Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development (DPCED)

Mission, Goals & Objectives

We will actively promote a diverse, safe and dynamic community and enhance the living, working and recreational choices for all Madison citizens and visitors.

To carry out our mission, we:

Plan for the City's Future

To guide the development of the community through:

• Research and analysis of information, trends and their implications
• Design and assessment of alternatives to achieve City goals
• Involvement of citizens and policymakers in all stages of decision-making

Invest in Madison's neighborhoods and communities

To provide housing, employment, business growth and social opportunities that improve the community's quality of life through:

• City ownership and operation of property
• Grants, loans and subsidies to eligible residents
• Collaboration with and provision of various forms of assistance to not-for-profit service providers and for-profit entities

Assure the future by safeguarding the present

To maintain and improve the community's economic, social, cultural, natural and built environment through:

• Education of residents and businesses
• Review of plans and enforcement of the City's adopted standards
• Advise on ways to achieve standards and solve conflicts

Overview

The Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development is responsible for the orderly development of property located in the City of Madison. The department ensures that all development is consistent with the Objectives and Policies and Land Use Plan approved by the Common Council, that various codes are enforced, that areas in need of rehabilitation and redevelopment are revitalized, that economic development is encouraged, and that housing assistance and community services for low and moderate income persons and neighborhoods are provided. 

The Planning and Community and Economic Development Department is comprised of six operating units. The six units are:

Office of the Director

The Office of the Director supports the overall administration of PCED divisions [Building Inspection, Community Development Authority (CDA), Community Development, Economic Development, and Planning]. The PCED Director also serves as the CDA Executive Director. The office provides centralized communications, consulting and administrative services to DPCED divisions; advances department-wide initiatives; and aligns agency activities with City priorities such as supporting RESJI and performance excellence initiatives. 

Planning Division

The Planning Division is responsible for creating and maintaining the City's Comprehensive Plan and related subarea plans as a strategic framework to guide Madison's future growth, land use policies, and investments in transportation infrastructure, community facilities, and a robust public art collection. The agency utilizes and maintains a variety of data and mapping resources to guide decision-making related to the built environment. As Madison continues to grow and change, the Planning Division provides professional recommendations to elected and appointed officials regarding development proposals and facilitates inclusive public engagement with residents, stakeholders, and community partners.

Building Inspection Division

The Building Inspection Division (BI) enforces City and State Building Codes through: inspection of all new buildings and all remodeling of and additions to existing private and public buildings; inspection of existing buildings; inspection of equipment and products sold within the City to ensure that packaging, weighing, and measuring are in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws; review and approval of building certificates of occupancy and zoning certificates. Code enforcement officers ensure that living units conform to the City's housing codes. In addition, BI reviews and approves all construction plans, issues all building permits and responds to code complaints.

Economic Development Division

The Economic Development Division (EDD) manages City real estate work, assists private development projects, and provides financial and technical assistance to businesses. The EDD mission is to serve a successful City by supporting our residents, businesses, and property owners; and, by managing our real estate assets and transactions in a responsible manner.

Community Development Authority

The Community Development Authority's (CDA) mission is to develop and provide inclusive and safe places through quality affordable housing, services, and community resources in the City of Madison. The CDA advances this mission by providing management, maintenance, and other resident services to CDA owned and operated units and administering the Section 8 Voucher program. The Division manages 858 Public Housing and Multifamily units, 24 Section 8 Project Based Voucher units, and administers approximately 1,700 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) as well as approximately 450 Special Purpose Vouchers. The CDA also undertakes redevelopment activities that strengthen low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CDA Redevelopment manages Monona Shores Apartments, Burr Oaks Senior Housing, Revival Ridge Apartments, Reservoir Apartments, and commercial space at the Village on Park. Active CDA Redevelopment projects include single-family home construction in the Allied Drive neighborhood and redevelopment of aging public housing units.

Community Development Division

The Community Development Division (CDD) collaborates with residents and a variety of community partners to help overcome barriers to opportunity that exist in our community with respect to such things as housing choice, family stability and positive youth development, employment readiness, and successful aging. The Division's mission is to achieve a vibrant community, shared prosperity, and resident and community wellbeing by helping to ensure that all Madison residents and neighborhoods have access to resources and opportunities necessary to help them realize their full potential.

Contacts