Public workshops were held Tuesday and Wednesday for citizens to become engaged in the planning process

MADISON – The last of three workshops designed to give Madison citizens a voice in a comprehensive plan for the city was held last night at Insanity Skate Park. Two similar workshops were held Tuesday at Madison City Hall and Toyota Field. Tonight, a public open house will be held at city hall to review what was gleaned from those workshops and how the information will be used to develop what is being called Madison On Track 2045.

Madison on Track 2045 involves community-based planning to shape Madison’s future by updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan, which will be used as a policy document by city leaders, developers, business owners and citizens to make decisions about future growth, development, policy and capital improvements.

The Community Vision Workshops all had the same agenda. Interactive discussion will include a series of exercises to help the community begin to envision ways that Madison will evolve, based on existing conditions, growth trends and future projections. Maps of the city were laid out on tables with Lego building blocks available for citizens to add various aspects to them representing anything from residential to commercial planning, infrastructure and recreation needs, and other goals those attending the workshops would like to see included in the master growth plan. Lively discussions often broke out among the participants as they expressed their views and ideas for what will help Madison in the years to come.

One of the participants in last night’s workshop threw out the idea that Madison could benefit from an organized transit system. Others saw the need to limit residential growth and restrict the number of apartments being built, while others expressed a desire to see the city encourage certain types of commercial growth. As those in attendance expressed their opinions while placing their ideas on the maps using colored Legos, the pros and cons were often discussed among the others.

“We are so blessed to have community citizens who are invested and involved in helping shape the future of Madison,” said Madison Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director Michelle Epling, who was at last night’s workshop. “The facilitator (Allison Mouch) did a wonderful job guiding the residents through different scenarios to help figure out where planning and expansion makes the most sense in our growing city.  This will help with future economic development and quality of life for years to come.”

To review the results from the workshops, a “Shared Progress Open House” will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 100 Hughes Road tonight from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Residents can stop by and visit with project team members for Madison on Track 2045 and “see what progress has been made during planning week in Madison.”

Participants can review feedback from residents during the week’s workshops and provide guidance on the draft vision, planning principles and plan direction. All ages are welcome. The session does not include a formal presentation. Residents can visit at any time during the 90-minute open house.

A “Downtown Madison Farmers’ Market Pop-up Event” is also planned in the Garner Alley between Main and Martin streets on Friday, July 29, 3 to 6 p.m. Citizens can visit the farmers’ market to talk to project team members with Madison on Track 2045 and see the progress made during planning week.

Participants can review feedback from residents during the week’s workshops and offer guidance on the draft vision, planning principles and plan direction.

For more information, email MaryBeth.Broeren@madisonal.gov or visit madisonontrack2045.com.