HOUSING FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
Madison has made important progress in creating affordable housing, and I am proud of the role I played as an alder in District 12. During my time on the Council, I supported over 1,000 affordable housing units, working with developers and community members to bring much-needed housing to our neighborhoods.
But Madison's housing challenge is bigger than simply building more affordable rental units.
We need a housing ladder.
Today, the dream of homeownership is becoming increasingly difficult for first-time buyers, teachers, nurses, recent graduates, young families, and working people who want to build their future in Madison.
I worry that we are moving toward a city where an entire generation may be able to rent but never be able to afford to own here in Madison.
Renting should be a choice — not the only option.
As mayor, I will pursue a comprehensive housing strategy that addresses people at every stage of the housing ladder.
Create More Pathways to Homeownership
I will work with local developers, financial institutions, and community partners to create incentives that make homeownership more attainable, including encouraging the development of condominiums and other housing options for first-time buyers. Condominiums have historically provided an important entry point into homeownership, but new condominium development in Madison has slowed significantly since the 2008 Recession.
We should use public-private partnerships to make projects financially feasible while ensuring that public incentives produce a clear public benefit.
My goal is simple: Help more Madison residents become homeowners and build wealth in the communities they call home.
Continue Building Affordable Housing
Madison still needs affordable rental housing, and we should continue supporting projects that provide safe, quality, and affordable homes for working families and people with limited incomes.
My record as an alder demonstrates that I am willing to work with community members, developers, and neighborhoods to get these projects done.
Give People Experiencing Homelessness a Path Home
Housing policy must also include Madison residents who have nowhere to live.
As a District 12 alder, I supported the development of a Tiny Home Village, an innovative approach to providing people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to live while connecting them with needed services.
As mayor, I will expand the use of public-private partnerships to develop innovative supportive housing options, including tiny-home villages where appropriate.
But housing alone isn't enough.
My background in public health has taught me that people experiencing homelessness may also need other services, including healthcare, mental-health services, substance-use treatment, employment assistance and help accessing benefits.
We need to connect housing with the services that help people become stable and independent.