Happy 45th Birthday, Common Wealth Development!! Reflecting on the incredible journey that has been Common Wealth Development's last 45 years, I remain immensely humbled to have the opportunity to be part of this storied organization here in my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. This significant milestone marks nearly half a century of commitment to community development, healthy housing, and equitable economic development, and celebrates the thousands of individuals who have been part of this extraordinary journey. From our dedicated staff and board members to the resilient residents of our housing, vibrant small business owners and their teams, to the ambitious participants in our workforce programs, and our unwavering partners across local government and community organizations - this anniversary is a tribute to each one of you. Your investment in the "Seed Called Community" has allowed us to witness and nurture its growth into the dynamic ecosystem it is today. In recognizing milestones, it is with both gratitude and a bit of nostalgia that we acknowledge Joe Parisi's 13 years of service as Dane County Executive. Joe's tenure has seen Dane County become an indispensable ally in our neighborhood development and violence prevention initiatives. His leadership has played a pivotal role in our collective efforts to forge a more inclusive, safe, and vibrant community. As Joe embarks on the next chapter of his life and career, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for his partnership and our best wishes for his future endeavors. This past March, we also celebrated the launch of the WorkUp! Academy in March, a testament to the hard work and vision of Kari Alston and Ashley Hoeft. This program epitomizes our commitment to fostering skill development and employment opportunities for our community members, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in today's workforce. Initially conceptualized by former Adult Workforce Development staff, Marquis Sanders and Rachel Stetenfeld, the launch of the program has been over a year in the making.  Huge shout out to Kari for seeing this through!! As we move forward, the upcoming election for Dane County Executive presents an opportunity for us to continue our legacy of collaboration and progress. I encourage everyone to become acquainted with the candidates vying for this crucial role, each of whom brings a dedication to the prosperity and well-being of Dane County. For more information on the candidates and to understand their vision for our county, please visit: https://elections.countyofdane.com/Ballot-Information/County-Executive-Candidates. While the election isn’t until November of 2024, it is important to learn about the candidates prior to, what will already be an otherwise HUGE election.   Looking ahead to the remainder of 2024, we stand on the cusp of exciting developments and continued progress across all our program areas. From expanding our affordable housing initiatives to supporting and expanding the depth of our youth and adult workforce programs, and nurturing small businesses within our community, we remain committed to our mission of building a just, equitable, and thriving Madison. Your support, partnership, and belief in our mission remain the foundational bedrock upon which Common Wealth Development stands. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, and together, we will continue to cultivate a city where we are able to grow, contribute, and succeed, as a community.   Thank you for being an integral part of our story. Here's to embracing the future with hope, determination, and a shared vision for the health, safety, livelihood and humanity of ALL people. Onward. Justice Castañeda Executive Director Common Wealth Development, Inc.

Thank you for your support during the 2024 Big Share! On Tuesday, March 5th, Common Wealth Development joined Community Shares of Wisconsin in celebrating the 10th Big Share. The Big Share is a unique day of online giving where 67 member organizations of Community Shares of Wisconsin raised money for the most pressing needs in our community. Common Wealth Development is excited to announce that we raised $11,885 during the 2024 Big Share! Thank you to our amazing supporters, community, and partners that made this possible. We truly appreciate your support and generosity. With supporters like you, we will continue to build a better Madison through our affordable housing, workforce development programs, and equitable business incubation.

This day was made possible by many partners, and we would like to extend our gratitude. Thank you to Kramer, Elkins & Watt for matching donations during our 2-3 pm Power Hour. Thank you to Minocqua brewing for donating a keg for our Competitive Karaoke event!. Thank you to our friends at the Rotunda Café and the Weary Traveler for being great hosts during our events.

Common Wealth Celebrated our 45th Anniversary! Common Wealth Development celebrated our 45th Anniversary on February 14th, 2024. For 45 years, Common Wealth Development has been working to grow our “Seed Called Community”, just like our original model.  Common Wealth Development was established in response to violence in the Williamson-Marquette neighborhood. At the time, the area was an industrial corridor with light-industries or agriculture related businesses. However, many of these businesses had moved or died out, leaving an empty neighborhood with few jobs. To revitalize the community, artists and musicians came together to create the first Willy Street Fair to “take back the streets” in 1977. They envisioned creating a community model which included a tool lending library, a neighborhood recycling program, cooperative housing, and affordable housing for low-income families. Two years later, the same artists, musicians, and neighborhood residents used the momentum and support from the Fair to create Common Wealth Development on February 14th, 1979.

Common Wealth celebrated our 45th Anniversary this February 14th with a Valentine’s Fundraiser. We sold Level 5 donuts and lollipops to support our participation in The Big Share. We also had a Valentine making station where supporters could show their love for CWD. Thank you to those who helped celebrate our 45-year legacy!

Welcome to our New Staff!

Common Wealth Development’s Housing team is excited to welcome Mike Suter as our newest Maintenance Coordinator. Mike started in January and has proved a vital part of our maintenance team.

In their own words...

"I moved to Madsion from Chicago in 2001 after I graduated from college. For 7 years, I worked in commercial construction before starting my own business as a general contractor. I was drawn to Common Wealth because of my work experience and shared values in how housing should work. In my free time, I like to build things in my workshop and go outdoors as much as possible. I look forward to helping make all of the properties run smoothly and look forward to becoming a part of the Common Wealth family.”

We are excited to celebrate Mike’s addition and the expertise he brings to our maintenance team!

Rehabilitation & Maintenance Updates

Spring is coming, and we are ready to welcome the beauty of the season. At Yahara River View Apartments (YRVA) and other properties in the Marquette Neighborhood, we will be building out garden beds in the courtyard to welcome in the season!   Additionally, we will soon be conducting a survey to Yahara River View Apartment residents asking about their internet needs. In the increasingly digitized world, we recognize the importance of using the internet to not only connect but to access basic needs. Two years ago, we conducted a similar survey at the Meadowood and found residents needed internet services to visit online medical appointments, attend interviews, order groceries, and other important tasks. We were able to offer free internet services at the Meadowood properties and are exploring the same possibility at YRVA.

Spring Cleaning Reminders

Spring cleaning might be on the corner of everyone’s minds with the early break in spring weather. A few friendly reminders if you are decluttering, reorganizing, or refurnishing your home.

Large Items – Large items include any item too large to fit into a standard trash bag. These items cannot be disposed of in dumpsters or city refuse bins. Any electronics (including batteries and light bulbs) must be taken to the city dump, while all other large items can generally be set on the curb after a large item pick up request has been scheduled with the City Streets Division. For more info, visit https://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/refuse/largeItems.com or ask your housing specialist for information.  Dumpsters and Refuse Bin Capacity – If you have a large quantity of waste to get rid of, please do not overload dumpsters or refuse bins. This results in additional fees and citations that result in raising rent prices. Some better options are to take the waste to the dump and dispose of it all at once. Otherwise, fill up receptacles on pick up day with whatever space is remaining. You can do this over several weeks to gradually get rid of the waste.  Reuse and Regift – Not all waste is garbage. If you have unused items, they could be reused by others. Think about donating to a thrift store, a pantry, or other local organization. St. Vincent de Paul will pick up furniture and other supplies that are in good condition.

Spring Healthy Housing Updates

Spring has made its presence known early this year. Here are a few reminders to transition from winter to spring.

Screens and Screen Doors – On the first warm days of spring, everyone is eager to open their windows and screen doors. Make sure to check all your windows and report damaged screens to our maintenance hotline at 608-573-8832 for a replacement. Damaged screens are one of the easiest ways for pests to get inside your home, so make sure to check!  Spring Pests – While springtime brings a lot of insects, fortunately most of them are not a real health or safety concerns for your household. Many bugs like Asian beetles or stink bugs that overwintered in your home can simply be sucked up with a vacuum cleaner and are not harmful. Two pests to keep an eye on spring are ants and cockroaches. Cockroaches reproduce much more rapidly when temperatures are above 50F. Please report any suspicion of cockroaches immediately as early intervention is critical! For ants, the important thing to note is whether they are carpenter ants or another type of ant. Carpenter ants are much larger than most ants as they are slightly smaller than a dime, while other ants are generally smaller than a grain of rice. While other ants can be annoying, (CWD can provide bait traps) they are just on the hunt for food or new homes but are not harmful and won’t inflict any damage. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, could mean there is a water leak or damaged wood in your apartment. They don’t hurt people, but they do indicate potential structural problems with a building or apartment. Be sure to be on the lookout for harmful pests, and please report them to CWD so we can eradicate the problem.    Fresh Air – We all get sick of being cooped up in winter, and with the few weeks of pleasant weather before summer heat and humidity come, make the most of the fresh air. On days above 60F, open your windows. If you have vents for AC or furnace, turn on “fan only” on your thermostat. This will help to circulate fresh air throughout your apartment. If you have wall ACs, you can similarly set them to fan only. If you suffer from spring allergies from pollen, this may only be feasible before May when the first plants begin to bloom profusely. However, if your allergies are from dust mites, this is a great time to de-dust your apartment!

Housing & Hope Staff Meet and Greet

Common Wealth Development is excited to partner with The Road Home to hold a Staff Meet and Greet. On April 15th from 2-5 pm, Housing and Hope residents can meet the new staff from The Road Home and Common Wealth Development. With delicious food and fun activities, this will be a great community event for Housing and Hope residents to connect with their dedicated staff!

Updates from Youth Workforce Development

Through our broad spectrum of programming, we strive to support students throughout their workforce development journey—from their first job to when they enter the workforce as a young professional. With a holistic approach rooted in a foundation of racial justice and health equity, we seek to provide the best possible programming for Madison and Dane County youth.

Welcome to our New Staff!

Our Youth Workforce Development Team is celebrating Taylor Jones joining our team as a Youth Employment Specialist. We are also welcoming two Community Development Specialists who will be working with the Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program, Tommy Pack and Alli Nolte.   In their own words...

“My name is Taylor Jones, and I started with Common Wealth in Jan 2024 as a Youth Employment Specialist. I have truly enjoyed working at Common Wealth and getting to help Madison’s youth. I, myself took the Youth-Business Mentoring Program (YBMP) and gained so much from the program, I felt it was only right to work for Common Wealth and be able to facilitate YBMP. I truly have a passion for working with youth and look forward to the rest of my journey with Common Wealth. Some activities I like are fine dining, eating, shopping, and spending time with family. My favorite color is pink, and I was born in Chicago.”

“My name is Tommy Pack, and I am a new Community Development Specialist working with the Wanda Fullmore program here at Common Wealth. I am currently a first-year graduate student at UW-Madison working towards my master’s in urban and regional planning. I also work with the PEOPLE program as an Academic Lead at Vel Phillips Memorial High School. My experience with high school students is what drew me to this role, and I’m excited to help students in Madison learn more about urban planning and their role within it. I am originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, and in my free time I enjoy cooking, playing basketball, photography, and being in fantasy football leagues.”

“My name is Alli Nolte, and I am going to be joining Common Wealth this summer through the ELLA program as a Community Development Specialist for the Wanda Fullmore program. Last summer, I worked with Common Wealth as an intern for the Wanda Fullmore program, and I am excited to be assisting with the program again this year. As an intern, I was able to gain experience both in city planning and library management through my placement with the Meadowridge Library. My capstone project for the internship focused on advocating for the needs of a local high school as Madison considered renovation ideas for a newly available site. Following the end of the summer, I joined the Youth Advisory Board, where I have been able to work with my peers on a variety of topics, from learning about the history of policing to meeting with public health officials. I'm looking forward to using this experience to help new interns find ways to express their opinions and hopes for the future of Madison. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and ceramics. I'm going to be starting college in the fall, and plan to focus on journalism, social policy, or biological anthropology. I look forward to working with the organization!”

CWD Chair of Youth Employment Network Steering Committee

Common Wealth Development is serving as the Chair of the Youth Employment Network Steering Committee. The Youth Employment Network (YEN) is a network of youth serving organizations in the Madison area that connects to share resources, support each other, and talk about program updates. They also explore the best practices when working with youth and appropriate organization standards for youth interaction. As the Chair, Common Wealth oversees communications between organizations, organizes materials for monthly meetings, and supports organizing YEN job fairs. YEN organizes job fairs where member organizations can promote their employment programs, especially summer programs, and connect with students and one another. In 2024, YEN has organized six job fairs at West High School, East High School, La Follette High School, Vel Phillips Memorial High School, Capital High School, and Shabazz City High School. Students have been eager to learn about programs like the Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program and the Youth-Business Mentoring Program from CWD staff.

Youth Workforce Development staff at the YEN Job Fair.

Youth Mentoring Program (YBMP)

Wrapping Up Fall YBMP Sessions Our Youth Workforce team has a full schedule this Spring for facilitation the Youth-Business Mentoring Program at all four MMSD high schools. In this program, teens receive support to set goals and develop their resumés, while training on networking, elevator pitches, and mock interviews to help them enter the job market. Recently, they wrapped up the Vel Philips Memorial High School YBMP program where 11 students graduated. Additionally, the La Follette High School YBMP 7 students graduated.   Common Wealth is partnering with East Madison Community Center and The Children’s Museum to offer YBMP participants student jobs with a Wage Subsidy. Additionally, the YWD team is collaborating to create a list of employment opportunities with age requirements to better help students of all ages secure employment.

Students graduating from YBMP at Vel Phillips Memorial High School.

Students graduating from La Follette High School YBMP.

Upcoming YBMP Sessions Our Youth-Business Mentoring Program is going steadily as sessions will continue at West High School and East High School in April and May. Applications for West High School YBMP will open on April 1st, and applications for East High School YBMP will open April 16th.

YBMP is a pre-employment training program that takes place for two weeks after school at each of the four main Madison High Schools. Students will have the opportunity to learn skills for entering the workforce, navigating employment, and building healthy financial foundations. Topics covered in this program include networking, impressions, interviewing, financial health, workers’ rights, communication, resumes and job applications, and much more!  CWD staff members mentor and support each student throughout the training and beyond to connect them to resources and provide access to all CWD programs. Students who complete the training will also receive $100, work with their mentor to secure a job, and be eligible to earn elective school credit for the hours they work at their job.   To learn more about this program, apply, or connect with Youth Programs staff please reach out via email to [email protected] or via phone (608) 256-3527.  Applications for YBMP include a Youth and a Parent/Guardian application—both are located on our website: https://cwd.org/economic-development__trashed/workforce-development/youth-employment/#programs.    Workshops Common Wealth will be hosting a workshop with NIP group for three weeks in April at Savanna Oaks and Badger Ridge Middle Schools. Additionally, we will be facilitating workshops at Capital High for mock interviews and a Senior Seminar. If these sounds like topics your students would love to learn, our Youth Workforce Development team can host a variety of workforce readiness workshops for your group! Please reach out to Sam Heim, our Youth Workforce Development Coordinator, at [email protected].

Youth Advisory Board Our 2023-2024 Session of Youth Advisory Board is wrapping up. Youth Advisory Board comprises 16 City of Madison Youth, and they participate in a constructive dialogue between MPD Chief Shon Barnes and other Community Outreach and Resource Education (CORE) team representatives. During this transformative year, the board explored complex topics like hiring a new MMSD Superintendent, restorative justice, and the importance of credit in financial health. Guest speakers and visitors further inform perplexing discussions as they give real world context. Upcoming guest speakers include Melinda Knuth from Public Health Violence Prevention, Heather Crowley from Dane County Human Services, a City Council member, and a representative from the Police and Fire Commission.   The board has profoundly impacted the students and allows them to critically think about government structures and their intersection with policing. One student shares this quote about YAB’s impact on them, “The Youth Advisory Board has provided me with a unique opportunity to delve into the history of policing and gain a deeper understanding of its impact on our society."  The Board is celebrating the end of the session with the Youth Advisory Board Celebration and Senior Send-Off on May 30th. We will celebrate the hard work of the youth participants, Common Wealth Development, and the Madison Police Department. This will also be a time to honor the Seniors who will be leaving the Youth Advisory Board and starting a new chapter in their lives.   If you would like more information about the Youth Advisory Board, please contact Common Wealth Development’s Executive Director, Justice Castañeda at [email protected] or by phone at 608.620.7745.

2024 Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program Our Youth Workforce Development staff has been busy recruiting and interviewing potential interns and peer leaders for the Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program. Applications closed on April 1st for the internship program, and we are excited to welcome 35 students to the 2024 cohort. Of the cohort of 35 students, five students were also selected as peer leaders. In this role, students who have previously completed the program take on additional responsibilities in this leadership role. The peer leaders were selected in late February and underwent orientation in early March to form community and train for their new role.   The Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program will kick off with Internship Orientation on May 22nd. The internship will officially start on June 16th where students will undergo an 8-week paid internship in partnership with the City of Madison. This program is more than an internship as students will undergo on-the-job training, structured lessons, and a rigorous civics curriculum to learn about City departments and processes. Furthermore, our Youth Workforce Development staff help interns build community and connections that help launch them into their post-secondary careers. Interns work collaboratively, under the guidance of Common Wealth staff and UW-Madison technical assistants, to critically assess real-world projects happening throughout the city. Youth provide insight, analysis, and critique in conversations with city staff, elected officials, and community members around development initiatives and projects. Upon completion, interns earn elective school credit and the Department of Public Instruction’s Employability Skills Certificate.   We are eagerly anticipating the start of this program. If you have further questions, please contact Samantha Heim Youth Workforce Development Coordinator at [email protected].

Madison Metropolitan School District- Experiential Learning Program  Common Wealth’s Youth Workforce Development staff facilitate MMSD’s Experiential Learning Program. Through this opportunity, students can earn elective school credits by working a part-time job or volunteering. CWD staff coordinate and communicate with school support staff, counselors, students, and guardians to ensure all requirements are met and students are on track to earn credits. They hold weekly office hours at each of the four main Madison high schools, and support students through enrolling in the program, completing assignments, and earning credit for their work and skill development.   CWD staff is continually enrolling students for the Spring Semester. For MMSD students who are working a job or volunteering and want to earn high school elective credits, here is the link to register: https://www.jotform.com/app/222263867389166.

For additional information or questions about any of Common Wealth Development's Youth Workforce Programs, please contact Samantha Heim at [email protected].

Serving Southwest Madison Residents in Achieving their Employment Goals Common Wealth uses a person-centered and trauma informed approach to address the needs of individuals and families who face barriers to obtaining or maintaining employment. Our Workforce Development programming for adults employs a coordinated care model, where we collaborate with multiple partners to help participants with basic needs, such as housing support, food security, mental health and wellness, transportation, childcare needs, and access to health care. Our Southwest office offers these services at 5802 Raymond Road.

WorkUp! Academy Our newest program, WorkUp! Academy, has begun! This specialized training program supports the skill development of our community members as they pursue employment opportunities. This program is designed to help participants find and retain employment through a holistic approach. After years of curriculum development, we crafted a meaningful progression of content that will help program participants to:  Clarify their personal and career goals  Increase motivation, accountability, and personal boundaries  Understand mental health and increase tools for personal wellness  Navigate conflict resolution with more ease  Develop financial and technological literacy  Successfully communicate in a professional context and ace job interviews  Apply for jobs and set long-term goals!  The pilot program began on March 20th and takes place every Wednesday until May 8th from 1-3 pm at the Meadowood Community Center (5740 Raymond Road, Madison, WI 53711). Eight participants have already started the program and are eager to grow their employment skills.

Job Shop At Job Shop, our Adult Workforce Development Coordinator Kari Alston has been busy with our partners from Joining Forces for Families and Early Childhood Initiative to continue providing individualized support for community members to address the full spectrum of their concerns related to getting and maintaining a job. Our team collaborates with job seekers to address resume development, housing concerns, daycare acquisition, and more.   Job Shop is currently being held Wednesdays 9 AM-12 PM at the Meadowood Neighborhood Center. This voluntary service is an opportunity for face-to-face, one-on-one support for people trying to find work. The goal of all providers is to create a caring environment and offer ongoing support for individuals. Many people come to address immediate concerns and others show up weekly and connect with the additional programming available.     Job Shop is now offering support for Spanish speakers. Additionally, to ensure wholistic support of participants, a Housing Navigation Specialist also joined the Job Shop team.

Southwest Transitional Employment Program (STEP)   Many people don’t know about our unique offering STEP (Southwest Transitional Employment Program). This program was created specifically for those who are struggling to find a job because they are inhibited by systemic barriers, such as previous justice involvement, or logistical barriers, such as a gap in job history or a lack of employment references. STEP seeks to mitigate these barriers by providing a short-term paid employment opportunity, where individuals can earn a living wage while working a temporary position to gather work history, build connections, and possibly gain a work reference based on the individual’s demonstrated performance. We have discovered that the most successful participants are 1) Open, 2) Goal-Oriented, and 3) Accountable.

For any additional information or questions regarding Adult Workforce Development programs or available resources, you can contact Workforce Development Coordinator Kari Alston at [email protected] or (608) 516-5332.

Contact Kari Alston

Updates from our Business Incubators

Improvements in our Incubators After putting a pause on projects and improvements at our facilities for 2023, Common Wealth has a lot planned for 2024. New projects to improve the aesthetics of the building are in the works, and we are excited to share more once they are completed. This February, a new water softener was installed in Main Street Industries (MSI). In March, we completed painting the hallways and common areas of MSI. We want to thank everyone in our small business community for your continued patience as the work continues!

We're Welcoming New Businesses! Love U Candles has joined our first-stage business incubation center at Madison Enterprise Center.  In their own words...

Love U Candle “Here at Love U Candle, we design and hand make every candle with love and care in small batches. We are eager to make affordable candles that not only smell amazing but also look fun and cute!”  Visit Love U Candle's Website by clicking here.

Available Commercial Spaces We have several commercial spaces becoming available in the coming months. Check out the different spaces available at Madison Enterprise Center, our first-stage incubation center.  Suite 101 – Available April 2024  2,271 sq ft  Rent = $10 per sq ft ($1,893 per month)  Suite 308 – Available May 2024  1,419 sq ft  Rent = $11.75 per sq ft ($1,389 per month)  Suite 306 – Available July 2024  707 square feet  Rent = $11.00 per sq ft ($648 per month)  See all the available spaces at https://commercial.cwd.org/.

Upcoming Events at the Common Wealth Gallery (Madison Enterprise Center - 3rd Floor) Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (L.O.U.D.) and Common Wealth Development will be hosting the Latino Art Fair Exhibition for Gallery Night on Friday, May 3rd. Join us from 5-9 pm at 100 S. Baldwin Street for great art and community.   This Spring, the CWD Gallery will be hosting a variety of spectacular artists. See the schedule below.

Your Future Event? The Common Wealth Gallery is a community art gallery located in the historic Madison Enterprise Center at 100 S. Baldwin Street on Madison’s near east-side. The 2,000 square foot gallery can accommodate solo and group shows. The rental rate is $200 per week, with a minimum rental period of one week. Reserve Common Wealth Gallery for a solo or group show. Please check availability by visiting our gallery calendar!

Gallery Calendar

For more information about renting spaces at MSI, MEC or the Common Wealth Gallery, please contact Brendan Vandenburg-Carroll, Business Development Coordinator, via phone: (608) 438-6804 or e-mail: [email protected].

Thanks for Embracing the Dane County Way By: Dane County Executive Joe Parisi

This spring marks 13 years since I was first sworn in as Dane County Executive. Within that time, our community has experienced tremendous change. And while today’s headlines often tout nationwide dysfunction and division, Dane County government has remained steadfast in championing our people and shared future:  Our staff and partners worked tirelessly to provide timely resources and financial support during COVID-19. From millions in small business grants and food pantry funding, to emergency rental assistance and mass testing/vaccination efforts, we used an all-hands-on-deck approach to help our community rebound from the pandemic’s worst impacts.  Improving access to behavioral health support through “Building Bridges” school-based mental health teams and the Behavioral Health Resource Center has benefitted thousands of residents. My final budget pushes for even greater accessibility by adding crisis counselors to the 911 center and expanding Madison’s CARES program to more communities.  Since Day #1, we’ve prioritized protecting our lakes, caring for farmland, providing outdoor recreation, and combating climate change. Our programs within the Departments of Land & Water, Waste & Renewables, and the Office of Energy & Climate Change have made us a national leader and will pay dividends for generations to come.  We’ve also fortified Dane County’s social safety net. Through my additions of the Office of Immigration Affairs, the Division of Housing Access & Affordability, and the Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity & Inclusion, Dane County government stands at the ready to serve our most vulnerable and improve outcomes for everyone.  It has been the honor of a lifetime serving the people of Dane County, and I want to thank you for joining me in this endeavor. Your support for county-led initiatives, resilience during unprecedented times, and hope for a better tomorrow have allowed Dane County government to achieve remarkable things.  While my time as Dane County Executive is ending, I have no doubt that if our community sticks together, we will continue to overcome. We will continue to chart our own path. We will continue to build a better, brighter future for all who call this place home.   It’s the Dane County Way.

Updates from District 6 By: Alder Marsha Rummel, District 6

Next year, the City of Madison will be faced with a huge structural budget deficit based on the fact that our “cost to continue” exceeds the levy limit imposed by state law. Under state law, a municipality is allowed to increase its levy over the amount it levied in the prior year by the percentage increase in equalized value from net new construction. The cost to provide City services over the last few years has risen faster than revenues from property taxes (about 70% of all revenues), local charges, and state aid revenue. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the city’s financial woes, shrinking revenues and inflating costs, though federal aid partially cushioned the blow. But the federal COVID money runs out after 2024.   The property tax levy-limited portion of the Operating budget pays for staff salaries and benefits, supplies, and contracted services –but not debt service (which isn’t subject to the state’s tax levy limit) or Capital budget expenses like buildings (new fire stations or libraries), infrastructure (sewer pipes) or equipment (new BRT buses).  City Finance Department staff is currently projecting a $27M shortfall, but that number could change. The Common Council, at the request of Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, has started to review budget trends, data, and future strategies in order to advise the mayor as she prepares the Executive budget for 2025. The choices before us are to raise revenues, cut expenses or a combination of both.  What does $27M look like in the Operating budget? The entire Streets Division’s budget or most of the Planning and Economic Development budget or 270 general and library fund positions or a 9% reduction in salaries or 15% reduction of the total budget, excluding debt service and public safety.  Raising $27 million from additional property taxes would add $284/yr ($24/month) on the average value home or about 9% additional increase above levy limit. It would equal to a 3.7% addition to the total tax bill for an average value home (which also includes the county, school district, and technical college share of the annual property tax bill).  The choices include a referendum to raise property taxes above the levy limit, implementing new special charges for transportation related costs, or libraries or parks that would show up on your municipal services bill, or cuts to basic services, community programs or staff layoffs. We also have an option to add the existing special charges for urban forestry and resource recovery to the referendum ask and eliminate them from the municipal services bill.    My goal is to maintain the high quality of services including programs and grants that serve the most vulnerable residents, continue efforts to provide wage equity between unrepresented and unionized city staff (Police, Fire, Metro), avoid layoffs, and use the most progressive approach to taxation.     The Finance Staff has prepared information for the Common Council on their website 2025 budget outlook. In early March, the Council received a presentation from the Wisconsin Policy Forum which provides a lot of good information.   If the Council decides to ask the voters to approve a referendum, we will need to prepare more than one budget in case the referendum fails. I understand the School Board is also considering a referendum. Adopting the 2025 budget will take place after the November election.   The Council has been hearing from voices from our nonprofit service providers and city workers who want the city to maintain services, staffing levels and wage parity. If that is your view, will you vote in support of a referendum to exceed the levy limit? If you think there should be operating budget cuts, new fees, etc. what would you support?    North and East side alders will hold a virtual budget listening session on May 1 and Downtown and Isthmus alders will be holding a budget session on May 30. I will attend both sessions. Finance staff will also be in attendance. Subscribe to my blog: http://www.cityofmadison.com/council/district6/blog/ to get more information about these sessions and city issues.   Please get involved so we can come up with a community informed approach. You can email me at [email protected] with questions, comments, and ideas.  Thank you,   Alder Marsha Rummel  District 6

Visit Alder Rummel's Blog

Updates from District 10 By: Alder Figueroa Cole, District 10, Council Vice President

Hola!  When is budget time? It is always budget time. Spring Elections are in April when new Alders are elected. The first year, even if you hit the floor running, the budget is a secondary task. In the first six months, you learn Robert Rules, adjust your schedule for city meetings, review agendas, and connect with staff and other Alders to understand complex and simple issues that impact all residents. The budget starts early in March, and the council will adopt it in November. The budget keeps moving; it doesn't wait for you. You don't have a choice but to jump in at any time during the process. That's why it is always budget time! The 2025 budget will be my fourth one, and we must pass a balanced budget in November.  2025 will be the most challenging budget thus far, and we need your input and support. Every year, it has become more difficult to support non-profit organizations and community centers, expand Metro routes, provide access to healthy food, support youth services, support the unsheltered community from single men to families with young children, and support violence prevention efforts. Please register to my blog to learn about the $27 Million deficit and its impact on service reductions. Share your experience, values, and priorities for the city we love with [email protected].  For the 2025 budget timeline, click here.  To register for my blog, go here.  The Council office is planning community meetings with the Finance Staff; stay tuned via my blog for upcoming dates and locations.   Council Vice President Figueroa Cole

Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center 504 S. Brearly Street We’re an inclusive neighborhood center that’s provided diverse programming for our community and all those in need since 1968. Click here for the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center website.

Arbor Hills Neighborhood Association We create a sense of community by holding events and developing spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all residents. Click here for the Arbor Hills Neighborhood Association website.

Meadowood Neighborhood Association We work for community betterment and promote fellowship for the Meadowood neighborhood. Click here for the Meadowood Neighborhood Association website.

Marquette Neighborhood Association Click here for the Marquette Neighborhood Association website.

Common Wealth Development [email protected] P: 608.256.3527