Belonging in Milwaukee: Our DEIA Commitment

Milwaukee is a city where diversity is celebrated, equity is pursued, inclusion is practiced, and accessibility is prioritized. For event planners, this means a welcoming environment for all attendees, with resources and support to ensure successful and inclusive events.

A City Committed to Equity

Milwaukee leads by example with forward-thinking DEIA policies that create a safe, inclusive environment for residents and visitors:

• Racism as a Public Health Crisis: The City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County have declared racism a public health crisis. This guides funding, programs, and policies focused on health equity and racial justice.

• Equal Rights for All: Milwaukee’s Equal Rights Ordinance (Chapter 109) bans discrimination in housing, employment, and public spaces based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, income source, and more. It’s enforced by the Equal Rights Commission (ERC).

• SAFE PLACE Program: In partnership with local businesses, the Milwaukee Police Department offers safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and survivors of human trafficking. Look for SAFE PLACE stickers across the city.

• Bradford Beach Accessibility: Bradford Beach is Milwaukee’s most accessible beach. It features wheelchair mats, beach wheelchairs, and ADA-compliant restrooms, making the lakefront enjoyable for everyone.

Visit Milwaukee’s Unique Unites Initiative

Unique Unites is a citywide platform and campaign that celebrates what makes Milwaukee Milwaukee—its inclusive spirit, cultural richness, and authentic community connections. Through storytelling, partnerships, and place-based experiences, Unique Unites shines a light on the people and places that make this city welcoming to all.

Inclusive Experiences

• Self-Guided & Guided Neighborhood Tours: Discover Bronzeville’s Black arts scene, Walker’s Point’s LGBTQ+ and Latinx flair, and Clarke Square’s immigrant heritage.

• Public Art That Reflects Us: Projects like the We Are MKE photo series ensure Milwaukee’s public spaces reflect its people.

• “You Are Welcome Here” Campaign: Affirming messages for LGBTQ+, disabled, immigrant, and BIPOC travelers.

Accessibility at the Forefront

• Visit Milwaukee was the first CVB in the Midwest to champion the adoption of the Sunflower Program.

• Local partners are encouraged to update accessibility details in their listings to help travelers with diverse needs find inclusive accommodations and boost visibility.

• Visit Milwaukee partners with local venues to host awareness sessions that promote accessible and inclusive hospitality.

• MCTS buses are 100% wheelchair accessible and include mobile tools for accessible trip planning

• Universal design in public spaces and tourism venues

Supplier Diversity & Inclusive Economic Impact

Visit Milwaukee is committed to supporting a vibrant, inclusive economy by uplifting diverse-owned businesses and providing resources that help them thrive across the region.

Baird Center: Built for Everyone

Milwaukee’s newly expanded Baird Center stands as a physical symbol of inclusive progress. Beyond being a LEED Gold certified gathering space, it’s also a case study in equity-centered design and development.

• 42.8% Diverse Business Participation: Contract awards to minority, woman, and veteran-owned businesses.

• 41.3% Local Workforce: Construction hours fulfilled by residents of economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

• Accessibility Features: Gender-inclusive restrooms, sensory rooms, adult changing tables, and universal design throughout.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Pride All Year

Milwaukee proudly celebrates and supports its LGBTQ+ community year-round. As a city that has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for five consecutive years, Milwaukee continues to lead with inclusion, advocacy, and vibrant community life.

Here are just a few ways the city champions LGBTQ+ belonging:

• A thriving network of LGBTQ+-owned businesses, inclusive events, and impactful organizations such as Cream City Foundation, Diverse & Resilient, and the LGBT Community Center

• Signature events like PrideFest Milwaukee and the Milwaukee LGBTQ+ Film Festival

• Rainbow crosswalks honoring Black, Brown, trans, and nonbinary communities

• Membership with IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association), showcasing our commitment to inclusive travel

• Gender-inclusive restrooms in all single-stall City-owned facilities, ensuring safety and dignity for all

• A ban on conversion therapy for minors, making Milwaukee the first city in Wisconsin to take this critical step to protect LGBTQ+ youth

• LGBTQ+ representation in city leadership, helping shape inclusive policies and ensure visibility at every level

• Pride celebrated year-round, through events, community initiatives, and ongoing support for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors alike

Education, Workforce, and Community Partnerships in Milwaukee

Milwaukee advances inclusive growth through education, workforce development, civic leadership, and trusted cultural partnerships:

• Inclusive Education: Milwaukee Public Schools offer LGBTQ-inclusive curricula, ethnic studies, and civil rights-focused programming that foster identity, belonging, and equity from an early age

• Workforce Development: Employ Milwaukee provides job training, apprenticeships, and employment access for historically excluded groups, including youth and returning citizens

• Civil Rights Enforcement: The Equal Rights Commission (ERC) leads public education and enforces non-discrimination policies in housing, employment, and public accommodations

• Civic Representation: The City prioritizes inclusive voices across key boards and commissions such as the Board of Health, Health Equity Task Force, Arts Board, and Historic Preservation Commission

• Racial Equity Leadership: The Milwaukee County Office of Equity guides equity strategies across government departments through training, data analysis, and long-term equity planning

• Ethnic Business Advocacy: Chambers of commerce representing Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian, and LGBTQ+ communities provide culturally responsive support for small business development

• Cultural Institutions: Organizations like America’s Black Holocaust Museum, Latino Arts Inc, and Jewish Museum Milwaukee promote social justice, preserve history, and celebrate cultural identity

• Neighborhood Support Centers: Community hubs such as the United Community Center, Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, Hmong American Friendship Association, and others provide health services, youth programming, elder care, and cultural preservation

These collaborative efforts create a stronger, more inclusive Milwaukee for residents, visitors, and meeting attendees alike.

Plan an Inclusive Event in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city that lives its values of diversity inclusion and accessibility every day. With premier venues diverse suppliers and strong community partnerships your meeting or convention will benefit from a foundation of equity and cultural vibrancy.