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 4 candidate Mike Verveer are below.
Read the rest of the questionnaire responses here.
1. What is the single most pressing issue facing Madison?
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.
2. What's the most important issue facing your district and how will you go about addressing it?
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.
3. What sets you apart from your competitor or, if running uncontested, what would you like voters to know about you?
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.
4. Did you support the $22 million property tax referendum? Why or why not?
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.
5. What should Madison look for in its next police chief?
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.
6. What's something the city currently isn't doing, but could do to help ease our housing crisis?
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.
7. What's something you wish more residents knew about Common Council/city government?
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.
8. What's one thing you wish you could change about Madison?
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.
9. What’s your favorite meal in Madison?
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!
10. Anything else you'd like to add?
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.
