Madison Rent Increases, Lake Monona Waterfront, Earth Day Challenge

Hi Neighbors,

First, let me say I'm very pleased and grateful to be elected to a third term as District 13 Alder. While we've accomplished a great deal, there's a lot more work to be done to move our city forward in key areas.  I welcome the eight newly-elected alders and look forward to this next term!

Here are this week's update:

Madison Rents Rose Highest in the Nation

Yes, we have a housing crisis in Madison.

Proof of just how challenging it's become was underscored in a recent study faciliated by the Apartment List National Report which estimated year-over-year rent prices in Madison rose 14% from March 2022 to March 2023. 

The principal cause is a housing shortage. Though some seem to doubt this reality, Madison's average vacancy rate in 2022 was only 2.8%, according to UW housing expert Kurt Paulsen. During my tenure on Council, I have pushed for increases in the City's Affordable Housing Fund, and I'm pleased to say that we have more than doubled that fund since I was elected in 2019. We've also advanced a new Land Banking Policy and are more aggressive in the use of TIF to support affordable housing.

However, we need more housing at all price levels, including market rate housing. I intend to keep pushing for more housing and will continue to welcome sensible development projects in District 13.

Lake Monona Waterfront Ad Hoc Committee

The Lake Monona Waterfront Ad Hoc Committee will be held in person today, April 10, 6:00pm, at the Olin Facility, 330 E Lakeside St, Room Board Room. Agenda items include a presentation on the Urban Assets and EQT by Design outreach report and a discussion to follow.

Madison Parks Earth Day Challenge, Saturday, April 22

Join Madison Parks for this year's Earth Day Challenge and volunteer to help clean up your neighborhood park on Saturday, April 22! For more than 20 years, Madison Parks has honored Earth Day by recruiting volunteers for the Earth Day Challenge. This year, Madison Parks is seeking more than 900 volunteers at 60+ parks to assist with trash pickup, raking, weeding, removing sticks, and more. All ages are welcome to participate. Advanced registration is required for anyone 10 years and older. REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!

Spring Yard Waste Set-Out Dates Now Available

The Streets Division’s springtime yard waste collection begins the week of April 16 for certain neighborhoods. All residents will receive two collection opportunities this spring. Click here for more information.

Lastly...

It took me three years, but I finally came down with COVID. Just a reminder to everyone that it's still out there and it still packs a punch. If you develop cold symptoms, I urge you to get tested early on. If you test positive you may get a free telehealth consultation resulting in a Paxlovid prescription. But it has to be within five days of the onset of symptoms, so don't delay.

Paxlovid makes a big difference, trust me.

Take care and stay safe,

Tag