Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett urges President Donald Trump to bring G-7 to Milwaukee

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Sunday inviting the president to hold the 2020 G-7 economic summit in Milwaukee.

"It would be an opportunity to show the world America’s Fresh Coast — a Great Lakes city that is growing in this strong economy, reinventing itself through innovation and investment, and building on its established high quality of life," Barrett said in the letter. 

On Thursday, the White House announced the administration's plan to hold the summit at Trump's Doral golf resort in Miami, but Trump reversed that decision late Saturday following backlash from lawmakers from both parties.

The annual meeting of world leaders of the largest industrialized economies will take place June 10-12 — just about a month before Milwaukee will host the Democratic National Convention.

In his letter to Trump, Barrett said the U.S. had never hosted the G-7 in the Midwest.

"Wisconsin presents depth and diversity exemplified by a strong urban center in Milwaukee, thriving suburban communities, and rural areas that face economic challenges that are, at times, exacerbated by international trade issues. Whether it’s manufacturing, agriculture, or technology, Wisconsin has important lessons to share globally," Barrett wrote. 

One political party doesn't dominate the region, which is reflected in Wisconsin's status as a “purple” state, he wrote. 

"In fact, Milwaukee County is represented by four members of Congress, one Democrat and three Republicans," Barrett wrote. "We are in an excellent position to demonstrate a complete picture of America’s society and economy." 

Barrett pledged the "full cooperation" of the city's hospitality businesses and other companies as well as "all appropriate support" from local government. 

Barrett also said with the DNC and the Ryder Cup being held in southeastern Wisconsin next year, security preparations are advanced.

"Yes, Milwaukee would be an ideal location for the upcoming G7 gathering, and I strongly encourage you to bring the G7 meeting here," Barrett wrote.

Barrett said Monday that he received an acknowledgement from the White House on Sunday night but that he didn't know how this effort would ultimately play out.

He hadn't spoken with police about the possibility of the city hosting two major events back-to-back but said that he has "every confidence" in the Police Department's ability to do it.

Asked how feasible it was to move up by a month the timeline for preparations for a major event in the city, Barrett said, “I always say, busy people oftentimes are the most efficient people and I have confidence in the people of Milwaukee that we can do it. I think it would be great for the community and great for the state and great for the country.”

Contact Alison Dirr at 414-224-2383 or adirr@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter @AlisonDirr.