Greetings Northside neighbors.
One of my favorite teachers had the following statement on the whiteboard to begin another semester of learning: “The fine art of living is intentional, not casual.” I do believe this is true. Planning is one type of intentionality that impacts outcomes for individuals, communities, cities and beyond. Life happens day by day regardless of whether one makes plans, but the likelihood of getting what one wants is greatly increased if one has in mind and makes plans to pursue the desired outcomes.
The name of this nonprofit that publishes the Northside News is the Northside Planning Council (or NPC). Our very name suggests that plan making, and intentionality are built into the work we do. The goal of our work is to fulfill our mission, which is “to improve the quality of life and foster equity on the Northside of Madison through community organizing and economic development.”
In our 30 plus year history as a nonprofit, we have done this by organizing neighborhood associations, organizing community events, and organizing and facilitating major projects such as Troy Gardens and Warner Park Community Recreation Center, and the creation of FEED Kitchens to name a few. These all were multi-year planning efforts that have resulted in lasting Northside community assets and resources.
The City of Madison also has a planning division and a plan commission. The work of these bodies is to help shape and influence the future of development and what becomes of various areas of our city. Later this year will begin the North Area Plan process. This will be about a year and a half planning effort that will affect future decisions and developments here on the Northside. If you google North Area Plan, Madison, WI the top link will take you to relevant information including, a map of this planning area, contact names for the lead planners for this project, and a place to subscribe to the North Area Plan email to receive updates.
The city actively seeks and wants community engagement in the planning process from the neighbors and neighborhoods who will be impacted by these plans. Be sure to follow along and use your voice to help the best ideas come out of what gets planned. Let us be intentional so that our children and grandchildren, and those of all our neighbors, have a fine life to enjoy well into our shared future.
