Public Engagement

John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Public Involvement Plan PDF

Public engagement is a central element to the planning process. The public engagement strategy developed for this project is one that is comprehensive, inclusive, and engaging. It will provide opportunities for community stakeholders to provide input, learn about the project as it progresses, evaluate alternatives and be part of the design development.

The City of Madison will seek input on key issues, such as:

  • Existing concerns or issues that need to be addressed associated with the multiuse path, shoreline, and access and accessibility
  • Identified community needs and necessary modifications to increase overall functionality for all people and all modes of transportation
  • Shoreline modifications to mitigate runoff and address existing water recreation barriers
  • Streetscaping improvements, including street trees and traffic signals
  • Feasibility of additional passive recreation or social gathering areas along the causeway
  • Wayfinding improvements: directional guidance and location context/information
  • Storm sewer improvements

Which improvements should be prioritized? Please help us understand by providing input at JNDproject@cityofmadison.com

Public Engagement Process

The public involvement process will be organized in four phases:

Phase One: Existing Conditions
Phase Two: Develop Alternatives
Phase Three: Selection of Preferred Alternative
Phase Four: Final Design and Plan Development

Each phase will engage the public with the following tools:

Public Information Meetings

The project team will organize and facilitate five public meetings as part of the John Nolen Drive Reconstruction project, between 2021 and 2026 (approximately one per year).

Small Work Groups

The project team will facilitate a number of small group meetings with a variety of community members, businesses, and civic leaders representing a diversity of constituencies including BIPOC, lower-income, people living with disabilities, and others who are often underrepresented in planning processes. Meetings will be coordinated and conducted through collaboration with grassroots networks and input will be analyzed with an equity lens.

During Phase One of the community engagement process, the following organizations participated in Small Work Groups:

  • UW Madison
  • Badger Rock Community Center
  • Bayview Foundation
  • Community Action Coalition
  • Briarpatch
  • Centro Hispano
  • Madison Network of Black Professionals
  • Latino Workforce Academy
  • Latino Professionals Association

We will be meeting with these organizations again as part of the Phase Two Alternatives engagement process and welcome the participation of other organizations. If you are a part of an organization that would like to coordinate a small group meeting, please contact the project team at: JNDproject@cityofmadison.com

Community Surveys

The survey will be used to inform and engage project stakeholders, gather community questions and concerns, and gauge community views on specific project elements. View the results from the Phase One Existing Conditions Survey. The Phase Two Alternatives Survey will be released after the Second Public Information Meeting on Feb. 23, 2023.

Check back to this webpage for surveys as they are posted or subscribe to the email list to learn when they're available.

Tabling at Events & Intercept interviews

This encompasses “meeting people where they are” by setting up a table at prominent community events and/or walking along the project area in order to gather input in a safe, fun way.

View the John Nolen Redesign: Phase One Community Engagement Report.

Questions? Comments? Please send an email to: JNDproject@cityofmadison.com.

John Nolen Drive