Public affairs/government relations
Compass Properties

Challenge

Compass Properties is a real estate investment and management company based in Wausau, Wis. In late 2006, Compass Properties sought to secure approval for a $3.2 million financing package from the City of Milwaukee to assist with the $24.8 million restorative development of its downtown Milwaukee branch office building. However, the City of Milwaukee’s Comptroller’s Office did not endorse the TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) request and as a result, the City of Milwaukee Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhood and Development (ZND) Committee was not inclined to support the TIF request.

Solution

The overall goal of Mueller Communications was to assist Compass Properties with securing a TIF in the amount of $3.2 million. The agency worked with the client to reposition the project as a redevelopment project versus the historic restoration pitch the client had previously fashioned.

In addition, Mueller Communications developed a handout containing key facts regarding Compass Properties community improvement efforts to ensure consistent messages were being delivered to all decision-makers. The agency also helped facilitate meetings with members of the ZND committee, the Comptroller and several local officials.

Results

Over the course of five months, Mueller Communications was able to take a “dead on arrival” project and accomplish the goal of assisting Compass Properties to secure the $3.2 million TIF.

By repositioning the project with strong messaging and support materials, the agency secured a new letter from the Comptroller and garnered the support of the Common Council.

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