District 11 Town Hall on Budget and Housing – Monday, July 7 at Sequoya Library, 7:00–8:00 PM

Image credit: City of Madison

Dear Neighbors, 

I invite all District 11 residents to attend an in-person Town Hall on Monday, July 7 at the Sequoya Library from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm to discuss the 2026 City Budget and the recently introduced 2025 Housing Forward proposal. This proposal, presented to the Common Council on June 17, is currently scheduled for a final vote on July 15—a quick turnaround for a set of significant citywide policy changes.

This District 11 Town Hall is an opportunity for community members to ask questions, share comments, and express concerns in an open setting with an emphasis on listening and dialogue. I hope you’ll be able to join the conversation.

Ahead of the July 7th Town Hall, I encourage you to review background materials and videos related to the 2026 budget and the Housing Forward ordinance changes. I’ve compiled a list of online resources, including links to upcoming events:

• the Citywide Public Information Meeting: Housing Forward Proposals on July 2, at 6:00 PM
• and the Plan Commission meetings also scheduled for July 7 at 5:30 PM,
  where you can register to speak.

There will be additional opportunities to engage in future discussions on the budget and other policy matters, including when the final capital and operating budget comes before the Common Council this fall. Your input is especially meaningful to me, and I encourage you to stay involved and make your voice heard.

Best, 
Bill

Resources for the 2026 City Budget  

The Operating and Capital Budgets are planning and financial documents that detail how the City pays for services and infrastructure that benefit City residents. The following materials provide an overview of the budget development process and explain key fiscal issues facing the City.

• About the City Budget Link to materials that provide an overview of the budget development process and explain key fiscal issues facing the City
• Video Recording: The latest update from Finance Director David Schmiedicke presented at the June 23, 2025 Finance Committee meeting. Please note that this is over a one-hour video recording with our city Finance Director giving an update on the 2026 Operating Budget outlook and process to members of the Finance Committee.

• PowerPoint Presentation from Director Schmiedicke presented at the in-person Budget Engagement Sessions that was held at Sequoya Library on June 16.

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Resources About the Proposed Zoning Changes

Image credit: City of Madison

Housing Forward proposals are three new zoning proposals introduced on June 17, 2025 at the Common Council to make it easier for homeowners and developers to build smaller missing middle housing in residential areas like district 11 and simplify the process for small and medium sized housing downtown. The three housing proposals  introduced (Legistar #88736, #88735, and #88737) June 17, 2025 at the Common Council meeting are scheduled to return for a final vote at the Common Council meeting on July 15. Prior to the District 11 7:00 pm Town Hall there will be two opportunities to attend live events to learn more about the proposed changes to city ordinance

• PDF: Housing Forward two-page handout from June 10, 2025
• Video: "News Conference: Mayor, Alders, & Community Leaders Announce New Housing Package" June 11, 2025
• Website: Mayor Rhodes-Conway's 2025 Housing Forward Proposals
• Open Data: Interactive map of the City of Madison Open Data Zoning Districts
• Video:  Recording of the Housing Policy Committee Meeting of June 26, 2025. Note that this recording only includes audio and PowerPoint presentations. No cameras were turned on during the meeting. This meeting was held in-person during which time city staff went into detail about the proposed changes to Chapter 28 of the Madison General Ordinances.  Meeting Agenda
• UPCOMING Virtual Meeting: Public Information Meeting on the mayor’s Housing Forward proposals will be held virtually at 6:00pm on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Registration to attend the virtual public meeting
• UPCOMING Virtual Meeting:  Plan Commission – Monday, July 7, 2025 This meeting is being held virtually.  The city website will contain a link where you can register to speak on Legistar Files #88736, #88735, and #88737 that pertain to the zoning changes.