Security footprint for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee is released. What we know so far.

A swath of downtown Milwaukee from the area of the Milwaukee River to near Interstate 43 is expected to experience increased security during this summer's Republican National Convention.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and the U.S. Secret Service on Wednesday released the map of the area that extends a couple blocks in each direction from the main RNC venues of Fiserv Forum, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Baird Center.

It "does not detail street closures or checkpoints that will be in place. What it does show though, is the likely area that'll be impacted in some way," Johnson said at a news conference at which he also announced the launch of a webpage where answers to questions about the international-scale event are posted.

When plans are finalized, officials will share more information about the "multi-layered buffer" that will be in place within that area, he said.

The RNC is scheduled for July 15-18 and is expected to bring tens of thousands of people to Milwaukee.

Where will the 2024 Republican National Convention security footprint be in Milwaukee?

The area extends from Cherry Street to the north to West Clybourn Street on the south and from North Water Street on the east to North 9th Street on the west — nearly identical to the security zone that had been expected for the 2020 Democratic National Convention that became largely virtual.

A number of hotels fall inside this area, including Saint Kate, Hilton Milwaukee City Center and Hyatt Regency.

Outside the area are government buildings like Milwaukee City Hall and the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

Milwaukee Area Technical College's downtown campus will not hold classes or offer student services the week of the convention and in early February was working to relocate to its other campuses for that time.

What kinds of security measures will be in place in this area for the 2024 Republican National Convention?

According to a statement from the U.S. Secret Service, the area released Wednesday is "tentative" and doesn't explain the exact impacts like street closures, parking restrictions or checkpoints.

"It is intended to help members of the public prepare for the upcoming convention by providing them with initial information on whether their home, business, or commute could potentially be affected by the security plan," according to the statement.

The official security perimeter is still in development and once it is available, officials will release additional information about traffic, parking and "other public impacts."

The security perimeter is "multi-layered" and will include law enforcement officers, physical barriers and checkpoints.

When will the security measures within this area be in place for the 2024 Republican National Convention?

That was not immediately clear.

Will residents and businesses in the 2024 RNC security footprint have access to their property?

The U.S. Secret Service has begun reaching out to people who live and operate businesses within the perimeter to "develop a security plan that minimizes impacts to the public."

Road closures, parking restrictions and marked checkpoints that could impact the public, including people visiting businesses, will be shared through the more comprehensive map.

There will also be a plan for mail, trash and other deliveries or pick-ups that will be shared with residents, businesses and delivery companies.

What will traffic be like around the security perimeter for the 2024 RNC?

A traffic plan will also be released later, which should answer questions like if you can drive to work or your home if you live in the perimeter.

It sounds like traffic disruptions are likely, but the city website said law enforcement will "make every effort to anticipate and minimize any disruptions while still creating a safe and secure environment for all."

Some security zones around the RNC will impact pedestrians and people in vehicles. Some roads could be closed temporarily to help transport delegates and accommodate planned protest routes.

Where was the security area for the 2020 Democratic National Convention?

Officials in early 2020 outlined where the security area would be located for the Democratic National Convention that summer.

While DNC plans were largely scuttled by the coronavirus pandemic that hit just months after the January press conference, what we do know is that the zone had been expected to encompass much of the west side of downtown and some areas east of the Milwaukee River.

Then-Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said the zone would stretch from Cherry Street on the north to Clybourn Street on the south, and from 10th Street on the west to Water Street on the east.

Alison Dirr can be reached at [email protected]. Hope Karnopp can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee's downtown enveloped in this summer's RNC security footprint