Aerial view of the Madison isthmus with Lake Mendota on the left
Human Resources
Erin Hillson, Human Resources Director

Learning + Development

Learning + Development (L+D) Framework: Turning learning into lasting impact.

Our new Learning + Development (L+D) Framework gives employees a clear roadmap for building skills, advancing careers, and driving innovation. Designed around real-world goals, it connects training, coaching, and career pathways into one holistic experience - so learning becomes not just an activity, but a platform for lasting impact. 

Access the L+D Framework

What This Is

The City of Madison's L+D Framework explains how city employees learn, grow, and do their best work for the community. It provides a shared approach to learning and development across more than 30 agencies, so learning is fair, effective, aligned with City values, and consistently delivered. 

Why It Matters

City employees serve residents every day. Investing in employee learning is an investment in the community. Strong learning and development helps the City: 

  • Deliver high-quality public services 
  • Build an inclusive, skilled workforce 
  • Prepare future leaders with critical skills 
  • Use resources responsibly 

What the Framework Does

The framework is built around four ideas:

  1. Who We Are

    A citywide learning system made up of Human Resources, agency-based Learning Partners, on-the-job trainers, and trusted partners working together to support employee growth. 

  2. What We Do

    We support and deliver learning that helps employees build skills, grow in their careers, and serve the public with excellence. 

  3. How We Work

    Most training is designed and delivered by Learning Partners within city agencies, with support from Human Resources-Organizational Development. Together, we use shared standards, clear roles, and proven learning practices while allowing agencies flexibility to meet their needs.

    A pyramid with 4 tiers, numbered 1-4

    Learning Experience Levels

    Learning is offered at different levels - from city foundations and professional development to continuous improvement and job-specific learning - supporting employees at every stage of their career. 

    1. City Foundations: Prepare every employee to succeed
    2. Development: Grow professionally & personally
    3. Continuous Improvement: Advance city impact
    4. Consultation Based - Operations: Build individual expertise in respective agency

  4. How We Measure Success

    We track access, participation, skill growth, and outcomes to ensure learning is effective and improving over time. 

 

Who Benefits?

  • Employees

    Gain skills, confidence, and clearer career pathways. 

  • Supervisors & Leaders

    Are better prepared to lead inclusive teams. 

  • Agencies

    Benefit from consistent, high-quality learning. 

  • Residents

    Receive better service from a capable workforce. 

 

What Makes this Approach Different?

Three bubbles depicting Centralized, Decentralized, and Unified efforts - this last being the most important.
  • Focuses on skills and growth, not just required training 
  • Balances citywide consistency with agency flexibility 
  • Sets clear quality standards so learning materials are accurate, accessible, and effective 
  • Centers learning in agencies through trained Learning Partners 
  • Uses data to improve learning, not just count attendance  

 

Looking Ahead

Beginning in 2026, the City is implementing a citywide Human Resources Management (HRM) system to make learning easier to create, access, more transparent, and better connected to employee growth over time. This L+D Framework sets the foundation for how we work together to build skills at the City of Madison fully using the HRM technology investment.  

Our Commitment

The City of Madison is committed to learning that is inclusive, accessible, high-quality, and meaningful. By supporting Learning Partners and employees, we strengthen our organization and the community we serve. 

Contact Us

Reach out to OrganizationalDevelopment@cityofmadison.com if you have questions or want to learn more. 

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Organizational Development