Mukwonago committee outlines downtown strategic-plan objectives, from wayfinding to buried power lines and business outreach

The Mukwonago Downtown Development Committee spent its meeting refining objectives for a downtown strategic-plan presentation to the village board, emphasizing short-term talking points and longer-term initiatives that include wayfinding signage, burying overhead power lines on portions of State Highway 83, tourism promotion and better communications with local businesses.

Committee members agreed the June 3 presentation should be concise and accompanied by a handout so board members can follow the committee’s priorities. Chair and committee members urged that the packet highlight a short list of deliverables rather than a lengthy narrative, with additional detail kept as a living document for later discussion.

Key priorities discussed included: using this year’s capital allocation to install wayfinding and historic signage, exploring grant and funding opportunities to bury power lines (the group referenced prior outreach to We Energies and discussed an initial segment from Front Street eastward), and preparing potential decorative lighting to follow any utility burial. "When you talk lightings you need to consider banners," one committee member said while discussing engineering requirements for banner attachments.

Members also discussed expanding the downtown designation via a 'hub and spoke' approach to include corridors beyond the existing overlay, and whether that expansion and other major changes are better handled through the comprehensive plan amendment process. The committee debated whether tourism should be a standalone objective or included under business outreach; members noted current hotel tax revenue handled by the Chamber is roughly $40,000 annually and that an additional hotel could potentially add similar revenue for beautification or tourism initiatives.

On communications, the committee recommended creating a business contact list, a questionnaire or quarterly email updates (using the village’s Mailchimp capability), and clearer collaboration with the Chamber to avoid duplication. Members discussed hosting a podcast episode or using village-run social channels (with controlled commenting) to highlight planters, events and downtown improvements.

Next steps and timing: the committee will compile prioritized bullets and talking points, print handouts for the June 3 board packet, and continue refining the living document so the village board receives a clear presentation of near-term priorities and longer-term initiatives.