Madison Reporter

Residents in the Southwest and Southeast areas are encouraged to participate in a second community survey organized by the Planning Division. Those who participated in the first round, after receiving postcards in January, should check their emails for the survey link.

The initial survey aimed to identify issues and opportunities within these areas. The current survey, available until May 30, delves into topics that emerged from the first round of responses. The Planning Division emphasizes that feedback is essential for developing plans that reflect community needs. Residents contribute directly to shaping their neighborhoods by participating.

In January, postcards were sent to a randomly selected one-third of residents in these planning areas. Those not selected can still share their thoughts through a public survey now open.

Demographic information collected will help City staff understand who is being reached through these surveys. Results will be published on the Southwest Area Plan and Southeast Area Plan project web pages later this spring.

The Southwest Planning Area is defined by the Beltline to the north and northeast, Fitchburg to the south and southeast, and S. High Point Road to the west. According to the 2020 Census, about 36,837 people reside there, with 37% identifying as BIPOC or Hispanic/Latinx.

The Southeast Planning Area is bounded by I-39/90 to the east, Sigglekow Road/the Village of McFarland to the south, Starkweather Creek/the City of Monona to the west, and Highway 30 to the north. This area has about 25,366 residents with 25.9% identifying as BIPOC or Hispanic/Latinx.

Each plan will include recommendations across various categories such as Land Use and Transportation, Neighborhoods and Housing, Economy and Opportunity, Culture and Character, Green and Resilient initiatives, Effective Government practices, along with Health and Safety measures.

The Common Council authorized work on both plans in October 2024. Public engagement events were held later that year to explain the process and gather initial ideas. Residents interested in future meetings or participating further can find more details on individual project pages for each area plan.