I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for believing that we can build a Northside that works for everyone — longtime residents and newcomers, families on every income level, people who have been disinvested for decades. Thank you for voting. Thank you for your belief in what we can accomplish together.
The election is over. Now the real work begins.
Over the next two years, I’ll work from three strategic positions to directly shape decisions affecting our neighborhood. As a Board of Parks Commissioner, I’ll help decide how we invest in public space. Through the Community Development Block Grant Committee, I’ll influence which projects get funded — housing, infrastructure, economic development. On the Alcohol License Review Committee, I’ll represent neighbors’ safety concerns. These are where I can push for the Northside.
The North Area Plan ties everything together. Over the next two years, the city is developing a comprehensive blueprint for the Northside’s future — housing, parks, green space, transportation and business development. This is our one chance, as a community, to shape what we want before decisions get made without us.
I’m committing to three things. First, the planning process reaches people who don’t usually show up to city meetings — renters, families working multiple jobs, seniors, young people, non-English speakers. Second, we document what you say and hold staff accountable when proposals drift from community needs. Third, when there’s tension between what developers want and what our community needs, we choose our community.
We have two years to get this right. I don’t take that lightly.
Questions or ideas? Reach out: District18@cityofmadison.com
