Tag: Madison

Grant Foster Because I love Madison and I want to do everything I can to make it an even better place to live. My professional experience and skills combined with the knowledge and experience I gained working within Madison’s city government have prepared me to be a very effective leader on the Council and a strong advocate for District 15. I’ve been very involved with city governance for the last five years and have an in-depth understanding of city processes, the work of the council, and the major issues facing our community. The Milwaukee Street Special Area Plan was also just approved by the Common Council and it looks to capitalize on the excellent public transit access by adding significant housing as well. It will also bring greater opportunity to improve access to public transportation for those that live and work in the district. This is both an exciting and pivotal time for our city, Madison, with projected growth in population over the course of the next few years. In addition, as a first generation immigrant, I will bring diversity to the council and will work hard to ensure all segments of the city are represented. Our city is growing and with growth, comes change. It is pertinent for council members to listen and gain input from their respective communities and work collectively to maintain our strong and diverse communities as part of the legislative and oversight function. Our communities are evolving and the council has the opportunity to impact the lives of its residents positively and make our beloved city, the best that it can be for all.

Two candidates are running for the District 2 seat on Madison's City Council. On TLNA, where I lead and guide neighborhood input when evaluating development proposals, my appreciation of the concerns of neighbors, as well as the needs of both the city and developers, has grown. Due to years of advocacy for my neighborhood, District 2, and the City of Madison, I understand city processes, the important role of city staff and how city ordinances are crafted and enacted. My years of working with District 2 neighbors on parking, traffic issues, and pedestrian/bike safety, gives me the knowledge to represent and convey the District's diversity of opinions on Common Council. I'm a community organizer who has been organizing the community for progressive candidates. The 2nd District has more than 1,000 new housing units since our last competitive alder election. Our next alder needs to engage these new residents and bring everyone into the political process. Madison has an affordable housing crisis. I want to see us rewrite our neighborhood plans more often and ask neighborhoods themselves to find places to accommodate new growth. Since then, the people of my community have given me a sense of place that I have never had anywhere else.