Countdown is on: Milwaukee officials reflect on debate & look ahead to convention
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- And now the countdown is on.
Over the next 11 months, Milwaukee will ramp up its efforts to host the Republican National Convention.
The debate week provided a test run and was a major success by all accounts. The city and tourism sectors were thrilled to showcase Milwaukee to the world and host national politicians and media. But protesters also embraced the opportunity to be heard.
Now all the key players are already preparing for an even bigger spotlight next summer.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson said, "We punched above our weight, I think, and that is good for the city."
The city skyline and Wisconsin glamor shots were beamed to millions Wednesday as the debate began.
But Milwaukee had been center stage well before the lights came on, rolling out the red carpet for thousands of politicos, media members, and voters from around the country.
Claire Koenig, of VISIT Milwaukee, said, "Just the excitement around downtown has been palpable."
Debate week acted as a test run of sorts for the Republican National Convention, which runs from July 15-18, 2024. The number of visitors, amount of hype, and national focus is expected to be exponentially greater.
Koenig said, "This week's events were great practice for us, for many reasons."
Mayor Johnson said, "Next year's going to be much more intense than what we saw this year."
And that means assessing and building upon this week's efforts. Johnson added, "The Police Department, the Department of Public Works, other city agencies will be able to review what happened last night, make some tweaks, there's always an opportunity to learn."
Mayor Johnson praised MPD and DPW for a safe debate.
He celebrated the vendor fair that gave a platform to more than 300 Milwaukee-area business, many of them women- and minority-owned.
And he also praised protest groups for getting their messages out. "You have 1st Amendment rights, we want you to be able to use those 1st Amendment rights, let's make sure there's some common cause here. Nobody wants to see anybody get hurt."
Jessica Schmidt, of Voces de la Frontera Action, said, "We're quick, we're on our feet, we're organized."
Members of Voces de la Frontera participated in several demonstrations Wednesday.
Schmidt said while many are still disappointed Milwaukee was chosen as the host city, they welcome the opportunity to speak out against the Republican party.
Schmidt said, "We are tough, we are strong, we are resilient. And if the RNC is going to come to our home, we will be ready."
Back at City Hall, members of the administration continue weekly discussions with the RNC and the convention host committee.
And tourism teams want businesses to be ready for tens of thousands of expected visitors.
Koenig said, "For local hospitality businesses, next summer is going to be very, very busy. Even beyond the RNC. They need to be thinking about staffing right now."
MPD announced just one arrest was made Wednesday, for disorderly conduct.
Kenosha pastor Jonathan Barker told us he was the person arrested while protesting against the GOP's policies on climate change.