Madisonians have just a few more weeks to tell the city what they want to see in the Northeast Area Plan draft.

In January 2023, City officials introduced a new planning framework for the City of Madison. Boundaries were set to indicate 12 sub-areas within Madison.

Planning for the future of these areas is being done in batches and relies on feedback from residents, stakeholders, and local organizations. This feedback will be used, in part, to shape upcoming housing, land use, and transit projects.

It will take roughly a decade to carry out the new planning framework across all 12 areas, with the West and Northeast Area plans being the first on the list.

Over the next 10 years, these 12 areas will be addressed with the new planning framework. | Planning area map via City of Madison

Northeast Area Plan

Here are the plan's seven key factors and some corresponding goals:

Land use and transportation

Improve pedestrian safety in high-traffic areas
Focus on compact growth to reduce farmland developments

Neighborhoods and housing

Incentivize affordable housing on East Washington Avenue and the Bus Rapid Transit corridor
Improve the quality of rental housing

Economy and opportunity

Bring awareness to small business development programs
Offer more access to grocery stores and childcare

Culture and character

Use public art and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to make the area more inviting
Add benches along Starkweather Creek

More benches along Starkweather Creek would allow locals to easily enjoy Madison's public greenspace. | Photo submitted by Jeff W.

Green and resilient

New parks near East Towne Mall for public gatherings and event hosting
Make it more clear where public parks end and private land begins

Effective government

Work with principals to increase school zone safety
Work with the federal government to explore soundproofing options for those living near the airport

Health and safety

Increase lighting on bike and pedestrian paths
Establish Neighborhood Resource Teams which serve as liaisons between the neighborhoods and government

Get involved

Drop a comment
Until Sunday, June 16, you can leave comments on the digital versions of the draft and draft summary. Just click anywhere on the page, input your name and email, and leave your comment.

Virtual meetings

Tuesday, May 28 | 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 29 | 12 p.m.

In-person meetings

During these drop-in sessions, there will be City staff present to field any questions and thoughts you have regarding the plan. Oh, and free pizza.

Wednesday, May 29 | 5-8 p.m. | Reindahl Park, 1818 Portage Rd.
Thursday, May 30 | 5-8 p.m. | Sycamore Park, 830 Jana Ln.