City planners outline updates for Madison's Southeast and Southwest area plans

The Plan Commission meeting held on June 2, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin, focused on updates regarding the city's comprehensive plan and the concurrent development of the Southwest and Southeast area plans.

The meeting began with a discussion on the statutory requirements for updating the comprehensive plan. It was confirmed that the plan must be updated every ten years, with recent updates occurring more frequently, including changes made in 2023. The commission acknowledged the importance of maintaining current policy goals in the comprehensive plan.

Following this, the planning division staff provided updates on the Southwest and Southeast area plans. Co-project managers Urvashi Martin and Rebecca Kinnair led the presentation, outlining the background and objectives of the area plans. These plans are part of a new city planning framework that divides Madison into twelve geographic areas, with the Southwest and Southeast being the latest to undergo planning.

The presentation detailed the demographic and housing statistics for both areas. The Southwest area has over 16,000 housing units and approximately 37,000 residents, while the Southeast area contains over 11,000 housing units and around 25,000 residents. Both areas are noted for their racial diversity, with significant populations identifying as BIPOC and Hispanic/Latinx.

Key topics for the area plans include land use, transportation, housing affordability, economic development, cultural resources, and health and safety. The plans aim to address the projected growth of Madison, which anticipates adding 15,000 new residents and 50,000 jobs by 2050.

The meeting also highlighted the establishment of community action strategy areas, which are designated census geographies eligible for federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Approximately $400,000 in federal funding is available for small-scale physical improvements in both areas, such as community gardens and park shelters.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to proactive planning and community engagement as it prepares for future growth and development. The next steps involve continued public engagement and refinement of the area plans, ensuring they reflect the needs and aspirations of Madison's diverse communities.