastructure investments benefit all residents and support long-term regional prosperity.
People
Joel Brennan
President
Joel Brennan leads the Greater Milwaukee Committee's efforts to strengthen regional prosperity. With decades of civic leadership experience, he focuses on fostering cross-sector collaboration to address Milwaukee's most pressing challenges in fiscal policy, education, and infrastructure.
Dave Anderson
Chair
Dave Anderson serves as Chair of the GMC, guiding strategic priorities for Milwaukee's future. As a BMO Bank executive, he brings financial expertise to initiatives promoting economic growth, equitable development, and sustainable urban planning across the region.
Heather Pechacek
Assistant to the President
Heather Pechacek manages operational support for the GMC's leadership. She coordinates strategic initiatives and community engagement efforts, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission to improve Milwaukee through collaborative problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.
DeShaun Robinson
Strategic Initiatives Director
DeShaun Robinson leads projects advancing equity and economic opportunity in Milwaukee. He oversees programs connecting education to workforce needs, manages community development partnerships, and implements strategies to address systemic barriers in underserved neighborhoods.
Questions
What is the Greater Milwaukee Committee's primary mission?
We work to make Milwaukee the best place to live, learn, work, play, and stay by addressing civic challenges through cross-sector collaboration in fiscal strength, education, public safety, and infrastructure.
How can businesses get involved with the GMC?
Businesses can join our network of 200+ member organizations to participate in task forces, committees, and initiatives that shape Milwaukee's future through policy advocacy and collaborative projects.
What major projects has the GMC completed?
We've driven transformative projects including The Water Council, BizStarts Milwaukee, Miller Park, and the Anti-Displacement Fund, focusing on economic growth, infrastructure, and equitable development since 1948.
How does the GMC address public safety concerns?
We tackle gun violence, reckless driving, and transit safety through community-led solutions, neighborhood development projects, and policy recommendations that balance safety with quality of life improvements.
