Budget, Redistricting Among Issues for this Fall

As we head into Fall, the Council will be considering the budget and redistricting among a number of important topics. Here is a quick overview of some of the issues I am most often asked about:

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the redesign of Madison's bus routes. In August, I hosted an informational session about BRT and the transit redesign. In both of those areas, the Northside loses out and we must come up with a better comprehensive plan. Because of low ridership, the City is cutting bus routes. We should first look at improving the routes before we cut them. Here on the Northside, a 15-minute car ride downtown takes an hour on the bus. No wonder there is low ridership! When it comes to BRT, we must make our voices heard so that BRT serves the Northside as soon as possible. Initially, BRT will run east-west and not North. In the meantime, we are all funding BRT through the wheel tax.

The encampment of people who are homeless in Reindahl Park. The conditions at Reindahl are unsafe, unsanitary, and unacceptable for all concerned. This Park has long been a haven for a diverse group of park users and families who enjoyed soccer, gardening, basketball and family outings.  The encampment interferes with those uses. The city owned site at 3202 Dairy drive will be ready at the end of October for those that want to use it. The city needs a comprehensive plan to serve the homeless population and end homelessness in Madison. We must be intentional about treating mental illness and addictions. We need more resources to end waiting lists for services. These will be issues I will continue to prioritize and work collaboratively to address.

The 2022 Budget. The Mayor has presented her 2022 capital budget. Her proposal for the 2022 operating budget will be public in the beginning of October. Public Hearings for the operating budget will be in mid-October and the Council will vote on both budgets in November. For more information, visit cityofmadison.com/finance/budget.

Redistricting and Fair Maps. The Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee, of which I'm a member, has met twice and will continue to meet throughout the fall. Public hearings on proposals for how to re-draw Council districts based on new census data are planned for September 22, 23, and November 2. District 18 will need to re-drawn to add about 2,000 more people. Here's the webpage the City has put together on redistricting: cityofmadison.com/dpced/planning/redistricting/3670/.

It is an honor to represent the Northside on the Madison City Council. Being a voice for constituents in the beautiful 18th District is why I ran for office. To fully represent you, I need to hear from you and I am grateful that the Lakeview Library has agreed to let me use library for community meetings and office hours. I'll post dates and times here, on my blog.

I look forward to hearing from you! Please always feel free to contact me at 608-571-7342 or district18@cityofmadison.com.