Downtown Dialogue Meet N' Greet
media release: The city of Madison invites community members to attend an upcoming Downtown Alders Meet and Greet on Tuesday, November 18, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Madison Senior Center. This informal event provides residents, business owners, and visitors with an opportunity to connect directly with the alders representing Madison’s downtown districts.
Attendees will have the chance to speak with Alder and Council Vice President MGR Govindarajan, District 8; Alder Davy Mayer, District 6; Alder Mike Verveer, District 4; and Alder Will Ochowicz, District 2, about ongoing projects, community priorities, and upcoming initiatives that impact the downtown area. City staff will also be present to share information on city services and engagement opportunities.
This event is an excellent opportunity for residents and invested parties to meet their elected officials and have open conversations about the future of our downtown. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. If you plan to attend, please register in advance at www.cityofmadison.com/Downtownalders. If you have questions about registration, please get in touch with Lorissa Banuelos, Community Engagement Strategist, at Lbanuelos@cityofmadison.com. She will be glad to assist you.
Below, you will find brief introductions for each of the alders. We hope this information will inspire thoughtful and constructive discussion.
Meet your downtown alders!
District 2 Alder Will Ochowicz
- 608-300-2704
- district2@cityofmadison.com
Area of Madison:
One of the best landmarks in my district is Lake Mendota! We also include part of James Madison Park, Period Park (one of my favorite pocket parks), and the lower part of State Street.
Why did you choose to become an alder?
I became an alder because I’m interested in policy and how I can make my community a better place to live.
What do you hope to accomplish in this role?
I hope to accomplish some policy objectives to make it easier to build housing, to fund affordable housing, and to make our streets safer by investing in better infrastructure. I only have a one-year term before I need to run again so it’s a lot to do in a year :)
District 4 Alder Mike Verveer
- 608-576-4355
- district4@cityofmadison.com
Area of Madison
The 4th Alder District includes the iconic Capitol Square and the upper blocks of State Street. It includes all or a portion of the following neighborhoods: Bassett, First Settlement, Mansion Hill, and Mifflin. Cultural institutions include Central Library, Kohl Center, Madison Children’s Museum, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Madison Senior Center, Majestic Theater, Monona Terrace, Orpheum Theatre, Overture Center, Wisconsin History Center (under construction), and Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Parks include: Brittingham Park, Capitol Centre Park, Lakefront Porch Park, and Law Park.
Why did you choose to become an alder?
Public service and helping people inspired me to originally seek this position. I’m honored that my neighbors have placed their confidence in me to be their voice in City Hall for many years. I’m proud to have played a role in the development of downtown to where it is today.
What do you hope to accomplish in this role?
I’ll continue to champion policies that increase the amount of affordable housing units, expand pedestrian and bike friendly mobility options, and ensure that Madison is a place where everyone can comfortably and affordably live, work, and thrive. Far too many in our community face difficulty securing safe and affordable housing.
- 608-419-7066
- district6@cityofmadison.com
Area of Madison
District 6 is bordered by Blair St to the west (plus six blocks across Blair that include Essen Haus and the Brayton Lot), hemmed in by Lakes Mendota and Monona, and stopping at the Yahara River north of E Wash and Division St to the south.
Why did you choose to become an alder?
I spent many years volunteering with the CNI and SASY neighborhood associations. During this time, I worked alongside alders and saw all the things they were able to do to help people and improve our neighborhoods and city. I wanted to step up to do my part.
What do you hope to accomplish in this role?
My priorities are to increase affordable housing, transportation, addressing racial and economic disparities and constituent services.
District 8 Alder & Council VP MGR Govindarajan
- 608-509-9119
- district8@cityofmadison.com
Area of Madison
My district includes all of the UW campus and some South off campus neighborhoods, all of which are north of Regent Street.
Why did you choose to become an alder?
I ran for alder after feeling as if the city didn’t prioritize student voices enough in its decision making in the downtown area. I wanted to address the lack of housing, the inconsistent reliability of the old bus system, and campus safety.
What do you hope to accomplish in this role?
If I accomplish nothing more than getting students educated and involved in local government, I consider that a success. But policy-wise my focus has been on promoting affordable student housing programs, improving the campus bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and increasing campus safety.
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