Common Wealth Development's quarterly newsletter for residents, commercial tenants, workforce participants, and supporters LIKE YOU.
|
|
|
|
Letter from the Executive Director |
Happy New Year!
And on to 2023.
Common Wealth is gearing up for the recruitment season of our Summer Internship programs! The Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship recruitment gets going at the end of January, and we are hoping to have our cohort selected by the end of March. This is a unique opportunity for Madison youth to get an in-depth look at how our city functions. Youth hear from city leaders, elected officials, scholarly experts about issues including basic planning and development concepts, civic engagement, civic processes, local government structure, municipal budgeting and contemporary political issues our city is grappling with. It is a wonderful opportunity for youth and city staff to learn from one another. Please inquire if you know of any youth who may be interested. The spots are limited and fill up quickly!!
We are also actively working on bringing four new home ownership opportunities through Common Wealth’s Lease-to-Purchase program. These will be our first projects in the Tenney-Lapham and Sheridan Triangle neighborhoods, and we are excited to work with our new neighbors in getting the houses rehabbed and / or built, and to get new families into their own homes. Two of the homes we are working on will be new builds, and through partnerships with the City of Madison, we are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to maximize the energy efficiency of these new homes. We will have more information in our Quarter 2 Newsletter, however, huge shout-out to Ashley Gohlke (Common Wealth’s Director of Development Operations) and her team for all the work they have done to get these projects going.
At the end of 2022, we were able to celebrate the opening of The Deliciouser, one of the newest small business additions to Main Street Industries. The Deliciouser team has done a fabulous job transforming Suite 7 at MSI, and are now open for business! Common Wealth also welcomed T.L. Luke Art, Yips Snacks, Little Farmhouse Peanuts, and bernie & zuzu to the Madison Enterprise Center. If you had a chance to catch them at the Winter Market, you have already experienced the amazing things they are doing and, if not, keep an eye out for them at markets and storefronts around town.
Elections!! Madison is fortunate to have a politically engaged citizenry, and this Spring we will be able to cast ballots for Mayor, School Board, and Madison’s Common Council. We are excited to feature a few of the candidates running for seats on our Common Council in this issue. The Spring Primary is Tuesday, February 21st, and the General Election is Tuesday, April 4th. Vote!!
February also marks my 6th year as part of the team at Common Wealth Development. It has been a joy working with the staff, residents, program participants, youth and community members over the past 6 years. Thank you, everyone, for all you do to make our community the amazing place that it is.
Onward.
|
Justice Castañeda
Executive Director
Common Wealth Development, Inc.
|
|
|
|
In the last newsletter, we discussed a survey that was conducted among our residents in the Meadowood neighborhood regarding internet access and usage. That survey demonstrated how internet has shifted from an item that was once a luxury to something that is now an essential utility for navigating and accessing many everyday services. With that data, Common Wealth secured grant funding to provide internet services to Meadowood residents. In partnership with SupraNet Communications, Common Wealth is working to upgrade cabling and install needed infrastructure so residents can access Wi-Fi in all our residential buildings. This will be an optional opt-in service that is offered to residents at different price-levels, starting with basic service offered at no cost. We are excited for this new partnership, and will continue to keep residents updated as we get closer to bringing this online.
Our properties in the Meadowood neighborhood are being surveyed for energy efficiency upgrades and retrofitting. These updates range from LED lighting and smart thermostats to larger projects, such as solar panels and heat pumps. Improved energy efficiency is a financial benefit for residents and contributes to creating healthier living environments by lowering emissions, improving air filtration, and moderating temperatures in extreme weather events.
On the East side, Yahara River View Apartments (YRVA) is undergoing renovations. In 2022 the flooring throughout the building was replaced and upgraded, and a repaint is underway. In pre-COVID times, the community room was a place for events and resident gatherings, however, it needed a complete overhaul (Everyone acknowledged that it was time for the VCR to go). Additionally, cabinetry and countertops were replaced, and new energy efficient appliances were installed. New furniture and décor bring life back to the space, and a flat screen TV was added for streaming. The last phase of this round of renovations will involve refurnishing the 2nd floor lobby and assessing how we will recreate the space that used to be a computer lab and playroom—both of which went mostly unused for several years.
Housing Operations continues to expand its maintenance team. If you or someone you know is looking to be a part of a company that does property management differently, centering respect and dignity for residents and staff, visit https://cwd.org/about/employment/. We value applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, and would love to have you join the team!
|
|
|
|
Equitable Economic Development |
|
|
|
Youth Workforce Development |
|
|
|
Youth Workforce Development wrapped up a wonderful 2022, supporting Madison and Dane County youth at Memorial, West, East, and LaFollette High Schools. Youth Workforce staff, through our dynamic Financial Literacy Workshops, also worked with young people in partnership programs at the GED Option #2 (GEDO2) Program, and will be doing the same at the School-Aged Parenting Program (SAPAR) very soon! As a team, we’re thrilled to be looking forward to 2023 where we will connect with a whole new group of students and move into the recruitment phase of the 9th year of the Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program!
Youth-Business Mentoring Program
This spring will see another round of YBMP hosted at the four main Madison public high school campuses—the detailed schedule is outlined below. Students who enroll in YBMP build community and connections with program staff, community volunteers, partner organization representatives and peers. Students develop foundational skills to enter the workforce, including career exploration, resume development, mock interviews, and basic financial education. The two-week training is held on-campus Monday – Friday, for one hour right after school. After program completion, students are paired with a mentor who supports them as they enter the workforce by thinking through when, where, and how they want to start working and providing guidance throughout the first four months of their job placement. This ongoing support helps to ensure that the placement is a good fit and to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. Additionally, youth who participate in YBMP are automatically enrolled in MMSD’s Experiential Learning Program, where they can earn academic credit while working their part-time jobs.
|
|
|
|
Financial Literacy Workshops
We offer free financial literacy workshops to groups around Madison and Dane County. These can be specifically tailored to meet the needs of the group and adapted to a timeline that supports youth’s schedules. If you’d like to discuss this opportunity or what it could look like for your group, please reach out to Ashley Hoeft at ashley.h@cwd.org.
Applications Open for 2023 Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program!!
In its 9th year running, Common Wealth’s Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program (WFYIP) is thrilled to begin recruiting for the 2023 season. Applications open January 17th, 2023 and close on March 24th, 2023. WFYIP is an 8-week, paid summer internship that provides Madison students with an opportunity to learn more about employment with the City of Madison. Through on-the-job training, structured lessons and a rigorous civics curriculum, youth learn about City departments and processes, and build community and connections that they’ll carry forward 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.
To be eligible for the Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program, youth must have a City of Madison address OR be enrolled in an MMSD school, and be, at minimum, 14 years of age. If you or a student you know is interested in applying for this exciting opportunity and would like to be notified when applications become available, please contact Ashley Hoeft, Director of Workforce Development, at ashley.h@cwd.org or 608-620-7862.
|
|
|
|
If you have any questions regarding any of the Youth Workforce Development programming offered at Common Wealth Development, please contact Ashley Hoeft, Director of Workforce Development at ashley.h@cwd.org or (608) 620-7862.
|
|
|
|
ADULT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
|
|
|
Need Help Finding a Job?
Common Wealth Development’s Adult Workforce Development team supports individuals as they navigate and transcend barriers in their employment search. These barriers include criminal backgrounds, history of homelessness, and other factors that have interrupted their work history and hinder their capacity for full-time employment. Common Wealth hosts Job Shop, a weekly employment workshop where participants develop their resume and apply for jobs. Additionally, our Southwest Transitional Employment Program (STEP) offers 100 hours of paid work experience. We provide holistic wrap-around services combining case management and community partnerships. Some of the areas where we provide assistance are housing support, food stability, connections to mental health and wellness services, transportation support, childcare needs, and health care access.
Schedule Changes
Starting January 2, 2023, drop-in hours will only be on Tuesday and Thursday at 5802 Raymond Rd, and Wednesdays at Job Shop in the Meadowood Neighborhood Center (5734 Raymond Road), from 9am - 1pm. We will see individuals by appointment only each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon. Staff are available by phone any time during our office hours, 9am – 5pm, Monday through Friday. Contact Marquis Sanders at 608.516.5332, or by email at marquis@cwd.org.
|
|
|
|
Job Shop
Job Shop, a collaboration between Common Wealth Development, Joining Forces for Families and Children’s WI, provides drop-in services for anyone looking for work in Southwest Madison every Wednesday from 9am - 1pm at the Meadowood Neighborhood Center, 5734 Raymond Road.
The following services are all available through Job Shop:
- Résumé writing & cover letters (provided by UW’s Madison Writing Assistance Center, writing professionals, and Adult Workforce Development staff)
- Online job applications
- Public benefit applications
- Housing searches
- Resource referrals
- General resource navigation
|
|
|
|
WorkUp! Academy
In the 1st quarter of 2023, Common Wealth will be launching our new career readiness program, WorkUp! Academy. WorkUp! will help individuals, 18+, refine their computer literacy, time management, conflict resolution, professional communication, self-care, goal-setting, and other soft skills. The program will help train and prepare participants to enter the workforce and increase their potential for long-term job retention. WorkUp! Academy is free and open to any interested community members. More details will be coming in January 2023. Please email Marquis Sanders, Adult Workforce Development Manager at marquis@cwd.org with questions or for further details on participating.
Hail & Farewell: Rachel Stetenfeld
Rachel Stetenfeld will be moving on from her role as an Adult Employment Specialist in January. Rachel’s support and knowledge has been a tremendous asset to the individuals and communities we serve, and to the Adult Workforce Development section overall. Thank you, Rachel, for your support and dedication to this work—you will be greatly missed!
|
|
|
|
For any additional information or questions regarding Adult Workforce Development programs, upcoming changes, or available resources, please contact Marquis Sanders, Adult Workforce Development Manager at marquis@cwd.org or (608) 516-5332.
|
|
|
|
Update from the Madison Enterprise Center
We are welcoming three new businesses to Common Wealth Development’s first-stage incubator building, the Madison Enterprise Center. Located at 100 South Baldwin Street, MEC is home to 19 small businesses. Read on to learn more about this amazing community of small businesses.
|
|
|
|
New in MEC in 2023!
T.L. Luke Art
“In 2018, I started illustrating empowered g*rls, exploring whimsically dark and often spooky worlds. I wanted my work to occupy space somewhere between Edward Gorey's humorous macabre and Hayao Miyazaki's childlike wonder, because I occupy that space. And I wasn't alone. If you've come to my website feeling like you don't fit into a particular mold, you've found your space. Here, I create products and comics that reflect the complexities of our lived experiences because we all deserve to belong somewhere. And sometimes you need to carve that space for yourself.” – T.L. Luke (Owner and Illustrator)
|
|
|
|
Yips Snacks
“We started with the richest, creamiest probiotic yogurt, added a little prebiotic honey for sweetness, fruit packed with antioxidants for some tang, energy-boosting, protein-packed chia seeds for crunch and fun. A little this, a little that, some magical crunchification and…BOOM, Yips were born. Yippee! When you open a bag of Yips, you’ll love that you know exactly what you’re putting in your body. And because they’re probiotic, prebiotic, gluten free and non-GMO, you’ll get the warm and fuzzies knowing you’re doing both your body and mind a favor obsessively scarfing down this tasty snack.” – Erin (Founder)
|
|
|
|
Little Farmhouse Peanuts
“Our story… my husband began a relentless campaign to escape the Midwest winters by relocating our family from the farm to the South. So, we packed up our car and began a 2,867-mile road trip to explore the South. We stumbled across two Southern old timers who talked our ears off and managed to sell my husband a bushel of peaches, a jug of honey, and a bag of peanuts. Who knew this chance meeting would change our plans. Lucky for me those peanuts were just that good that the conversation for the rest of the trip was about peanuts (and not about moving our family to the South)! While this Wisconsin-born, Iowa-raised, Chicago-trained Midwest girl wasn’t convinced to uproot and move – it did inspire us to bring a little South to the Midwest!” – Amy (Owner)
|
|
|
|
MEC Updates & Spaces for Rent
Update from The Baked Lab
After arriving at MEC over a year ago, they recently moved to a larger suite in the building! More information about their move and the workshops they offer can be found in a recent Cap Times article and on their website: https://www.thebakedlab.com/
Commercial space available at MEC:
Suite 203 -- Available NOW
- 1,413 sq ft
- Rent = $10.57 per sq ft ($1,244 per month)
- Stubbed-in for water service
|
|
|
|
Update from Main Street Industries
Common Wealth Development’s second-stage incubator, Main Street Industries, located at 931 East Main Street, is home to 18 small businesses. Read on for more information about available commercial space, special offers, and upcoming events.
Commercial space available at MSI
Suite 24 – Available April 1st, 2023
- 1,813 sq ft
- Rent = $14 per sq ft ($2,115 per month)
- Stubbed-in for water service and kitchen area
-
Link to listing with more information can be found on our website here
|
|
|
|
Special offer from Old Sugar Distillery
“Old Sugar loves a good gift box, with our top seller being our $50 Brandy
Old Fashioned Set. This year we teamed up with Quince and Apple to produce Bourbon Spiced Pecans, which we package in a set with our new Bourbon. "Bourbon & Nuts" is $50.” – Nathan (Owner)
Upcoming Event at MSI
Barleywine Fest – hosted by Giant Jones Brewing Company
March 25th from 12 – 9pm
|
|
|
|
Common Wealth Gallery (Madison Enterprise Center – 3rd Floor)
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 $195 per week. The minimum rental period is one week. Reserve Common Wealth Gallery for a solo or group show. Please check availability by visiting our gallery calendar: https://cwd.org/building-community/common-wealth-gallery-rental/
Gallery Night!
Thanks to everyone who came out to Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD) Dia de Los Muertos exhibit in November. Culminating in a great showing for Gallery Night, the exhibit featured one-on-one conversations with artists and an amazing poetry reading event. Special thanks to Oscar Mireles from LOUD for all of the work in making the event a success.
Upcoming Events in the Gallery
WI Youth Art Month: Southwest Region
February 11th – 19th 2023
|
|
|
|
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: brendan@cwd.org.
|
|
|
|
Health Equity and Violence Prevention |
|
|
|
Genealogies: Violence Prevention through Health Equity
Stephanie Bradley-Wilson, Director of Health, Equity, and Violence Prevention
|
|
|
|
Common Wealth Development uses a racial justice and health equity approach to our violence prevention work. The cornerstones of this work include reducing health inequities by providing safe and healthy housing, supporting economic stability and reducing the likelihood of violence through workforce development and business incubation and leveraging community resources and outreach activities to enhance social cohesion. |
|
|
|
Southwest Madison Action Coalition
The Southwest Madison Action Coalition (SMAC) is supported by Common Wealth Development through fiscal sponsorship and staff assistance. SMAC “advances opportunities to build a thriving, racially diverse and equitable community by fostering partnerships, sharing information and resources, and connecting intertwined neighborhoods to enhance community assets.” (www.southwestmadison.org).
SMAC recently hosted a successful series of workshops (June-November 2022) entitled “Love Your Neighborhood.” Funded through the City of Madison’s Neighborhood Grant program, the sessions trained neighbors on capacity building and advocacy for the neighborhoods of west Madison. Topics spanned multiple facets of community development, including community organizing, neighborhood building, community-wellness, and affordable housing.
We give a special thanks to Good Shepard Lutheran Church for making their space available, and especially to Rick Thomas, who prepared meals and assisted with room set up and logistics, and to Sharon Lezberg from UW Extension, who provided guidance, leadership and session facilitation.
SMAC is also providing personal hygiene products for women and girls through a grant from United Way of Dane County. If your organization wants to be on the monthly distribution list, contact Courtney Carlson at ccarlson.smac@gmail.com. If there is an individual need for products, contact Stephanie Bradley Wilson at Stephanie@cwd.org.
To continue its good work, SMAC needs volunteers! Consider volunteering your time to help in one of the committees: youth, community wellness, or housing. SMAC welcomes your skills and talents to serve the community. Contact Courtney or Stephanie at the above email address.
|
|
|
|
Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
We are planning to offer a VITA site for Southwest Madison in 2024. VITA is a free program offered through the IRS that helps low to moderate income individuals with tax preparation. These sites are important because “1 in 5 people don’t take advantage of available tax credits,” according to the IRS. “Individuals are leaving money on the table. VITA volunteers can help these folks claim tax credits that can put money in their pockets. Every year, VITA sites help lift millions of people out of poverty.” Prior to opening the VITA site at the Meadowridge Library during the 2024 tax season, our volunteers will receive training and hands-on experience working with other VITA volunteers at the downtown Madison Library location starting in February 2023. The Southwest Madison VITA project is a partnership with the WI Department of Revenue, Common Wealth Development, Meadowridge Library and MSCR Meadowood Center.
If you are interested in becoming a VITA volunteer, contact Stephanie via email at Stephanie@cwd.org for more details.
|
|
|
|
West Madison Community Events
Common Wealth plans to host several community engagements events to promote unity in our neighborhoods throughout 2023. These events will occur May through September 2023 and align with other activities happening in our community. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or a volunteer, please contact Stephanie via email at Stephanie@cwd.org.
|
|
|
|
"A Seed Called Community", Common Wealth Development’s
podcast series!
Learn more about CWD and other contemporary topics by listening to “A Seed Called Community.” The short 20–30-minute podcasts feature CWD staff and the ongoing work being accomplished to help make Dane County a better place for all. Learn about our housing, business incubators, workforce development and other efforts that CWD is doing in the community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Marquette Neighborhood Association
|
|
|
|
MNA Winter Coat Drive Report
Our annual Winter Coat Drive yielded 17 bags of coats, jackets, boots, and ski suits that were donated to The Beacon, Salvation Army, and O'Keefe Middle School. We also built strong relationships to key social workers so that we can better meet people's needs when we host this event next year.
Making Music Equitable in Madison
President Jen Plants reported on the Greater Madison Music City Project working on building equity in the music industry. The Marquette district is a destination for music festivals and this project aims to grow the most inclusive music ecosystem for our city. Learn more about the project here.
Upcoming Alder Forums
MNA will begin collaborating more with the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association (TLNA) as we prepare to join and become a new District 6. Our first partnership will be forums to showcase the candidates for alder. TLNA will host a forum prior to the primary election and MNA will do the same before the general. Boardmember Jack Kear is working out dates and locations now so watch for more details as we move forward.
MNA Approves New Committee Supporting Local Small Businesses
The board approved a new committee to work on promoting the community of small businesses in our district. The committee is tasked with overseeing the winter raffles and Orton Fest Auction both of which raise funds that are returned back to causes in our district. We will pursue grant funding opportunities with the City for a kickstart to branding and begin hosting monthly meetings soon. It will be Co-Chaired by Deven McGlenn and Jack Kear.
Marquette District Historical Archive Storage
The Wisconsin Historical Society is interested in expanding their collection of our documents. If you have long-stored boxes of old documents, clippings, or photos related to MNA, this is your chance to free up some space! Contact MNA VP Lance Lattimer at lance.lattimer@gmail.com for specifics.
Urgent Need for Canopy Street Trees
Green Spaces Committee reports that Common Council is poised to approve the Madison Green Streets Initiative. MNA endorses many elements of the initiative BUT it requires 8-foot terraces for canopy tree installation/replacement. Our district typically has 4-foot terraces meaning all new trees on any neighborhood street will likely be lollipop trees and not the grand protective canopy we should seek during climate change. MNA is drafting a letter but we will also send a Call to Action to you soon to contact Common Council for modification of the plan. Watch for another e-newsletter on this soon!
|
|
|
|
Meadowood Neighborhood Association
By Terry Evanson, President
|
|
|
|
Represent your neighbors on the Meadowood Neighborhood Association Board
Meadowood Neighborhood Association (MNA) invites you to participate with us in building a strong, resilient neighborhood. I invite anyone interested in learning about our board or helping with MNA sponsored activities to contact me at MNABoard1@gmail.com.
In September, Chad Hughes, superintendent of Madison West Parks, met with residents to discuss improvements to Meadowood Park. Suggestions included: an upgraded basketball court with more benches and lower nets for younger children; upgraded playground equipment, including baby swings; a small splash pad; greater utilization of the community garden and replacement of the garden fence. Chad has forwarded our suggestions to City Parks, who will assess budgeting for these improvements.
Scott Reitmeier, a burglary prevention supervisor with Madison Police, met with the MNA board in November to discuss community outreach and participation for crime reduction. Overall, there has been a reduction in crime in Meadowood. However, the incidents of stolen vehicles continue to climb and is a city-wide problem. As community members we can make our neighborhood safer through “environmental hardening”. This simply means lock all doors to your cars and homes; close garage doors; be aware of unusual activity near your apartment or house; know your neighbors and watch out for one another.
Meadowood Health Partnership, founded and operated by Sheray Wallace, is sponsoring a series of violence prevention talks at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. These meetings were the result of a several shots fired incidents near Balsam and Leland Roads. Sheray is working with Orchard Ridge Elementary and Toki Middle School to support the mental health of children affected by the shots fired incidents. Thank you to everyone who participates in violence prevention efforts. Strong relationships between residents in our neighborhood leads to greater personal security, better mental and physical health, and a more livable, enjoyable community.
MNA turns 65 years old in 2023. I invite you to support our neighborhood by becoming a member of MNA. You can join on-line at https://www.meadowoodneighborhood.org/membership or by contacting me a MNABoard1@gmail.com. MNA provides an important connection between you and the city council, city services, and non-profit organizations working in our neighborhood. Membership is $10/family per year. The dues help support Meadowood Health Partnership, MNA sponsored activities (including winter Bingo game, Make Music Madison, and an annual picnic), our newsletter (The Meadoword) and access to our neighborhood directory. Come join us!
Terry Evanson, President
Meadowood Neighborhood Association
|
|
|
|
An Update from Dane County Executive Joe Parisi |
|
|
|
Explore Winter Recreation Opportunities at Dane County Parks
It’s winter in Wisconsin—the time of year when icicles adorn eaves, snow angels appear in fresh blankets of snow, and Jack Frost decorates our windows.
The winter season also offers new ways to explore the Dane County Park System. From winter hiking and snowshoeing to ice fishing and cross-country skiing, there are many activities residents and visitors can take part in.
Dane County Parks has four sledding hills open to the public. They range from a short, gentle hill at Indian Lake County Park that is great for little kids to a steep downhill option at McCarthy Youth and Conservation Park for the more daring. Moderate hills can be found at Lake View Hill County Park and CamRock County Park.
Cross-country skiing is another great way to enjoy the outdoors this winter. Miles of specially groomed trails offer cross-country skiers spectacular views and ideal conditions. A cross-country ski trail permit is required for groomed trails and can be purchased online.
Winter hiking and snowshoeing is allowed at all Dane County Park properties. Visit one of our parks with signed snowshoe trails or explore one of our other properties to lead your own path. Please note that snowshoeing, winter hiking, and dogs are not permitted on designated cross-country ski trails when snow is present.
Dane County Parks also offers a number of options to park and access the ice for those with a lake access permit interested in ice fishing, including a site on Upper Mud Lake in McFarland along Terminal Drive. The site provides walk-in access to the lake for ice fishing and is adjacent to public lands.
|
|
|
|
With the beginning of the new year, we are jumping into election season for Madison’s Mayor, Common Council, and School Board. Tuesday, February 21st are the primary elections, and Tuesday, April 4th is the general election.
In our Quarter 1 Newsletter, we want to highlight the races for Madison’s Common Council, focusing on the candidates running for seats in the districts where Common Wealth has rental housing or single family home-owners in our Lease-to-Purchase program. Serving as an alder is hard work--Alders have to balance advocacy for their respective districts with a general awareness and appreciation for the needs of the entire City. They will spend hundreds of hours serving on city committees, participating in the budget process, and communicating with the Mayor and other elected officials in Madison and Dane County.
While Common Wealth Development does not endorse any specific candidate(s), we absolutely recognize the importance of free and fair elections, and are excited to share more info on the folks running for Alder in District 6, District 10 and District 12.
Gathered here, you can read responses from Alder candidates who were asked:
1) Tell us about yourself, and how your life and experience has led you to the decision to run for a seat on Madison’s Common Council.
2) Common Wealth Development was created as a holistic, upstream approach towards violence prevention and sustainable neighborhood development. Our work is centered around healthy affordable housing, equitable economic development, sustainable land use, and community collaborations and partnerships. How do these areas fit in to your vision for your district and for your work as an elected Alder?
|
|
|
|
I’m a lifelong Madison resident and a proud product of its public schools. As the current vice-president of the SASY Neighborhood Association I’ve worked on our festival committee to produce Atwoodfest and help our grant program, that this year will give away $25,000 to local organizations and projects. Prior to that, I was president and vice-president of Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc. where I served on neighborhood oversight committees for over thirty development proposals. My goals in these endeavors have always been to find ways for neighbors to have an effective impact on improving their built environment by supporting development proposals that fit into zoning and provide housing and contribute to active street, supporting local businesses that produce jobs and improve the community, and robust transit alternatives to make car ownership an option and not a requirement.
I have served as a poll worker for over ten years and as a chief inspector for the last six years, running a polling place and ensuring my neighbors’ legal right to vote. I have served on several city committees and am currently in my tenth year on the Downtown Coordinating Committee. After so many years of neighborhood activism and participating in the administrative side of the electoral process, and with the opportunity of an open seat with no incumbent in my aldermanic district, I decided to put forth my name to represent District 6. I believe that my experience with neighborhoods, connection to neighborhood leaders, service on city committees, and deep knowledge of the development process qualifies me to be an effective representative for this district on the Common Council.
Common Wealth Development’s core values and objectives align well with those of my own. To highlight a few: housing and especially affordable housing is desperately needed in the district and Common Wealth has done much to work toward that need. There are great opportunities for further infill growth that will both help to meet the demand for housing on the isthmus as well as fight urban sprawl. Accessory dwelling units can gently add density to areas of traditional single-family homes. Transit-oriented development zoning allows greater density within reach of mass transit and more opportunities for affordable housing on bus lines for neighbors who require both. Sustainability and environmental considerations should be included every step of the way.
Furthermore, Common Wealth’s business incubators and entrepreneurship training programs are vital to creating the businesses of tomorrow that will begin and prosper within our neighborhoods. East Johnson, Willy Street and Atwood are our “main streets” where storefronts should house local businesses that keep money circulating within our communities. East Washington has been transformed over the past decade from used car lots and industrial brown sites to a booming corridor alive with residents and commerce. As alder, I would seek to assist Common Wealth wherever it looks to sustain our neighborhoods and nurture growth with compatible development.
|
|
|
|
After growing up on the south side of Chicago, I came to Madison to attend the UW. For over 20 years, I worked at the Rainbow Bookstore Coop. I served on the board of the Marquette Neighborhood Association before I ran for District 6 alder. I was elected to the Council for 7 terms. I also worked for state government until retiring last spring from the Department of Revenue.
I decided to run for the new District 6 after redistricting left us without an incumbent and reviewing the relative inexperience of the current Council. I bring extensive knowledge of city process; a track record of accomplishments; and responsive constituent service.
My leadership helped revitalize the East Washington corridor, rehabilitated the historic Garver Feed Mill, and built more affordable housing. I initiated a multi-year process to review police policies and develop community oversight after the 2015 officer involved shooting of Tony Robinson. Once Truax was selected for the F-35 fighter jets, I co-sponsored a Council resolution to oppose them based on significant environmental impacts including harmful noise levels, adverse effect on children, and disproportionate impacts on communities of color and low-income residents. I worked with Council and County Board colleagues to push the city and county to mitigate PFAS contamination in surface and ground water.
I bring an anti-racist, social justice, and environmental focus to my work. Building community power at the local level is the best way I know to make a better world.
As a former board member of the Marquette Neighborhood Association, I supported Common Wealth Development’s proposal to build the Yahara River View Apartments. YRVA was my first example of an energy efficient building, and I learned how low-cost utilities can make a huge difference in a household budget. I also watched as local businesses and artists used your incubator spaces to grow and thrive. I admired the welcoming spaces you created for the community to share their work. Over the years, I have watched you expand your reach city-wide and focus on the southwest side, using your ‘upstream approach’ to push for housing security and violence prevention.
We need more nonprofit community development entities like Common Wealth Development that take a holistic approach to neighborhoods and community development. If I am elected, I would welcome more collaboration and the opportunity to learn from your work as the city faces our affordable housing crisis and confronts the racial and economic disparities in our community.
I believe that housing is a right and that we need more non-market housing options. I support sustainable development and accessible transit. I believe we must dismantle the legacy of racial segregation. I want Madison to scale up as a Green New Deal city to address the climate emergency. I believe in constituent service, sharing information and getting feedback on city issues, and asking residents to stand up and show up.
|
|
|
|
I moved to Madison from Puerto Rico in 1991; my first job was at Woodman's West, where I met my husband Jesse, and we have one son. Over the years, we welcomed family members to stay with us; until they got established independently. I come from a family of service, and I draw on my upbringing from a family of 6 children who grew up in poverty, a failing economy, and a lack of resources. Our parents believed it was our duty to care for others and to appreciate our blessings of having a roof over our heads, food on the table, and family support.
For the past 20 months, I have served as your alder going above and beyond fostering partnerships with other alders, city staff, county supervisors, and community members. These relationships have facilitated the understanding of issues, ensuring decision-making centered on a vision of inclusion and equity, especially in the areas of public safety, housing security, transportation, and community engagement.
Before this term, I took on a community leadership role for six years by serving as the Treasurer and later President of the Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood Association. I also dedicated efforts towards supporting the unsheltered population as a volunteer Street Outreach and Treasurer of Friends of the State Street Families for nearly eight years.
I also work for Johnson & Johnson as a System Admin, Data Analyst, and Process Mapping lead.
Common-Wealth Development’s vision is a perfect fit with my aldermanic priorities. We believe in providing safe, secure, affordable housing conditions, local access to healthy foods, and a transit system broadening job training opportunities, living wage jobs, and health and entertainment resources. Working with other alders and county supervisors, we were able to maximize funding resources for food access, reproductive rights, the public market, improving living conditions, and securing additional funding for the men’s shelter. I have also supported the BRT, the Metro redesign, housing projects, and community engagement by streamlining processes and adopting Parks Alive.
To prevent violence, we must invest in the youth of all ages by fostering relationships and providing them with tools to develop their skills and maximize their potential, including age-appropriate programming, job training, and employment. I support operations like the public market that enrich the city’s economy and culture by embracing a diverse group of minority small businesses.
We must tap into MDCPH’s Violence Prevention resources to create collaborative strategies that reach across resources (city agencies, county, schools, community, etc.). I also support the CARES expansion, which helps those in the middle of a mental health crisis by bringing in a paramedic and a mental health professional service to each call. For a second term, I look forward to working on these issues and solutions and using my experience to continue moving District 10 and Madison forward in creating healthy and safe communities with the support of agencies like CWD.
|
|
|
|
I am a native Madisonian. My family was rooted in community volunteerism, and political action issues. I am an alum of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My experience at the University continued the tradition of volunteering with a variety of student organizations which shaped my involvement with the greater community post-graduation. I have enjoyed over twenty-five years working with neighborhoods,, improving green spaces, and addressing the quality of life issue for both adults and families. In the recent past, I had the pleasure of collaborating on the Leopold community garden, and the Nine Springs Health Impact Assessment. I volunteered with the culture diversity coordinator to reconnect seniors to cultural events, day trips, and services. Being in the community I have seen the challenges of financial instability, housing insecurities, and inaccessible healthcare or services. I had the opportunity to work with government staff on individuals and community needs and became familiar with the operational side of local, state, and federal government. The experience and knowledge gain from collaborating with residents, communities, and government agencies provided the foundation for me to make the decision to run for Common Council.
My district outlook is in the same vein of Common Wealth Development’s vision. It is vitally important to look be able to provide communities with sustainable affordable housing, walkable neighborhoods, collaboration with stakeholders, residents, and partnerships. The growth of the city depends on a holistic baseline that incorporates the various needs of the community, residents, employment centers and education. Looking through these lenses, I continue to be an advocate for seniors, adults, and youth to have the opportunity for employment training, financial literacy, and affordable housing ( housing first and housing below 30 percent AMI). In addition, I support economic equity that encompasses entrepreneurship, training opportunities that leads to small business ownership or provides a living salary, accessible health care, family support systems and welcoming green spaces.
I take being an elected official, public servant seriously which means having open communication with individuals, community leaders, businesses, and other groups that are affected by any given issue. Then taking those conversation back to the agencies or common council floor or advocating for my constituents.
|
|
|
|
I am a lifelong Madison resident and during that time I’ve lived, worked, gone to school, and had to commute (with and without a car) all over the city. I have worked in a variety of fields, at varying levels of financial security, and almost always worked more than 1 job at a time. I am a renter and have both witnessed and experienced stable housing become more and more out of reach. I want to be the next District 12 Alder because I love Madison and am deeply invested in this community. My varied experience of the city and my work experience prepare me to be a good Alder. In my current work, I take scientific research protocols and lead the database design for each study. I have to work with many different teams and am often the person helping facilitate communication between teams with different levels of technical experience. I pride myself in the ability to look at the big picture of a process and understand the needs and viewpoints of all of the different teams involved, and be able to come up with solutions that will work for everyone involved. I know I will enjoy the details of policy work, but I am most excited to be Alder for the community outreach and advocacy work. I want to be a resource for the community and help make local government involvement more accessible. And I am committed to advocating for District 12 at every opportunity!
Madison can be such a great place to live and I have loved my time here, but there are many racial and economic disparities that need to be addressed for Madison to be great for all its residents. Changes to the city and specifically District 12 will be necessary to accommodate Madison’s unprecedented growth in the coming decades and it will be especially important to make sure those changes work to lessen the existing disparities instead of making them worse. To that end, Common Wealth's work with sustainable neighborhood development really resonates with me. More equitable access to housing, transportation, business opportunities, and other resources are essential to a thriving community. As a younger person, I am especially committed to looking at Madison through a lens of sustainable growth, while still prioritizing the many features that make Madison a unique place. We need to make sure that community resources and infrastructure keep pace with any increase in population. As Madison continues to grow, I don’t want any existing residents to be pushed out and I don’t want the only new housing stock to be so expensive that the only people able to move to the city are the people with the highest salaries.
|
|
|
|
My name is Victor Toniolo and I have lived in Madison for 19 years. I’ve worked here as a biochemist for the last 15 years, in restaurants for 10 years, and in real estate for 8 years. First and foremost, I wish to serve so that I can answer any and all questions from my constituents. Having lived in Madison for my entire adult life, I’ve always received thorough responses from my alders when I’ve reached out to them. I believe Syed did an excellent job of communicating and bringing people together, and want to maintain a high level of service in district 12. I have heard many complaints from Madisonians in other districts that their alders are often unresponsive.
I already consider myself a resource for coworkers, friends, and the community at large, and have increased my civic engagement over my years in Madison. I am very familiar with city ordinances and regulations, the city website(s), and a variety of departments that I have interacted with. I have read every proposed city budget since 2015 and followed the amendment and approval processes in most years.
I wish to serve district 12 specifically because I see the most exciting changes in Madison happening here. I am excited about the public market project moving forward, the incoming BRT routes, the possibility of an intercity Amtrak station, larger, higher density developments, and continuing to work at state and federal levels to reduce the impact of PFAS on our citizens.
I believe Common Wealth Development will be active in district 12. The public market is a long-awaited business incubator that will be filled with many new small business owners. I will work hard to minimize project delays and cost overruns and maximize the public market’s success.
I would increase development in Madison, because we are experiencing nothing short of a housing crisis. The biggest issue is simply that we have not built fast enough to meet demand.
I am excited about recent changes to zoning and allowing more development along high capacity transit, but I feel that more can be done to catch up on our city’s housing needs. For example, I would explore multiple options for funding soundproofing so that larger developments could be built near the airport. Grants would also be used to improve current residents’ quality of life.
Being pro-development does NOT mean cutting people out of the process. I will continue Syed’s tradition of collaboration and compromise between longtime residents, new residents, businesses, and the environment. His work with the friends of Hartmeyer was inspiring to me, and while not everyone may be happy with every new development, it’s best to have everyone at the table.
Finally, I would work with the mayor, council, and committees to explore ways to reduce the need for city borrowing. I am frustrated with the growing percentage of the budget being spent on debt service, which reduces our ability to provide much needed city services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Wealth Development
news@cwd.org
P: 608.256.3527
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
