American Planning Association (Wisconsin Chapter) awarded the "Best Practice Award" to the city of West Bend and GRAEF engineering and consulting firm for the Downtown and Streetscape Master Plan at the 2024 APA-Wisconsin Annual Conference in Madison on Thursday and Friday, the city announced.

In 2023-’24, a group of private-sector leaders and the City of West Bend engaged with GRAEF to develop a master plan that examines all areas of downtown West Bend, including south to The Tower Heritage Center, north to Regner Park, east to the Eisenbahn State Trail, west to Eighth Avenue and everything in between, according to the city’s announcement.

Following the addition of the Downtown Riverwalk to the city and the reconstruction of Main Street, this plan serves as a road map for continued growth and improvement for the city as a whole.

"With the recent completion of significant downtown projects, including the Downtown Riverwalk and the reconstruction of historic Main Street, the plan will guide the city as it continues to develop, grow, and flourish," the City said.