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City Cast Madison

This year, all 20 of Madison's City Council seats are up for election. Why? Back in 2023, Madison voters overwhelmingly 

This is the first year that measure has been put into action and to start everyone off on the same footing, all seats are up for election with alders in even-numbered districts running for one-year terms and alders in odd-numbered districts running for the full two-year term.

To get to know the candidates and get their takes on the issues, we sent out a 10 question survey to all eligible candidates.

We heard back from 16 candidates running for council. Check out their candidate questionnaire responses below. If you're not sure what district you live in, 

What do alders do, anyway? Check out the podcast below to get up to speed on everything you need to know about Madison's local governing body. 

You can check your spring ballot, registration status, and more with 

In addition to the race for City Council, Madison voters will also decide on 

Meet the Candidates Running in Madison's Spring 2025 City Council Election

Who's Running for Madison City Council

What's being decided in Madison City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Madison City Council. 

Madison Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

City Cast Madison invited all qualified Madison Common Council candidates to complete a short questionnaire to help voters learn more about the people running to represent them in city government. All candidates were sent the same questions, and as you'll see, some questions are more policy-oriented and some are a little more fun!

The unedited responses for District 16 candidate Sean O'Brien are below.

Read the rest of the questionnaire responses 

1. What is the single most pressing issue facing Madison?

Madison is facing an affordability crisis. As a young homeowner with parents who are living on a fixed income, I’ve seen firsthand the price squeezing that is happening across our city. Madison’s growth presents unique challenges and opportunities, but we have to make it more affordable for people to live, buy a home, and raise a family here if we want to see the full benefits of that growth. The city must use every tool available to prevent people from being priced out, including improving efficiency, building more affordable housing in neighborhoods with access to services and opportunities, and providing financial relief for seniors and those struggling most. If elected, I am committed to finding ways to lower costs and make Madison affordable for current and future residents.

2. What's the most important issue facing your district and how will you go about addressing it?

I often hear that people in District 16 feel disconnected from the city. As an alder, I want to ensure that our neighborhoods are heard and have a voice in projects that affect them. I’m committed to being responsive and finding new ways to communicate with residents. But connectivity extends beyond just listening. I will prioritize bringing more public transit options and city services to District 16 that connect us to the rest of Madison. District 16 is just as much a part of our city as every other district, and we need to make sure our residents are feeling the benefit of new programs. If elected, I will also prioritize affordability, safe streets and parks, clean water, and economic opportunity.

3. What sets you apart from your competitor or, if running uncontested, what would you like voters to know about you?

As the policy director of a statewide civil rights organization, I’ve worked with every level of government, drafted policy and budget proposals, and built relationships with leaders across the state. I’m ready to hit the ground running on Day 1 to deliver for District 16. As a civil rights advocate and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am no stranger to listening, fighting for others, and protecting them from unfair treatment. I believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership that will bring new ideas, energy, and a fresh perspective to government focused on lowering costs and protecting our values. I want to bring thoughtful, collaborative leadership to the council, and I’ll work with anyone to get things done for District 16.

4. Did you support the $22 million property tax referendum? Why or why not?

In November, voters approved the referendum to keep our city services funded for the near future and avoid cuts across the board. As is the case in other municipalities, Madison’s budget deficit is a structural problem that will only be fully solved with state funding policy changes. However, I believe there is nuance to this issue and that the city must use every tool available to increase efficiency, lower costs, and bring in more dollars from the state to reduce burden on taxpayers. Having worked in the State Capitol, I’m uniquely positioned to partner with legislators on a long-term solution to secure a fairer shared revenue deal and bring more state dollars back to Madison. As an alder, I will always consider each of my votes based on whether the benefits are worth the costs.

5. What should Madison look for in its next police chief?

We need a police chief who has a demonstrated track record of working with communities, keeping neighborhoods safe, and building trust with our most marginalized and underserved residents. I have confidence that the Police and Fire Commission will do what it has done for decades and choose a competent, qualified chief for the Madison Police Department. I look forward to working with whoever that may be to ensure residents of District 16 are safe and have access to fast, reliable police and emergency services.

6. What's something the city currently isn't doing, but could do to help ease our housing crisis?

We need to diversify and increase Madison’s housing stock. I am committed to investing in the city’s affordable housing fund, maximizing support from federal and state grants, and finding more effective ways to incentivize developers to build more affordable housing where it is suitable. We need to be responsible with where we build this new housing, prioritizing access to public transit, job opportunities, and businesses. But in addition to lowering barriers to entry in our housing market, we also need to support current homeowners and help them stay in their homes. We can accomplish this through programs like property tax assistance for seniors, support with municipal utility bills, and finding new ways to cut costs and give residents more breathing room.

7. What's something you wish more residents knew about Common Council/city government?

Many residents in District 16 feel disconnected from the city. I wish more folks knew what city services are available to them and what programs they can take advantage of as Madison residents. As an alder, I will always make it my priority to listen to my neighbors and be responsive to their concerns. I want to ensure that the city is keeping everyone informed and giving them a voice in decisions that impact them. There are also some things that are truly out of the Common Council’s control, from funding public schools to lowering the cost of gas and groceries. But I look forward to working closely with District 16 residents to address what is in Madison’s control and do everything possible to make their lives easier.

8. What's one thing you wish you could change about Madison?

It’s going to take time, resources, and commitment to tackle our city’s affordability crisis, but it’s something I am fully dedicated to. I wish I could snap my fingers and build more affordable housing in order to meet growing demand and bring down costs for everyone in the housing market. In a perfect world, it would be easy to do big things that help a lot of people. But we don’t live in a perfect world, and sometimes change is difficult and takes time. We can’t stop Madison from growing and changing, but we can make sure that the change is positive, responsible, and keeps our city moving in the right direction.

9. What’s your favorite meal in Madison?

That’s a tough one! I’m a big foodie, and we have so many incredible dining options in Madison. As someone who grew up on the east side, I’m inclined to say Ha Long Bay or Monty’s Blue Plate. But I do love the fried rice at Ahan too! The Red Rooster is also a fun spot right here in District 16 with great food and live music.

I’m a lifelong Madisonian and a proud product of our public schools. I had my first job at the Chocolaterian Café on the east side, starting as a dishwasher and working my way up to being the manager. I’ve seen Madison grow and change over the past 26 years. As an Eagle Scout, I was always taught to leave the world a better place than when I found it. That’s exactly why I’m running for alder. I’m proud to have the support of trusted leaders, including Congressman Mark Pocan, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, the Democratic Party of Dane County, and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and tackle the toughest issues facing our city. To learn more, visit 

Sean O'Brien is running to represent District 16 on the Madison City Council. 

Q&A: Madison City Council Candidate Sean O'Brien

Meet the 2025 Madison City Council Candidates: Sean O'Brien

The unedited responses for District 17 candidate Sabrina Madison are below.

The most pressing issue facing Madison is the lack of attainable, affordable housing. Too many residents—especially low-income families, seniors, and communities of color—are struggling to find stable, reasonably priced homes. Rising costs, limited availability, and slow development timelines make it difficult for people to live and work in the city.

The most important issue facing District 17 is the lack of community-centered space. Residents need a welcoming place to gather, learn, and access resources. That’s why I have strongly advocated for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park—a library and community hub designed to meet these needs. This space will provide essential programming, educational opportunities, and a sense of belonging for families, youth, and seniors. As Alder, I remain committed to ensuring its funding and development while engaging residents in shaping its future. 

What sets me apart is my commitment to respectful leadership, collaboration, and real solutions for District 17. I prioritize listening to residents, working with city staff, and pushing for policies that improve our community. In contrast, my opponent, has a history of harassment toward me and other elected officials and city staff, to the extent that I had to call an emergency meeting about his escalating behavior. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office has also documented his repeated disruptive conduct. Leadership requires professionalism, problem-solving, and a dedication to serving all residents—not hostility and obstruction. I remain focused on uplifting our community, advocating for necessary resources, and ensuring that District 17 continues to move forward with integrity and purpose.

Yes, I strongly supported the $22 million property tax referendum because it was essential to maintaining critical city services that residents rely on. Without it, Madison faced deep budget cuts that would have disproportionately impacted working families, communities of color, and lower-income neighborhoods like those in District 17. The referendum helped fund essential services like public safety, transit, and libraries—services that keep our city running and our residents supported. While no one wants higher taxes, the alternative would have meant fewer resources for those who need them most. I advocated for this referendum because I believe in a Madison where everyone has access to the services that make our city safe, livable, and equitable.

Madison's next police chief should be a strong communicator who actively rebuilds trust with communities that have experienced strained relationships with law enforcement. They must understand the city’s financial constraints and support investments in violence prevention, homelessness services, and community-based solutions. A balanced approach—ensuring public safety while addressing the root causes of crime—is essential. The chief should work collaboratively with residents, prioritize transparency, and lead with accountability. Madison needs a leader who values both effective policing and community well-being, fostering a safer, more equitable city for all.

One important step the city could take to ease our housing crisis is to implement and expand upon the recent ordinance changes introduced by Mayor Rhodes-Conway and city alders. These changes are designed to encourage housing growth by simplifying zoning rules and reducing barriers for developers, making it easier to build affordable housing. The city should continue exploring ways to streamline processes and incentivize the construction of affordable units while ensuring that diverse communities are included in the development plans. Addressing zoning issues and creating affordable housing incentives are key strategies that can help alleviate the pressure on our housing market.

I wish more residents knew that they have the power to effect change in city government through involvement, and it doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Whether it’s attending a meeting, submitting feedback, or reaching out to your alder, your voice matters. Getting engaged in the decision-making process can be as simple as staying informed and sharing your perspective. Every small action contributes to shaping the future of our city, and residents don’t need to dedicate large amounts of time to make a real impact. Your participation is crucial for a thriving, responsive Madison.

I wish Madison had more entertainment options and small businesses owned by Black people, as our city lacks the cultural vibrancy that draws people to places like Chicago or Milwaukee. Expanding the presence of diverse businesses and cultural venues would not only enrich the city's experience but also create opportunities for entrepreneurs and residents alike. More investment in these areas would help Madison better reflect its growing diverse population and attract people who are seeking cultural experiences right here in our city.

One of my favorite meals in Madison is from Melly’s Mell’s—her collard greens, cornbread, mac and cheese, and catfish are so good! It’s a meal that warms the soul, and I love supporting a Black woman-owned business in our community. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend checking out her menu and placing a catering order: 

I’d like to take a moment to thank the voters and residents of District 17 for supporting my leadership. I also want to express my gratitude to the city staff for their dedication in keeping our city running and to the businesses, both large and small, for contributing to the vibrancy of our district. I truly believe that by working together, we can continue shaping District 17 into a thriving, dynamic area of Madison that serves the needs of all its residents. Your support and collaboration are invaluable in making that vision a reality. Of course I also have to say thanks to City Cast Madison for covering city related issues which helps to keep residents engaged and informed. 

Sabrina Madison is running to represent District 17 on the Madison City Council. 

Meet Madison City Council Candidate Sabrina Madison

Meet the 2025 Madison City Council Candidates: Sabrina Madison

The unedited responses for District 6 candidate Davy Mayer are below.

Availability and cost of housing. I will work to engage developers to help them with the city process while maintaining neighborhood review. We'll also look at the mayor's proposals to increases ADU size, allow small apartment buildings to be built "by right" and demolition changes. 

(I am running unopposed.) I have a long history of neighborhood activism over twenty years with leadership roles in two neighborhood associations (CNI and SASY). I've served on city committees (including the Downtown Coordinating Committee, responsible for the Flock to State Street trial last summer) and as an election official for 15 years.

I did. I think it's worth it to maintain city services. There is a glimmer of hope that with the end of gerrymandering, a more balanced legislature might entertain fixing the shared revenue formula to being delivering more state tax revenue back to Madison to help alleviate budget strains.

Someone with a commitment to reform, to working with our oversight board and independent monitor.

It's not what the city isn't doing but what it could do better. Our development approval process is not onerous but it could be streamlined. Our zoning isn't restrictive but it could be clarified. Developers should be 95% confident that if they follow zoning guidelines, a proposal will be approved.

City staff are hardworking civil servants devoted to the community. Alders work long hours for little pay because they do it to serve the public and make their districts and the city a better place.

I'd move it about 100 miles south in order to soften the winters.

When I listen to City Cast Madison I end up with Carl's outro theme stuck in my head for hours afterwards.

Davy Mayer is running to represent District 6 on the Madison City Council. 

Meet Madison City Council Candidate Davy Mayer

Meet the 2025 Madison City Council Candidates: Davy Mayer

The unedited responses for District 19 candidate Anthony Nino Amato are below.

Affordable & Missing Middle Housing and Federal Cut backs from Washington. 

I am running to represent the growing concerns expressed by19th District residents and the ongoing frustrations by small businesses, in dealing with some city agencies. Equally important, there is a urgent need for increased government accountability and transparency in our city government, which is fundamental to building a healthy community and in the development of Madison's long-term economic and environmental sustainable future. 

My opponent John G. was rejected by the Voters of the 19th Dist. in 2023 by a smashing defeat & 65% of voting residents supported his opponent (Kristen Slack) who has endorsed me int this election. Worse yet John G. has been involved in public information meetings (PIMs) and often portray himself as "I Know Best" for district constituencies and for businesses, while pushing his top-down approach to community engagement that is more autocratic than collaborative. 

NO. Because the City was already forecasting a $20 million dollar 2024 surplus, due to the increased interest rates of return from our rainy day fund, while passing a "fear-based 2025 budget to wine over voters. Unfortunately, voters are now upset, because the increase in property taxes was not essential needed in the next budget process. Now that the Trump-Musk government is radically cutting back on federal funds, we will no longer have a second chance to increase property taxes, because the voters no longer trust the current city council and mayor. Until there is a change of city council members who have financial management skills who can rebuild trust with the voters, we are now between a financial rock and a hard place. Also, we need to play an active role in the WI. League of Municipalities, who can come together in a nonpartisan way and lobby for new local financial support, given the states $4.7 Billion Dollar Surplus. If I am elected, I will be an active supported in generate state aid to Madison and Dane County. 

Another Shan Barns [sic] would be great. We need a Madison Police Chief who is highly educated, a former educator and critical thinking who embraces President Obama's 21st Century Policing Principals and Values. Someone who can build trust and legitimacy among our diverse neighborhoods, one who has a record of embracing community policing and crime reduction success. One who embraces officer training and education on citizens civil rights and one who is proactive when it comes to Public Safety & Wellness through a "Holistic Approach to Community Engagement and Policing. 

Sad to say but Housing First by Madison has unfortunately failed. What needs to be done in all future affordable housing initiatives is a comprehensive approach to engaging city and county social services and mental health professionals, that are engage in the daily lives of the affording housing community. As for building racial equity, the city needs to develop and incentivize local developers to build Condo's multi-family and intergenerational Condo Communities for first time home buyers that include but not limited to: deluxe studio condos, one, two and three bedrooms for families and provide court-yard green space and green technology in the the building design for first time home buy hers. We also need to conduct an inventory of City Own Madison land and invest in condo housing for first buyers. The city missed a great opportunity to convert the two Ice Arena's site into affordable housing and Condo development and flourishingly forgave the $1.6 million dollar debt and sold ownership of both Ice Arena Properties for only $1. That was not only foolish, it is a huge lost opportunity to serve today's housing needs and those in the future. 

I wished residents knew the history of Madison's Common Council Progressive engagement of listening to their residents and representing their views and voices on the Madison Common Council. The vast majority of Today's City Council members have angered and alienated their own district residents and it time for the City Council to embrace Representative Democracy and to improve their district constituency relations and meet once a week and in person. 

For Madison City Government to embrace government transparency, two-way citizen engagement, listen to the environmental concerns of their residents and embrace government accountablity [sic]. 

That is why I am running for the 19th Aldermanic District, with a focus on representing the concerns of our residents and small businesses and being their voice on the Madison Common Council. If I am fortunate to be elected, please be assured I will dedicate my work of 40 years of public and private sector leadership, to improve and reform the unfortunate top-down autocratic mentality that has impacted some of our city agencies and the city council. 

Anthony Nino Amato is running for the District 19 seat on the Madison City Council. 

Meet Madison City Council Candidate Anthony Nino Amato

Meet the 2025 Madison City Council Candidates: Anthony Nino Amato

The unedited responses for District 18 candidate Kevin Monroe are below.

Cost of living, as this touches on everything from housing to expansion of the city.

Cost of housing and how our district fits into the future expansion of Madison. As the city expands to keep up with population increase, we need to ensure we are working with the people in the community that are being most impacted and bringing their ideas and concerns to the table. I intend to get out and meet with people of district 18 to gather that information.

As someone that has spent their life in industry, be it sciences or welding/fabricating. I bring an independent, pragmatic mindset to represent the people of District 18 in Madison's common council.

I did not. I thought the way the referendum was worded was too open ended. Additionally, it added more burden to homeowners that have seen property taxes increase year over year.

A person that is willing to work with and hear the community they serve. Additionally, someone that supports the expansion of CARES.

Remodeling currently unoccupied properties for mixed use housing. This would serve in helping increase the amount of housing while dispersing affordable housing rather than having it in concentrated blocks around the city.

That the common council and city government are here to represent and serve them, an alder should be asking for direct input from their district’s residents. Ensuring their community is properly represented.

How we approach affordable housing. We currently have it set up in a way that results in concentrated areas of affordable housing that then become over policed.

So much good food......currently the sesame tofu from Little Palace. Can't wait to see them in their new combined location with Ha Long Bay!

As a longtime resident of district 18, I hope to get a chance to represent myself and my neighbors as our city grows and expands. 

Kevin Monroe is running to represent District 18 on the Madison City Council.

Meet Madison City Council Candidate Kevin Monroe

Meet the 2025 Madison City Council Candidates: Kevin A Monroe

The unedited responses for District 3 candidate Derek Field are below.

The City Budget is the most pressing issue. State law places significant restrictions on local government revenue in Wisconsin, prevents some revenue sources available in other states, and requires local government spending in several forms. That doesn't leave us much to work with - the main source of revenue isn't even permitted to keep up with inflation. We NEED to aggressively make the case to State lawmakers for Madison's role in driving the state's economy to get a better deal than the current shared revenue deal, which provides Madison the lowest per-capita funding in the state. They only pay back 38% of the cost of providing mandatory services to state property. We have to fix this.

I think that gun violence prevention is a critical public safety strategy and has been a significant need in my district. During my first term as alder, four young people lost their lives to gun violence in my district. I see violence prevention holistically, meaning addressing the community factors that lead to conflict and violence. That includes socioemotional learning for children in schools, building trust and relationships between the public and law enforcement, preventing the kind of over-policing of marginalized groups that erodes this community trust, activating public spaces where violence has been an issue, and meeting families basic needs like affordable housing, food, reliable transportation options, and economic opportunity. Further, I'm recognized by Moms Demand Action as a Gun Sense candidate this spring because I support common-sense restrictions on the availability of firearms. I want to keep working with East District MPD and the Violence Prevention Unit in Public Health to understand and meet these needs of families in my district who live at two particular properties that have seen patterns of gun violence in my first term. 

I would like voters to know that I work hard for them to make sure issues in our district are prioritized. I champion causes and programs that I think are important for us and I vote "no" on projects or budget amendments where I can't justify the cost/benefit to District 3 residents. I've built relationships with D3 neighborhood leaders to stay on top of what's important. To summarize, I'm doing the job how I will want to see a future District 3 alder do the job once it's no longer me.

I did. The alternative was to begin making cuts to City services in the Operating Budget so that the City spends $6million less per year, repeated each year for the immediate future. The staff who provide our public services cost money and we can't print money. The first year of those cuts might have been more bearable but without new funding from the referendum, the cuts in following years would likely have affected programs that are very important to my district: street maintenance, youth outreach officers and community policing officers, CARES program teams, the list goes on. Public Health & Safety agencies, which I think are critical, account for nearly half of the Operating Budget. We need a state policy fix for this problem and we need to work hard to make our case to legislators that lowest-in-the-state per-capita funding and 38% state reimbursement for mandatory local services we provide to state property are inadequate and unfair.

I think the next Chief must be committed to using data rather than perceptions to allocate department resources. I hope to see the continuation of, or something similar to, Chief Barnes' stratified policing model that used crime data to focus officers' attention and time at varying levels based on the volume and severity of crime, rather than spending too much time in parts of the City that didn't benefit from that presence. I also hope to see a commitment to community relationship-building, including with neighborhood leaders, community partners involved in violence prevention, and Violence Prevention Unit staff.

I think the City has made a lot of progress on this in recent years, but additional steps the City should take include: making it easier for empty-nesters converting part of their house to a separate housing unit (which could provide income options for fixed-income senior homeowners), making the post-approval permitting process easier and more predictable for housing developers, and using City resources to develop condominiums in neighborhoods that are getting dense with mostly rental housing (I think that ownership options are really important for a "complete neighborhood").

I wish more residents knew how lucky we are to have so much dedication and talent in our City workforce. Living in Madison, it's really easy to take for granted the excellent level of service we can expect from City agencies. That's despite the fact that our agencies are often dealing with multiple vacancies or solving complex and frustrating problems under significant budgetary or legal constraints. 

I wish we could house everybody, end homelessness, and connect everybody with the services and opportunities they need in order to keep their housing.

This is a hard question because I don't have just one favorite - rather, I love trying meals at brand-new restaurants we see opening all the time and adding to our community's impressive restaurant scene!

Thank you for taking time to learn about candidates!

Derek Field is running for the District 3 seat on the Madison City Council. 

Meet Madison City Council Candidate Derek Field

Meet the 2025 Madison City Council Candidates: Derek Field

The unedited responses for District 13 candidate Tag Evers are below. 

We are facing a severe housing shortage. We need to build more housing at all price levels. We have some of the lowest vacancy rates in the country, which translates into some of the highest annual increases in rents of any city in the country. Consequently, our teachers, our cops and firefighters, our nurses, and even our young people who grew up here can no longer afford to live in Madison. We are the fastest growing city in the state and demand far outstrips supply. Incentivizing more housing along our high-frequency transit routes and rationalizing our zoning to allow for gentle density in our neighborhoods are necessary steps to accommodate our rapidly growing population.

Both Regent Street and John Nolen Drive are scheduled for reconstruction in the next couple of years. I’ve played an important role in the revitalization of the Regent Street Group, a collective of 40 stakeholders including local businesses, nearby residents, the two area hospitals, UW, city staff, and Downtown Madison, Inc. are meeting regularly to vision cast how Regent Street can break free from its overdependence on Camp Randall and move forward with the a year-around workforce population capable of sustaining a diverse retail base and healthy mix of hospitality-oriented businesses. Similarly, the reconstruction of John Nolen dovetails with the new vision for the Lake Monona Waterfront, now under the rubric of Madison Lakeway. Both are priorities for my next term.

I have six years of experience on city council and have formed strong working relationships with city staff, the various neighborhood associations, fellow alders, and the Mayor's office, all of which puts me in a strong position to represent District 13 residents moving forward. That's not to say that there won't be disagreements. All voices need to be at the table. Voice is definitive of participatory democracy, but voice does not mean veto. We need to move forward with more housing even when some residents in some neighborhoods voice opposition.

I'm grateful the referendum passed convincingly with 57% of the vote and, moreover, that it passed in District 13 by a two to one margin. The fact that it passed gives us a cushion from the harder edges of our ongoing structural deficit, the responsibilty for which lies solely with the GOP-controlled state legislature. We will continue to seek efficiencies as we seek to maintain the quality of services our residents expect and deserve. And we will continue to make the case for a better deal from the state to reduce the unfair burden upon Madison taxpayers.

At this point, I think we should hire interim chief John Patterson as our next chief. JP knows the job and has developed strong relationships across various city sectors including diverse segments of our city's population.

We could provisions allowing residents to convert a single-family home to a duplex all throughout the city. Currently, this is allowed withing the Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District, but we could and should extend this citywide. We should also eliminate parking minimums for new developments.

It takes a lot of work to stay up on the issues. The work can be frustrating, particularly when meetings run late, sometimes past midnight. Nonetheless, local government is place where real change can take place. 

My dog Bella goes nearly everywhere with me. I promote concerts all over the Midwest for my day job as owner of True Endeavors Concerts, and Bella goes with me to nearly every show.

Tag Evers is running for the District 13 seat on the Madison City Council. 

Meet Madison City Council Candidate Tag Evers

Meet the 2025 Madison City Council Candidates: Tag Evers

The unedited responses for District 18 candidate Carmella Glenn are below.

Housing, in particularly racial inequality as it pertains to housing.

When I think about the most pressing issue, it’s hard to look at one individual issue without it being overlapped by another. For example housing doesn’t stop at housing. Recent changes to zoning have been a big step forward, but we also need to find ways to reinvest in communities, and hold accountability to apartment managers and owners to create and maintain safe and healthy environments. Housing done well means quality of life is maintained. We can do better here in my district. 

It comes down to experience. I have an expertise of working with, for and sometimes up again systems that typically aren’t efficient. In each role I’ve had, I’ve built relationships and have been willing to have hard conversations. Because of the network I’ve built, I can be present where it matters with the lens that’s needed to educate and guide people on topics. 

Yes! I supported it because I know that we have to make hard decisions about cuts in systems that would cause more systemic harm, especially for people who look like me. The harm would be more incremental than money asked of property owners. 

Our chief of police needs to be someone who understands all systems of violence intervention and prevention and not just policing. We need someone community-centered, who can sit in a room and be called to the table and understand that it’s not personal – lead not dominate. It is also important that the leadership includes an understanding of the nuance of people’s needs. Safety is about far more than crime rates, and we need someone who understands that. 

Changing zoning was a big step, Centering individuals when looking at solutions for housing is important. The mens shelter has been a good first step, but we also need to prioritize more options for transitional housing. The traditional market cannot and will not meet all of the needs for housing that Madison has. There has to be many options. 

I think there is a lot of confusion about what the council is responsible for, and the things that are possible to accomplish within that particular body. I would like residents to have a better understanding of what the council does and does not do, and of course to know that alders are the link to city government and knowing who represents them matters a lot!

wish I could change the many racial disparities we have here. The most significant being the median income for black and brown people. 

Carmella Glenn is running for the District 18 seat on the Madison City Council.

Meet Madison City Council Candidate Carmella Glenn

Meet the 2025 Madison City Council Candidates: Carmella Glenn

The unedited responses for District 4 candidate Mike Verveer are below.

Far too many in our community face difficulty securing safe and affordable housing. I have, and will continue to, champion incentives for developers to dedicate significant amounts of affordable units in new developments for students and working families through density and height bonuses. I’ve consistently been a strong supporter of robust funding of the City’s Affordable Housing Fund that assists in the creation of new affordable housing. However, Madison must do much more to help people struggling in our community as these strategies have not produced enough units to meet the extreme need.

The most important issue facing downtown is housing affordability and stability. Rising costs are pushing out low- and middle-income residents, making it harder for families to stay downtown. Balancing the tremendous growth without negatively affecting folks' quality of life remains a major issue facing downtown. Growth and quality development is critical for a healthy downtown. I will continue to foster responsible infill development while maintaining neighborhood character. We must continue to successfully balance competing interests in our land use planning and development review process.

My deep experience and commitment to housing affordability, expanding public transportation, environmental sustainability and neighborhood safety sets me apart. I have a proven track record of advancing policies that support our community. From my time as Chief of Staff for Tammy Baldwin, to studying law at UW-Madison, I’ve called downtown home for decades. My neighbors have placed their confidence in me to be their voice in City Hall for many years. I’m proud to have played a role in the development of downtown to where it is today.

I supported the municipal property tax referendum because it was necessary to address the City's budget deficit and maintain essential services. Without this funding, critical programs—including housing initiatives, public safety, and sustainability efforts—would have faced severe cuts. Investing in our community through responsible fiscal planning ensures that Madison remains a safe, vibrant, and equitable place for all residents. The City deserves getting fair shared revenue treatment from the State Legislature. Current State policies place an unfair financial burden on city residents.

Madison’s next police chief should be a leader committed to transparency, accountability, and community-centered policing. They must prioritize building trust between law enforcement and the community, emphasizing de-escalation, mental health support, and equitable public safety practices. A strong commitment to addressing racial disparities, improving officer training, and fostering collaboration with local organizations is essential. Madison needs a police chief who will lead with integrity, ensure public safety for all residents, and embrace innovative approaches to community policing.

The City should do more to streamline the approval process for new housing developments, especially those that include affordable units. Lengthy delays and complex regulations drive up costs and limit the number of new homes being built. By modernizing zoning codes, reducing unnecessary barriers, and expediting approvals for sustainable, high-density developments near public transit, the City can increase housing supply more efficiently. Greatly encouraging more mixed-use and infill development will also help create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods while addressing the housing crisis.

I wish more residents knew how accessible and impactful city government is in shaping their daily lives. Many important decisions—like housing development and other land use decisions, public transportation, public safety, and sustainability initiatives—are made at the local level. City government is directly responsible for addressing issues like safe and affordable housing, climate change, and transportation. Residents have the power to influence these decisions by attending meetings, voicing concerns, and staying engaged in local issues, making their participation vital for progress. 

I really wish I could immediately improve the accessibility and affordability of housing in Madison. Although we have made progress, the rising cost of living is pushing many residents out of their neighborhoods, particularly low- and middle-income families. I will continue to work to increase the availability of affordable housing by streamlining development processes, incentivizing energy-efficient and sustainable housing, and ensuring that all residents have access to safe, affordable places to live. A more inclusive, equitable housing system would help everyone thrive in our growing city.

My favorite meals are always downtown! Beyond that, it is virtually impossible for me to pick my favorite meal in Madison, especially in downtown Madison. We are truly blessed to have so many amazing options of cuisine from all over the world to enjoy. It has often been cited that Madison has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the country. I'm honored to count many Madison restaurateurs as friends and to have played a tiny part in fostering their businesses by helping them navigate City Hall. City Cast, please don't force me to pick just one!

Downtown residents, as your Alder, you can expect me to work tirelessly to champion progressive policies that increase the amount of affordable housing, expand public transportation options, and ensure that Madison is a place where everyone can comfortably and affordably live, work, and thrive. I’m proud of my accomplishments and would like the opportunity to continue working on behalf of residents.

Mike Verveer is running to represent District 4 on the Madison City Council. 