Planning Division Annual Reports (2018-2024)
2024 Annual Report
Among the most visible aspects of the Planning Division’s work in 2024 was the State Street Pedestrian Mall Experiment. From April to October, thousands heeded the call to #FlocktoState to transform the 400–600 blocks of State Street, experience the adapted space and all that State Street businesses have to offer, and attend events hosted by the Central Business Improvement District and Make Music Madison.
2023 Annual Report
2023 marked the kick-of of the City’s new framework for subarea planning, with the West and Northeast Plans well underway. As we move forward, we’ll continue to work closely with other agencies, use community input and the expectations for Madison’s continued growth to guide long-term land uses and infrastructure improvements across the city.
Amidst the passage of the City’s Transit Oriented Development Ordinance and an update to the Comprehensive Plan, 2023 was another very strong year for approvals of new housing units, though some groundbreakings are delayed due in part to high interest rates and other factors.
2022 Annual Report
Major accomplishments in 2022 include:
- Supporting a smooth transition for over 5,000 new City of Madison residents as the
former Town of Madison was absorbed by the cities of Madison and Fitchburg late 2022. - Authorization by the Common Council to undertake a new Planning Framework, which
will allow the city to complete plans for land use and major infrastructure investments
to support projected city growth in a more equitable and timely manner. - Adoption of the South Madison Plan with a focus on ensuring a range of housing
choices for existing and new residents, and the Greater East Towne Area Plan, laying
the framework for a significant transformation of the area in the coming years. - Adoption of a Transit-Oriented Development Overlay Ordinance recommended in the
Comprehensive Plan and the Mayor’s Housing Forward initiative to make it easier to
construct housing and employment uses in areas close to high-capacity transit.
2021 Annual Report
Major accomplishments in 2021 include:
- Completion of the decennial redistricting process, which establishes new Alder
district and ward boundaries based on the 2020 Census results - Adoption of the Odana Area Plan, which lays the framework for an evolution of
the West Towne Mall area and surroundings in the decades to come - Ordinance changes recommended in the Comprehensive Plan and the Mayor’s
Housing Forward initiative that focus on making it easier to construct housing
in Madison
2020 Annual Report
Despite significant challenges, budget limitations, and constant change, the Planning Division managed to maintain momentum on planning efforts, sustain the pace of development review, and to creatively support the arts.
2019 Annual Report
In 2019, the Common Council adopted four subarea plans to lay the framework for development and redevelopment – including new housing opportunities – in both the Downtown area and on the far northeast edge of the city.
2018 Annual Report
2018 marked the adoption of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. With
many hours of work by the Plan Commission, we completed this two-year process with engagement by a broad representation of Madison
residents.
We also completed the Milwaukee Street Special Area Plan to
help unlock development opportunities in this east side neighborhood
well-served by transit, the Oscar Mayer Strategic Assessment to provide
a framework for redevelopment of the vacant industrial property and
its surroundings, and updates to our Elderberry, Pioneer, and Junction
Neighborhood Development Plans on the fast-growing far west side.