Reactions to the West Area Plan Created Unintended New Communities

In August 2022, the Common Council adopted Madison's new sub-area planning framework, with the West and Northeast areas being the first of 12 plans to be developed. From the start, I had reservations about the West Area Plan, particularly questioning why Midvale Blvd was chosen as the eastern boundary. This decision split my aldermanic district in half and disrupted the existing joint Midvale Heights and Westmorland Neighborhood Plan. Despite these concerns, I agreed to sponsor the plan to collaborate with city staff on its development.

Over the next year, I participated in numerous online public meetings and in-person events where residents shared their thoughts with city staff. When the initial draft of the West Area Plan was released for public review and comment on February 23, 2024, I had expected, as a sponsoring Alder, to receive an advance copy. Instead, I got the draft less than an hour before it went public, leaving me little time to prepare for feedback from my constituents.

The release of the draft sparked immediate reactions from residents. I soon found myself invited to homes, churches, coffee shops, and bars, often with groups of thirty or more concerned constituents. Many felt the city was pushing too much change without giving them a fair opportunity to be heard. Ironically, these impromptu gatherings, although driven by frustration with the area plan, unintentionally created new pockets of community within District 11.

The February 23rd Public Review Draft frequently referenced "community," stressing the importance of community spaces, partnerships, and engagement throughout the planning process. It also highlighted the role of community-based organizations, like churches and community centers, in fostering local connections. In the months that followed, I continued meeting with residents and neighborhood associations, at times accompanied by city staff, to listen to their concerns. By the time the July Introduction Draft was released, "community" remained a key theme, now with a stronger focus on how resident input shaped the plan's development.

The results of these community efforts are reflected in the final plan. Key changes include the removal of proactive zoning, the addition of new sidewalks to close existing gaps, adjustments to the GFLU map, and improvements to intersections. The West Area Plan is one of Madison’s first area plans, and I voted in favor—not because it’s perfect, but because it serves as a good starting point and sparked needed conversations within our community, and the lessons we've gained from this initial process will help shape future area plans.