With Gratitude: A Heartfelt Farewell to District 1

As this chapter comes to a close, I have been reflecting on what an incredible privilege it has been to serve the residents of District 1.

My last day as your Alder will be Friday, July 31, 2026. My husband and I have decided to move from Madison. While we are excited for this next step, leaving this community is bittersweet. Madison has been our home, and serving here has truly meant a lot to me.

Thank you for trusting me to represent you over the past three years. Whether we met at a meeting, talked on the phone, emailed, or just said hello at a community event, every conversation mattered. You shared your hopes, concerns, frustrations, and ideas. Those conversations guided every decision I made.

Serving as your Alder has reminded me that local government is where democracy is at its best. It is where neighbors come together to solve problems, celebrate successes, and build a stronger community for the next generation. I never took the responsibility you entrusted to me for granted.

I am proud of what we accomplished together. We helped shape the future of Madison's west side through advanced projects that will benefit our growing community for years to come, supported thoughtful land use and housing policies, improved the consistency of our lakefront regulations, and worked to make our city more equitable and welcoming for everyone. While I am proud of the legislation I sponsored and co-sponsored, I am even prouder of the relationships we built and the trust we shared along the way.

Some of the most meaningful moments of my service will never appear in a Council agenda or meeting minutes. They were helping a resident navigate City Hall, finding solutions to neighborhood concerns, celebrating community milestones, and seeing firsthand how engaged and caring the people of District 1 truly are. Those are the moments I will carry with me.

To my fellow alders, mayor, City staff, neighborhood leaders, community organizations, and everyone who dedicated their time to making Madison better, I want to thank you. Your passion, professionalism, and commitment to public service inspired me every day.

Most importantly, thank you to my husband, family, friends, and supporters. Public service asks a great deal not only of those who serve but also of those who stand beside them. My husband has been my constant source of love, encouragement, patience, and strength throughout this journey, and I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices he made so I could serve our community. To my family and friends, thank you for your unwavering support and belief in me every step of the way.

Although my service on the Common Council is ending and my husband and I are beginning a new adventure outside Madison, a piece of my heart will always remain here. I will continue to cheer for this remarkable city and the people who make it so special. I leave with countless memories, lasting friendships, and immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I will always be grateful for the confidence you placed in me.

With sincere appreciation,

John W. Duncan
Alder, District 1