Happy New Year to all of you! With all that’s going on, I appreciate this space to share a few of the highlights of what’s happening in city government as we enter 2004.

The 2004 Budget

Crafting this year’s budget was a challenge—we were faced with more than $8 million in bad news from the state. So I am pleased to report that I was able to make cuts that don’t impact front-line services that affect neighborhoods to make up for much of that loss of aid.

I was also able to put forward some new programs, and still keep the tax levy increase below what it has been 10 of the last 13 years. This includes a pilot program for neighborhoods facing emerging challenges, five new parks for peripheral areas that have been on waiting lists and five additional police officers. In addition, I made sure that proposed cuts to library hours, crossing guards and street repair crews did not happen.

While the city faced one of its toughest budgets in history, I am pleased with the outcome and believe it balances the desire most Madisonians have to protect core city services while keeping property taxes in line.

Inclusionary Zoning

During my campaign for mayor, no issue came up more frequently than affordable housing. So the day I took office we got to work on one piece of the solution, which is known by the somewhat awkward name of inclusionary zoning. This policy, which is set to be voted on in early January, would accomplish two things. It creates more affordable owner-occupied houses and apartments by requiring developers to build them and giving them incentives to do so. And it will get more affordable housing dispersed throughout the city.

The reason for pushing this ordinance is that too many Madisonians feel they cannot afford to buy a home here. We should be providing housing that is affordable to our workers, such as police officers or teachers. That’s sound economic development. And it helps keep growth within the city, which is good from an environmental perspective.

The Economy of Place

In December I took the first steps toward my place-based economic development policy. This recognizes all the vibrant aspects Madison has to offer in promoting our economic development. We need to plan for the economic life of our city, as well as keeping a talented workforce here to attract employers. So, I announced the formation of a Rapid Response Team to keep businesses here when we first hear that they are considering leaving and to attract new businesses to Madison. I also raised the profile of the city’s Economic Development Commission, adding two new seats focusing on higher education and bio/high tech. And I’ve appointed Mark Bugher, from University Research Park, to be the chair. But this is just the start; I’ll be bringing forward a full-fledged economic development plan in the spring.

Etc

Other issues occupying my attention have been the quest to keep neighborhood grocery stores, and help neighborhoods that have lost their stores like the northside Sherman Plaza and Monroe Street’s Ken Kopps. I’ve formed a Mayor’s Advisory Committee that reflects the diversity of our community and is helping me on the issues of housing and economic development policy. And my newly formed Energy Task Force is looking at how we conserve energy and focus on renewable energy sources and green building techniques.

In addition, I’ve launched Fit City Madison, to emphasize that taking care of ourselves is not only good at keeping health-care premiums down, it can also be fun and reduce stress in our lives. I’m sure we can all use that.

I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable 2004. Thanks for giving me the honor of serving as your mayor.

--Dave Cieslewicz