Alderperson Larry Palm was elected on April 5, 2005 to represent District 15.  Because of redistricting, in 2012 Larry was elected to represent District 12 on the East/Northside.

Like others, Larry moved to Madison in to attend the UW-Madison. In 1994, he began his current job as the School Secretary for the Innovative and Alternative Education in the Madison Metropolitan School District.

In 1996, Larry's community involvement increased when he joined the boards of the Madison Public Library and the South Central Library System (the little red trucks that deliver shared books to the library near you).

Larry then co-founded and co-chaired GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) South Central Wisconsin, which recently became GSA (Gay/Straight Alliance) for Safe Schools.  As part of his work in school district alternative programming, Larry saw a need for providing safe places for our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning students, parents and staff.  As a renter in a primarily college student area, Larry also became the vice president of his neighborhood association, Capitol Neighborhoods in downtown Madison.

In 2003, Larry became vice president of his union, the Supportive Educational Employees (SEE) Bargaining Unit, part of Madison Teachers, Inc., the local educators' union.

That year, he also purchased his home in the Eken Park neighborhood, on Madison's near Northside and immediately became involved in the Eken Park Neighborhood Association, quickly becoming one of its co-chairs.

Meanwhile, Larry became involved in the Friends of Starkweather Creek, not only because the creek is a treasured feature of his neighborhood, but because of his concern for protecting and preserving the natural environment of Madison and Dane County.  He was elected to FSC's Board in 2004 and as treasurer in 2006.

In 2005, Larry joined the Board of AIDS Network and subsequently elected president of the Board.

Even after his election to the Common Council, Larry continues to be involved in many community organizations, because he believes that it is important for our elected officials to remain active and engaged in a wide range of civic and community activities.

In 2007, Larry joined the Wisconsin AIDS Ride (ACT Ride), a four day, 300 mile fundraising bike ride, Steering Committee after participating in the ACT 5 Ride. In 2010 - 2011 he was the Chair of the Steering Committee. For 2012, he rode the AIDS Ride for the first time.

Also in 2007, Larry was appointed to the Capital Area Regional Plan Commission (CARPC), an independent regional planning and areawide water quality planning entity. In 2011, Larry was elected by the Commission as Chair and continues to serve the County as a whole through smart community planning.