Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor at City of Madison | City of Madison
Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor at City of Madison | City of Madison
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has announced a proposal to allocate $1 million in new funding for services at the Bartillon Shelter as part of her 2026 Executive Operating Budget. If approved by the Common Council, this amount, combined with funds from the Community Development Division’s existing budget, would increase the City of Madison’s total contribution to shelter operations to $1.7 million next year. This marks a significant change, as municipalities like Madison have not typically provided financial support for shelter services.
“We need to provide services to vulnerable residents while creating more housing in our community so all our residents can thrive. Together, the City and County took a first big step – to design and build a facility that reflects our community’s values to treat people with respect and dignity, no matter their circumstances,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway at a press conference held at the Bartillon shelter construction site. “Madison is a compassionate and generous community and together we can accomplish the goal of opening Wisconsin’s first purpose built, 24/7 shelter that will help everyone who needs it connect to permanent housing.”
The Bartillon shelter is expected to open in 2026 and will provide safe refuge for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness in the region. The facility will also offer supportive services aimed at helping individuals secure permanent housing. To operate the shelter around-the-clock throughout the year, an estimated $4 million annually is required, necessitating further support from various sectors.
“The City of Madison is dedicating millions of dollars to support people experiencing homelessness and create more affordable housing,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. “But we need our partners – especially from the private sector, where historically the majority of homeless funding has come from – to join us by investing in the services our most vulnerable community members need to get back on their feet.”
A new organization called Shelter Friends of Dane County has begun efforts to raise additional funds from businesses, private donors, and local residents.
Funding for construction of the Bartillon shelter included $13.5 million from city capital funds, $10.5 million from Dane County, and $2 million in federal funds secured by Congressman Mark Pocan.
The full details of Mayor Rhodes-Conway’s 2026 Executive Operating Budget are scheduled for release on October 7.
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