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Madison is at an Important Crossroad...plus this Week's Updates

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Hi Everyone,

Madison is at an important crossroad.

We are the fastest-growing city in the state because Madison is a great place to live and work. However, revenue caps imposed by the state legislature deny us the resources we need to meet the demands of our growing population.
 
We have a choice this November that will impact our city for years to come - we can significantly reduce city services starting next year, or we can choose to invest less than a dollar a day in Madison’s future.
 
FACT: The City’s population grew 16% in the last census. To just keep up with that growth, the City would need 217 more workers than it has today. The City picks up 800 new trash cans a year, but hasn’t hired a new garbage truck driver in 7 years. 
 
This is frankly unsustainable.
 
Revenue caps imposed by the state legislature prevent Madison from fully investing the resources we need to meet the demands of our growing population.
 
FACT: Since 2011, the state has restricted the City’s levy limit increase to 1-2% a year, no matter how much the city grows or how high inflation is.
 
We have a choice between investing in the future or imposing austerity measures. A failed referendum will mean the city is not able to properly prepare for our growth and will fail to meet our commitment to our residents, particularly those most in need.
 
FACT: Despite being a primary driver of the state economy and contributing over $1 billion dollars in state taxes, Madison residents get back only 18 cents for every dollar they pay in state taxes. And that includes state aid provided to the City, School Districts, and Dane County.
 
Investing in Madison’s future via the city funding referendum will add around $5 per month for every $100,000 of property value, or less than $1 per day for the average homeowner. That’s $230 annually.
 
The Mayor's six-year operating budget plan uses a combination of cuts, efficiencies, and other revenue sources to buy the City time to work with a new legislature without having to go to the voters with another referendum.
 
If the state legislature provides new revenue sources in future years — like those proposed by Gov. Tony Evers in his last three budgets — Madison can lower property tax bills while continuing to invest in the great city services that residents expect and deserve.
 
While city agencies were asked by the Mayor to provide options to cut their individual departmental budgets by five percent, those at this point stand merely as hypotheticals in case the referendum fails.
 
I will personally fight to keep important District 13 resources like Goodman Pool and the Monroe Street Library from closing. However, the best way to ensure that these and other vital community services stay open and available is to vote yes on the city referendum on November 5.
 
As always, I am available to discuss these and other issues. I can be reached at district13@cityofmadison.com
 
Here are this week's updates:

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Announcements and News Releases

Events

  • Cherokee Marsh Phragmites Workday, Monday, September 30: Assist in keeping the high-quality wetlands in Cherokee Marsh free from invasive phragmites. Volunteers are needed to use twine to tie stalks in bundles. We will then cut the stalks above the twine and treat the cut ends.
  • Capitol View Farmers' Market, Wednesday, October 2: The Capitol View Farmers' Market is held weekly on Wednesdays (3:00-7:00pm) from late May through mid-October. Join us each week for great local vendors, live music, food carts, and special activities from week to week. Visit our website and follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information and schedules! (Location: far Eastside of Madison, near the Great Dane Eastside, 5901 Sharpsburg Dr.)
  • D19 Exploring the 2025 Budget Series - Session 2: Community Development Division and Non-profit Funding, Thursday, October 3: Join District 19 Alder John Guequierre as he leads a series of three educational sessions to provide residents with an in-depth look at the City of Madison budget. Topics at each session will include a brief overview of the budget deficit and need for multi-year plans, a deeper dive into a few complicated issues, initial 5-year plans with and without a successful referendum, and agency proposals for cuts. Since service reductions may ultimately be required regardless of referendum results, Alder Guequierre is seeking your input on cuts. Residents will have the opportunity to speak personally at the two in-person sessions, through chat at the virtual session, and via an on-line survey at all sessions. This session will feature a deeper dive into the Community Development Division and the City’s funding to non-profits.
  • Energy Resource Fair, Friday, October 4: MGE will provide energy saving tips and a chance to win a SMART Thermostat, Energy Services will be on site to assist with Energy Assistance qualifications, and Project Home will discuss our Weatherization program and how they can improve health, safety and save energy in your home.

For the full list of upcoming events, please visit the City events calendar. 

That's all for now. I'm back from my mini-vacation in Northern Michigan. It was a beatiful time for me and Bella. I trust you are enjoying this gorgeous autumn weather.

Take care and stay safe,

Tag

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District 13 - Alder Evers

Alder Tag Evers

Alder Tag Evers

District 13
Contact Alder Evers