Milwaukee 7, an economic partnership of seven counties in southeastern Wisconsin, plans to create 8,800 jobs and secure $1 billion in capital investment for the region between 2020 and 2024.

To date, M7 has helped create over 2,000 jobs and secured $501 million of the target goal. The group plans to achieve its goals by generating interest in Wisconsin and showcasing the state’s “Midwestern work ethic, which is like no other,” M7 Executive Director Jim Paetsch said.

Paetsch announced the plan during the group’s webinar yesterday. Department of City Development City of Milwaukee Commissioner Lafayette Crump and Kenosha Area Business Alliance President Todd Battle joined Paetsch to discuss the economic development of the Milwaukee region.

The partnership between Milwaukee, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties was designed to “work directly with companies looking to create jobs and invest capital in our region.” M7 works with local, national and international companies to increase economic development in the area.