MILWAUKEE — Peter Feigin received the key to Milwaukee on Thursday, a rare honor recognizing his 12 years of transformative leadership with the Milwaukee Bucks and his deep commitment to the community he embraced as home.
Watch: Peter Feigin honored with Key to the City, Proclamation Ceremony at Fiserv Forum
Mayor Cavalier Johnson presented the prestigious recognition to the New York native for his community engagement and civic leadership during a ceremony at Fiserv Forum.
"It is my honor, my pleasure to present a rare recognition, Peter Feigin. I want to present to you the key to the city of Milwaukee," Johnson said.
Feigin arrived in Milwaukee 12 years ago to help rebuild the franchise under new ownership. He leaves behind a renewed energy around the Bucks, highlighted by the team's first NBA championship in 50 years, a new arena, and the vibrant Deer District development.
"It has been the honor of my life to represent the Bucks organization," Feigin said.
As the face of the Bucks' ambitious vision, Feigin spearheaded the construction of Fiserv Forum and the surrounding Deer District, transforming downtown Milwaukee into what he envisioned as the city's "living room."
When asked how he saw opportunity where others might have seen obstacles, Feigin credited having "a blank canvas" and "this unbelievable opportunity for development."
"A lot of planning, a lot of hard work, and a lot of luck and timing," Feigin said.
His approach focused on making the area "attractive, make it a destination, and to activate it and program it with hundreds of events," Feigin said.
Feigin's commitment to community extended beyond major developments. Milwaukee businessman Gee Smith of Gee's Clippers, who has been cutting Feigin's hair for 12 years, shared how Feigin added a one-chair barbershop for him at the Bucks practice facility.
"I definitely got emotional - that's the kind of guy Peter is," Smith said.
Hundreds gathered at Fiserv Forum, including star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, to thank Feigin for his contributions to Milwaukee.
Feigin was honored and humbled by the recognition.
"Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this community. Go Bucks!" Feigin said.
Feigin has no immediate plans for his next chapter. Wisconsin native Josh Glessing will take over as the new president of the Bucks.
This story was reported on-air by Charles Benson and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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