City shares RNC security perimeter, launches FAQ web page

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The footprint for the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC) was shared with the public on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

"There's a softer zone, but then there will be a harder zone on the inside where there'll be certain restrictions," Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said of the map released by Secret Service that outlines the security permitter for the RNC.

The perimeter, which goes from South Cherry St., West of Water St., North of Clybourn, and East of N. 9th St. is almost identical to the one created for the 2020 Democratic National Convention, which went virtual due to the pandemic. While the specifics are still unknown, there will be increased law enforcement, checkpoints, and street closures.

One business that is certainly in the "harder zone," that Mayor Johnson said will have even more security, is Taco Mike's on 1001 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The restaurant is just a short walk from Fiserv Forum, the epicenter of the RNC.

"The Secret Service came in already and just gave us a couple of touch points already," Taco Mike's Owner, Cornelius McClendon, told CBS 58.

McClendon is excited about the convention, even though it will bring increased restrictions for his business and customers.

"I know during the debate we couldn't do DoorDash and Uber Eats at that point, but I am sure the foot traffic is going to increase wildly," he said. "We're prepared. I think it's going to be great for business for us and for the whole district."

To answer frequently answered questions about the RNC, the city launched a new web page on Wednesday.

"I'm asked often about business opportunities associated with the convention, about security preparations, and about how the convention might inconvenience folks who may come downtown," Johnson explained.

"There's a wide range of categories offering information to residents, information to visitors, as well as information to businesses as well."

There will also be an area for people to exercise their right to freedom of speech during the convention. According to the FAQ page, to accommodate speakers, the city will provide an organized speaker’s platform with audio equipment and a podium a short distance from Fiserv Forum.

To visit the convention FAQ page, click here.