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FROM THE RECORD.
During my time on the Madison Common Council, I worked on issues that matter to people’s everyday lives, from affordable housing and transportation to environmental justice and public safety. Here is a selection of news coverage highlighting some of that work.
2022
December 7, 2022
WMTV
The Madison Common Council honored Syed for his service to the city after nearly four years representing District 12.
November 24, 2022
WKOW
After nearly four years on the Madison Common Council, Syed announced his resignation to spend more time with his young family while reflecting on his work for District 12.
July 20, 2022
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL
The development would bring 245 apartments to Madison’s East Side, including 161 units reserved for lower-income households.
May 25, 2022
THE CAP TIMES
The Council approved the new recycling fee as part of a package of measures aimed at addressing Madison’s budget shortfall.
April / May, 2022
NORTHSIDE NEWS • VOL 27 • NO 5 • ISSUE 161 • PAGE 5
Northside residents raised concerns that proposed Metro route changes could reduce access to groceries, jobs and other essential destinations.
November 17, 2022
CHANNEL 3000
Alder Syed Abbas championed critical funding for the Madison Public Market, calling the budget amendment a “deal maker or deal breaker” for the project's future. The Common Council ultimately approved the funding amendment, helping keep the long-planned market moving forward.
April / May, 2022
NORTHSIDE NEWS • VOL 27 • NO 5 • ISSUE 161 • PAGE 23
Syed raised concerns that the Metro redesign could leave Northside residents with longer walks and reduced access to groceries and jobs, among other things.
March 19, 2022
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO
As Council president, Syed co-sponsored a policy establishing conduct guidelines and a process for resolving conflicts among Common Council members.
MARCH 1, 2022
CITY OF MADISON • COMMON COUNCIL RECORD
Syed co-sponsored and moved adoption of the operating plan for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park, tied to 2022 Capital Budget Amendment #3.
2021
November 5, 2021
MADISON365
Madison365 recognized Syed among Wisconsin’s 34 Most Influential Asian American Leaders, highlighting his leadership as Madison Common Council president.
October 25, 2021
MADISON COMMONS
As Common Council President, Syed Abbas voiced strong support for the Madison Public Market, highlighting its potential to create opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners of color while strengthening Madison’s local economy.
April 1, 2021
CITY OF MADISON • COMMON COUNCIL RECORD
Syed Abbas co-sponsored a resolution supporting a partnership between the Madison Fire Department and Journey Mental Health Center to strengthen Madison's response to mental health crises.
March 24, 2021
THE CAP TIMES
In this Cap Times commentary, Syed reflected on his first term representing District 12 and highlighted his work on affordable housing, environmental protection and neighborhood investment.
March 17, 2021
THE CAP TIMES
In this election Q&A, Syed outlined his priorities and positions while seeking reelection to represent District 12 on the Madison Common Council.
March 7, 2021
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL
The Wisconsin State Journal editorial board called Syed Abbas a “rising star on the Madison City Council” in its endorsement for reelection, praising his leadership on affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and environmental issues.
February 16, 2021
MADISON CITY CHANNEL
In this 2021 candidate interview, Syed discussed his record and priorities on affordable housing, environmental justice, public safety, transportation and support for local businesses.
January 6, 2021
CHANNEL 3000
Syed helped advance new city requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in parking facilities, supporting Madison’s transition toward cleaner transportation.
January 5, 2021
WMTV
Syed championed new requirements making electric vehicle charging more accessible in new multifamily and commercial developments while supporting Madison’s carbon-reduction goals.
2020
October 21, 2020
THE CAP TIMES
Syed supported emergency city approval allowing Occupy Madison to establish a temporary tiny-house village on the North Side to provide shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
September 4, 2020
MADISON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Syed added environmental justice language to the Oscar Mayer Special Area Plan aimed at protecting low-income residents and communities of color from disproportionate exposure to toxic pollution.
September 2, 2020
THE CAP TIMES
Syed supported banning Madison police from using neck restraints as part of broader efforts to reform policing and strengthen accountability.
September 1, 2020
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL
Syed proposed an ordinance requiring new multifamily and commercial developments to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure, expanding access to EV charging as Madison worked toward its climate goals.
July 22, 2020
THE CAP TIMES
Syed helped shape the Oscar Mayer Special Area Plan, including adding environmental justice protections aimed at addressing toxic pollution and its disproportionate impact on low-income residents and communities of color.
June 22, 2020
ISTHMUS
Syed championed preserving the Hartmeyer wetlands, raising concerns about flooding, groundwater and potential contamination while pushing the city to explore conservation options and ultimately working toward a compromise that balanced preservation with future development.
2019
October 16, 2019
WMTV 15 NEWS
Syed co-sponsored Madison’s resolution declaring racism a public health crisis, recognizing the impacts of racial discrimination on health and calling for action to address racial inequities.
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