Filling in the doughnut

Madison adopted a Comprehensive Plan in 2006, guiding economic development, land use, housing, and planning for the city.  The downtown was recognized as a special place, a shared space where mixed uses create a vibrant and energetic feel to the city center.  We recognized that however well we made the doughnut, the center would have to taste different. (We’re assuming some kind of bismark or long john, for the sake of the metaphor.)

Now it’s time to fill in the center, and the city staff is working closely with DMI representatives to make sure we do it right.   Building from the Downtown Advisory Report written by Schrieber Anderson & Associates, the new Downtown Plan will address downtown living, working, moving around, visitors, recreation and entertainment, and building a sense of place into the development and redevelopment process. 

The DMI Economic Development committee has created a subgroup to meet regularly with city staff to review their progress and provide expert input throughout the process.  Though meetings have just begun, already there is discussion about forming another group of design professionals to think big and think ahead, giving the city staff a polishing box for ideas and concerns.   

The DMI MetroBeat blog will keep you informed, and please—add your comments as we move through the process!