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Waunakee CDA to explore project partnership with Madison Area Land Trust
Summary
The Waunakee Community Development Authority agreed to invite Mason, the new executive director of the Madison Area Land Trust, to a future meeting to brainstorm potential development projects. Members discussed pilot options, limits on MACLT's targeted funds, and local-worker prioritization as policy considerations.
The Waunakee Community Development Authority on Tuesday discussed forming a development partnership with the Madison Area Land Trust, with members agreeing to invite MACLT's new executive director, Mason, to a future meeting to brainstorm specific project ideas.
Unidentified Speaker 2, who reported on a recent meeting with Mason, said Mason offered to run pro formas and help determine how Waunakee's dollars could fit into a project's capital stack if the CDA brings a concrete site or proposal. "If you have a project, let's come to the table together and make it happen," the speaker reported Mason saying.
Board members favored starting with a tangible pilot rather than completing all foundational documents first. Unidentified Speaker 4 suggested the CDA could "go and buy a couple lots" in local subdivisions, or consider parcels in the new Heyday development, to build a small number of homes as a test of affordability and operations.
Members also discussed potential opportunities tied to the local Legion property, where options reportedly include keeping the site as-is, converting some portion to a community land trust property, or pursuing a mixed-use development. Unidentified Speaker 4 said a CLT approach could help engage veterans and sustain the Legion's mission while creating affordable units.
The CDA flagged a funding constraint raised during the MACLT meeting: some MACLT-held dollars are targeted at a lower, "nonnegotiable" income level that may not match likely Waunakee applicants. Unidentified Speaker 6 told the board those funds "may not be able to be used towards projects here" unless guideline differences are resolved. The board agreed that clarifying eligible funding sources and program guidelines will be a critical next step.
On policy priorities, Unidentified Speaker 2 said the CDA has discussed prioritizing applicants who already work in Waunakee. Members expressed interest in that approach "to the extent it's allowable," and noted the need to account for retirees or residents who cannot work.
Next steps agreed by the CDA include inviting Mason from MACLT to the next meeting for an open brainstorming session, continuing to identify potential parcels or project candidates (some of which remain confidential at this stage), and clarifying which funding sources and income eligibility rules could apply locally. The CDA approved its previous meeting minutes at the start of the meeting and adjourned after the discussion.
