The Commercial Revitalization Affinity Group (CRAG)
is a professional network for people who work to revitalize commercial
districts in southeastern Wisconsin. The network is open to nonprofit
economic development practitioners, government employees, and members
of the private sector, such as real estate brokers, architects and
business owners.
CRAG meets monthly for training and networking
events. Facilitated by Milwaukee LISC
since 2001 with funding from
State Farm Insurance, CRAG gives
participants the opportunity to learn from trainers and other experts
in their fields about trends, strategies and best practices in urban
commercial development. Past topics have included:
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Environmental Design and Safety |
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Commercial District Purchasing Power |
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Visual
Merchandising and Window Display Techniques |
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Alternative Financing for Small Business |
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Forming a Business Improvement District (BID) |
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Fundraising for Commercial Revitalization Efforts |
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Organizing Neighbors to Fight Nuisances |
Through CRAG connections, practitioners can share
experiences, referrals, resources and lessons learned. In addition,
CRAG provides partial scholarships to national community development
conferences such as the National Main Street Centers Town Meeting, and
LISC’s Urban Forum.