MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Milwaukee is likely to be the spot of the 2024 Republican National Convention, after a committee nominated the city Friday.
An estimated 50,000 people would be headed to America’s Dairyland. The major economic impact expected to come with it, might be felt here in Northeast Wisconsin.
Emily Tseffos, chair of the Democratic Party of Outagamie County, says she was a bit surprised to learn Milwaukee is now the likely host for the 2024 RNC.
“It doesn’t go unnoticed I think on the Democratic side that we have state legislators that continue to malign and complain about Milwaukee,” said Tseffos. “So it does seem like an odd choice.”
Although, local lawmakers disagree with that statement.
“Southeast Wisconsin is very important to the state just as every corner of the state is,” said Republican State Senator Andre Jacque.
According to Robert Cowles, also a Republican state senator, the downtown area is getting more vibrant.
“They’ll look at the Fiserv for example, they’ll look at what was Miller Park but is now American Family,” said Cowles.
Political views aside, both sides agree that the economic impact from the Republican event will be great for Wisconsin.
“There’s going to be an influx of people in the Milwaukee area.” said Tseffos. “I’m excited for the businesses and individuals that have been affected by COVID.”
Cowles says estimates are a $200 million statewide impact.
“The leadership of the Milwaukee area, both Democrats and Republicans, business and labor, all of them came together to help the state economically,” said Cowles.
But when it comes to the Green Bay and Fox Valley area, both sides say they’re confident the convention will bring tourism up to Northeast Wisconsin.
“I went to one of these conventions a few years back,” said Cowles. “People go all over the state, they just don’t stay in that community.”
Both Democrats and Republicans say Northeast Wisconsin has a lot to offer for tourists.
“I’m hopeful that throughout this whole area we’ll see businesses that are benefiting from the RNC,” said Tseffos.
“We really do have some of the best tourist destinations in the state,” said Jacque. “The Packers and Lambeau Field, Door County, the lakeshore. I was just out fishing there.”
Discover Green Bay officials tell us they are excited for their friends and colleagues at Visit Milwaukee. They say they have offered their full support and look forward to working with Visit Milwaukee to ensure delegates a great Wisconsin experience.
The RNC still needs to formally approve Milwaukee as the location at its meeting next month in Chicago.
Nashville was the other option, but the city withdrew its proposal on concerns of not having a safety plan and overall costs of hosting the convention.
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