Madison council debate extends into fall over keeping Dairy Drive campground open

The Madison Common Council spent the evening weighing whether to extend operations at the Dairy Drive sanctioned campground and the contract with Madison Street Medicine (Mach 1 Health) beyond the site’s planned autumn closing.

The council heard more than three hours of public comment from residents, service providers and people who live at Dairy Drive. Dozens of speakers urged the council to preserve the campground, which they and operators say has helped move many residents into housing. Service providers and city staff described a narrow, complicated financing window that makes any extension risky without specified funding.

Advocates and onsite staff said Dairy Drive has produced measurable housing outcomes and access to services. “Dairy Drive has achieved remarkable results,” said Colin Erickson, speaking for supporters, noting “a majority of [residents] have left Dairy Drive for positive housing destinations.” David Rivera Korr, representing Madison Tenant Power, told the council: “If you do not vote in favor of this resolution, you are conducting political violence and engaging in class warfare.”

Madison Street Medicine and partner agencies described their current caseload and operations. “We have $571,000 that we can apply towards the program,” Madison Street Medicine representative Brenda Konkle told the council when describing available grants and the limits on how those federal and HUD funds may be used. Case managers and…