Mayoral Candidates Forum

press release: Forums in early February for Madison’s crowded mayoral and district 12 alder races will bring candidates together to respond to issues affecting the Northside and questions from Northside residents. The Northside Planning Council (NPC) is hosting a forum for mayoral candidates on Wednesday, Feb. 6, and district 12 alder candidates the following Wednesday, Feb. 13. Both events will take place at Warner Park Community Recreation Center with a 6 pm meet and greet followed by the forum at 6:30 pm.

Questions posed by the Northside Planning Council and published alongside answers from the candidates in the February/March issue of the Northside News covered topics like community input into city decisions, affordable housing and affordable and accessible transportation services.

While the issues of access to affordable housing and public transportation have come up at other forums, Northside residents may be paying particular attention to the candidates’ responses. As Madison’s increase in rents, property taxes and housing prices begins to significantly impact the Northside, an area of the city still considered to offer affordable housing options, community conversations have turned to ways to mitigate gentrification while welcoming the continued development of businesses and local amenities. With the city’s involvement in upcoming projects like the Madison Public Market and the redevelopment of the former Oscar Mayer facility, both mayoral and district 12 alder candidates will have an opportunity to address specific strategies to support Northside residents and businesses during this period of growth.

“The Northside has a long tradition of community-led transformation - it’s an area rich with resident engagement and grassroots leadership. We face some distinct opportunities and challenges in the coming years in terms of development, business growth,  peace-building, housing, transportation, childcare, and green space,” said NPC executive director Abha Thakkar. “The Northside forums allow residents to help candidates understand the assets of our neighborhoods while also ensuring that they are responsive to our particular needs.”

Info? Visit the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/359133981546598/