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Business group proposes event-based entertainment district; committee directs staff to draft ordinance

3286855 · May 12, 2025
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Summary

The Waukesha Downtown Business Association proposed exploring an event‑based designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) with wristbands, one‑drink limits, QR‑mapped footprints and cleanup plans; the committee asked the city attorney to draft a proposed ordinance for future discussion and possible council recommendation.

The Waukesha Downtown Business Association (WDBA) on May 12 asked the Ordinance and Licensing Committee to explore creating event‑based designated outdoor refreshment areas — commonly called DORAs — in downtown Waukesha to let patrons buy alcohol from participating businesses and consume it within mapped, time‑limited footprints.

WDBA presenters said DORAs first expanded after the COVID‑19 pandemic and that other Wisconsin cities — including Neenah, Sheboygan, Ripon, Stevens Point, Oshkosh and Sturgeon Bay — have used event‑based or permanent districts to boost foot traffic and support downtown businesses. The WDBA proposed an event‑based approach for Waukesha so organizers could pilot smaller festivals (for example a Williams Street Festival) and move footprints around…

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