Mayor and Alders Introduce Steps to Create More Housing in Madison
posted
For Immediate Release
June 11, 2025
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and members of the Common Council were joined by community groups including 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, AARP, Downtown Madison Inc., Madison is For People, Realtors Association of South-Central Wisconsin, Urban League of Greater Madison, and Strong Towns to introduce the latest set of proposals to create more housing choice and homeownership opportunities as part of the City’s Housing Forward initiative.
These efforts are designed make it easier to build a range of smaller types of homes by expanding policies already in place in parts of the city and allowing property owners more flexibility.
The proposals being introduced to the Common Council this month will:
- Allow two units of housing as a permitted use on any residential lot that currently allows single-family homes citywide to support the creation of more duplexes and homeownership opportunities
- Allow more property owners with deep residential lots to split their lots to create what is also called a “Backyard Lot” to support the potential creation of more homeownership lots
- Adjust downtown zoning rules to be more similar to other parts of the city and create more opportunities for mid-scale development
“If we want a community that is economically diverse, we have to build more homes. Everyone in Madison should be able to live in the type of home and neighborhood that makes the most sense for their family,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. “My Council colleagues and I are grateful for the community support for the progress we’ve already made on housing. Madison had added 16,000 new homes in the last six years. I’m excited to build on that success.”
Alder Tag Evers, one of the sponsors of the package, says the duplex proposals gives residents more options.
“I know there are people in my district who would like to downsize, but don’t want to leave their neighborhood. This would give them the chance to do that without leaving their home,” said Alder Evers. “They could earn income, live next to their grandkids, whatever serves them best.”
Alder Carmella Glenn says Madison has made progress on housing through larger developments but needs more neighborhood-scale options.
“I represent families from many different backgrounds who want housing that fits their needs without having to move away from the community they have built here,” said Alder Glenn. “This approach would let people stay connected to their cultural roots, family networks and neighbors while creating homes that work for multigenerational families.”
Alder Will Ochowicz emphasizes that the lack of housing options makes it harder for Madisonians of all ages to find the right place to live.
"These changes are a step towards making sure that we have enough affordable places for people and their families to thrive, whether those places are starter homes, condos, rentals or just somewhere closer to family and friends,” said Ald. Ochowicz.
AARP Wisconsin State Director Martha Cranley adds that these latest reforms will promote housing diversity and accessibility, which is essential to empowering older adults.
“These proposed changes would help reduce barriers to aging in place and ensure that people of all ages and abilities can find safe, affordable homes that meet their needs,” said Director Cranley. “AARP Wisconsin looks forward to working with Madison city leaders and community advocates to ensure that these proposed changes lead to improvements in housing accessibility, affordability and choice for all city residents.”
Ian Jamison, one of the chapter leads for Madison is for People, says the legislation removes outdated zoning barriers.
“These reforms represent meaningful and necessary steps to address Madison’s rising rental costs and chronic housing shortage,” said Jamison. “By legalizing ‘missing middle’ housing—such as duplexes and backyard homes—and streamlining the process for downtown development, the package makes it easier to build the kinds of homes Madison urgently needs.”
1000 Friends of Wisconsin's Executive Director Trevor Roark says housing affordability and inflexibility are issues in communities around Wisconsin.
"Madison's no exception. Yet, with recent growth, allowing for more housing options here will remedy many of the pain points residents keep seeing and allow all of our neighbors to age in place,” stated Roark.
Mike Tarby, a member of Strong Towns Madison, supports the latest Housing Forward initiatives.
“These proposals are a smart step toward a more inclusive, flexible housing environment,” said Tarby. “By making it easier to build modest homes and create new lots, Madison can open up more paths to homeownership, income generation, and stability for both longtime residents and new neighbors.”
Dr. Reuben Anthony, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison, says his organization is working to eliminate disparities in homeownership.
"I'm encouraging people to support these proposals because we need more affordable options," said Dr. Anthony. "Homeownership is a critical source of intergenerational wealth. It provides financial security, access to better education, and stability for families. Parents who own a home can help their children buy their first home by leveraging their equity."
The proposals will be taken up by the Common Council later this month. The Mayor and Alders said they plan to introduce another set of housing creation policies later this summer
Timeline and Public Engagement
This set of proposals is scheduled to be introduced at the Common Council meeting on June 17, 2025, before being referred to relevant Boards, Commissions and Committees for review and public comment.
A community information meeting will also be held on July 2, with City staff outlining the details of the proposals and answering questions.
