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City Cast Madison

Rob Thomas

Do you know where this slice of pizza is from? (Submitted photo)

Everybody knows Madison is the capital of Wisconsin. And while the Capitol rotunda isn’t going anywhere soon, our state government has embarked on a long-term plan called Vision 2030 to reduce its physical footprint in downtown Madison.

Here’s why the state is implementing Vision 2030, and what downtown state-owned buildings might be transformed by the plan.

, released in May 2021, pointed out that the state is faced with aging infrastructure, staffing challenges, and a greater demand for digital rather than in-person services.

With employees increasingly working remotely following the COVID-19 pandemic, state officials said it was a good time to plan to sell off underused office space to both raise revenue and modernize how it operates. [Dept. of Administration]

In 2025, Republicans in the state Legislature passed a law that required any government employee who worked in an office before the pandemic to return to their desks. 

, pointing to the Vision 2030 plan. “State government is working smarter and faster than before,” Evers said at the time.

Vision 2030 has come up in this year’s race for governor

. Former Republican candidate and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann proposed moving agencies out of Madison and into more conservative parts of the state, while U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany said he was focused on rooting out “waste, fraud, and abuse” in state government, not what he called “rearranging the furniture.”

Among the Democratic candidates, including former Dept. of Administration head Joel Brennan, who actually helped develop Vision 2030, the focus has been on making sure state agencies are as effective as possible and that citizens across the state can access resources. [

, noting that developers are eager to buy those in-demand properties from the state. [Cap Times, Wisconsin Watch, WKOW]

The most high-profile example of these properties being sold is 

the former Department of Human Services building at 1 W. Wilson St

. The 1930s Art Deco style building is being eyed as the site of a future Amtrak station for Madison when rail service returns to the city, which could be as early as 2030. The building would also hold retail and office space. [WPR]

The state is proposing to accept a $12.6 million offer for two aging government buildings on South Webster Street near the Capitol Square. Father-and-son developers Brad and Mark Binkowski 

are hoping to turn the former General Executive Facility 2 and 3 buildings

 into two apartment buildings with a combined 300 to 400 units, along with commercial space and a large open area between the buildings. [🔒WSJ]

Wisconsin is shrinking its downtown Madison office space. Learn how the long-term Vision 2030 plan will change the state government's physical footprint.

Vision 2030: Wisconsin Shrinks Downtown Madison Footprint

How State Government Is Reducing Its Footprint in Madison

What Madisonians have been wondering. We break down why things in Madison are the way they are and how they work.

Madison, Explained

Jade Iseri-Ramos

The local LGBTQ+ nonprofit OutReach will hold its annual 

 at Warner Park. You can expect drag performances, rainbow swag, and tons of vendors. Plus, we’ll have a tent so come say hi and grab a sticker!

. There will be more than 25 shows across nine venues featuring local and touring comedians, and all ticket prices are $15 (plus fees) or less. It’s a great way to see all the comedy gold the city has to offer.

🍻 Pregame the Great Taste of the Midwest

I’ve never been motivated enough to snag tickets to the Great Taste of the Midwest, but it’s a big deal. Tickets for the 

event are long sold out, but don’t fret because several local spots are hosting 

. There are seriously so many parties that I’m not going to even try to list them!

Olbrich Botanical Garden will undergo a sonic transformation for 

. The installation is curated by composer JG Everest and organized by the community curation project LAB^4 at Arts + Literature Laboratory. Small speakers will be placed throughout the garden, each playing a different portion of the same song while musicians from the Free Range Orchestra roam through the garden and play along. This is a free event, though there are 

a few workshops that require registration.

When he’s not dispatching bad guys as John Wick or traveling through time as one-half of Bill & Ted, Keanu Reeves plays bass with his band Dogstar. 

Dogstar is coming to Madison to play The Sylvee

Summers in Madison are full of neighborhood festivals and the fun continues into August. This weekend is the bluegrass-centered 

 at Lake Farm County Park. The weekend of 

“Trevor: The Musical” is an LGBTQ+-themed musical about Trevor Nelson, navigating life at a suburban high school in 1981 while dreaming of a life in showbiz. 

Music Theatre of Madison is putting on the Wisconsin premiere of the play

 in the Overture Center Playhouse, MTM’s first-ever Overture show in its 20 years.

For even more events, you can always keep up with what’s going on in Madison with 

If you’re a Neighbor, you get a special events newsletter every week!

Discover the best events, festivals, and activities in Madison this August 2026. Don't miss out on the ultimate summer highlights—plan your perfect month today!

August 2026 in Madison: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun

Madison’s Best: Your Guide To August 2026 in Madison

Find the best of everything that Madison has to offer.

Madison’s Best

Madison's Best

City Cast Madison staff

When this election season started, the City Cast Madison team set a goal of interviewing each of the candidates in both parties running for governor in the Aug. 11 primaries. And while we’re still trying to get all of them (looking at you, Barnes and Tiffany campaigns) we’ve done pretty well so far!

Listen to host Bianca Martin’s interviews with five of the seven remaining candidates about why they’re running, where they stand on the issues, and what they love most about Wisconsin.

 so you have all the information you need before you exercise your right to vote. Don't forget, you can also find your ballot, polling, and more election information at the 

There are still seven candidates in the running for Wisconsin governor. Find out where they stand on the issues. 

Interviews with Wisconsin’s Candidates for Governor

Listen to Our Interviews with Wisconsin’s Candidates for Governor

On the City Cast Madison podcast, we break down some of the biggest Madison news of the week. Find new episodes every Friday.

City Cast Madison: Madison's News Podcast

Madison News

The intersection of South Baldwin and Williamson streets in Madison has been transformed in the week since Corey Ruiz was shot and killed there by a Madison police officer. Protesters have closed down multiple blocks and turned the space into a memorial site with barricades, flowers, signs, and mutual aid stations.

While many surrounding businesses and neighbors support the goals of the protesters, others are complaining the encampment is a safety hazard and an impediment to traffic. And how long the memorial will remain is unclear. As far as the investigation into the shooting goes, MPD Chief John Patterson 

🚧 Traffic Rerouted Until Further Notice: 

City officials said the intersection would be closed until further notice

 and detour signs are rerouting traffic onto East Washington Avenue. Bus routes have also been 

: District 6 Ald. Davy Mayer, who represents the area, said 

he’s been meeting with both protest organizers and locals

 to provide municipal services and driveway access to residents. He said trash bins originally taken by protesters to build the barricades have been returned to residents and 

there will be a special trash collection on Thursday in the area

🛑 Businesses Back Protesters, Even With Fewer Customers

: Some stores in the area have closed, while others are staying open. 

Lazy Jane’s Cafe manager Alex Gaspar said he wants his restaurant

 to be a haven for protesters, especially during the heat wave. Meanwhile, Kool Things Vintage Clothing owner Joel O’Donnell said he is keeping his store closed so as not to be a distraction.

the African restaurant has definitely seen a slowdown in traffic

. Spokesman Brendon Smith at the Willy Street Co-op said 

business at the store has “been a little quieter,”

 but the store remains open and continues to back peaceful community expression. [WKOW, WMTV, Cap Times]

✊ George Floyd Fist Donated From Minneapolis

: A symbol from the 2020 Black Lives Matters protest in Minneapolis now appears at the center of the intersection. 

The statue of a raised fist that sat in Minneapolis’ George Floyd Square was donated by organizers

 who wanted to show solidarity between the two cities. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

🗳️ Encampment Becomes an Issue in Gov Race

: On Monday, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, the overwhelming favorite to become the Republican nominee in the governor’s race, 

Protesters close Madison blocks for a Corey Ruiz memorial site, sparking debate over safety and traffic. Chief Patterson shares no new updates.

The Latest From the Corey Ruiz Memorial on Willy Street

Site of Corey Ruiz Shooting Becomes a Living Memorial

While much of the attention of the Aug. 11 Wisconsin primary has been focused on the governor’s race, voters in Assembly District 76 – which covers much of Madison’s isthmus – have another important choice to make. Five candidates are running for the seat being vacated by state Rep. Francesca Hong, who is in the Democratic primary for governor.

. City Cast Madison sent each of them a questionnaire to hear about their priorities, the most important issues facing their district, and what distinguishes them from the other candidates. Their unedited responses are below.

What is the single most pressing issue facing the 76th and how will you address it?

 Housing affordability. Rents have greatly outpaced wages, and property taxes are sky high. We need to expand the Homestead Tax Credit, grow a diverse housing stock, and connect our city with the rest of Dane County via transit. We can do this with targeted investment into cooperatives, condos, and duplexes to increase affordable supply and decrease demand by making it possible to live outside of Madison and still be able to enjoy all Madison has to offer.

 Affordability especially as it pertains to housing both for homeowners and renters. We need to take homeowners off the hook for funding our public school system at the rate that they are. We can save a lot of money by ending the failed school voucher system and rescinding some of the tax breaks for the very wealthy and corporations. We need to develop a progressive tax structure to better fund our public commons overall. We need to legalize marijuana completely for recreational and medicinal use. It's unfortunate that we have to use the sales of a controlled substance to help fund our educational system but when you see that Illinois raised over $600 million in 2025 from their legal cannabis sales it makes sense.

 The cost of living is out of control. Rent, healthcare, and property taxes keep getting more expensive while our incomes remain the same. We are being priced out of the neighborhoods we love, and Republicans refuse to act. Our government needs to be doing so much more to make life affordable. In the Assembly, I’ll raise wages, cap utility and healthcare costs, invest in truly affordable housing, deliver universal no-cost childcare, go after companies that are price gouging Wisconsin families, and lower property taxes by fully funding public schools and breaking the cycle of endless referendums.

Increasing affordability is the most pressing issue for my district. There are working families in the 76th that are being pushed out of the homes by rising property taxes, and families who can’t even afford baby formula. I plan on addressing this by lowering rent and property taxes; funding our schools; and raising wages. We’ll lower property taxes by 44% and fund our schools with the 17-cent Millionaire Tax, AB 1209. We’ll legalize rent control and use the $2 billion in tax breaks for data centers to build homes instead. We’ll raise our minimum wage to $23/hr and tie it to the cost of living.

 Housing is the single most pressing issue facing the district. I will address this by working to ease the restrictions on the $500 million dollar housing fund that WHEDA oversees and by pushing to allocate a portion of the state budget surplus to housing-related grants for low-income housing developers and providers.

What's the most important issue facing the state at large?

 For the past 15 years, Republican budgets have divested from our education, our healthcare, and our environment. We need to reshape our budget to prioritize the needs of people. That means reinvesting in the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Fund, increasing our special education reimbursement rate to be sum sufficient, and creating a Badgercare public option.

 The same as what is affecting the 76th District. Affordability and reversing the long standing attack on our public commons by Republicans over the last 40 years. We have to build our public school system (K-12, Technical Schools and the UW) back to full strength and effectiveness.

 From rising costs to continued attacks on our democracy, so many of the crises we face are the result of a government that answers to billionaires instead of working people. Our politicians shouldn’t be bought by big corporations and wealthy donors. I’m running because we need a government that is accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. This year, we have an opportunity to elect a new legislature and pass bold, progressive policies that will actually make our lives better. That’s what I’ve fought for as an alder in Madison, and I’ll bring that same fight to the State Capitol.

 Every Democrat should agree that we must undo Act 10 on Day 1. I am ready to fight for what’s next after we restore prevailing wage, repeal right-to-work, and other anti-labor laws packed into Act 10. Then we will be back in 2011 Wisconsin. We need legislation that reflects the labor needs of 2026 and beyond. An organized workforce is essential to realizing our vision of a Wisconsin where everyone has a home, healthcare, a good job, and good schools. Additionally, we must make Healthcare accessible to all by expanding BadgerCare and FMLA services and eligibility.

 The cap is coming off the school voucher program this year, which could create a massive drain on state funding for public schools by siphoning it away to private and charter schools. Such an impact would not only damage state finances but also homeowners across the state who have been repeatedly asked to subsidize for-profit education by making up the difference left in their local school district's budget.

What sets you apart from your competitors?

Experience. We need representation that is ready to hit the ground running, and I have a proven record of working in legislative offices, crafting legislation, and a commitment to growing progressive power in the legislature. I have worked both inside and outside Democratic leadership, and I know the work it takes to turn a platform into policy. This next legislative session, where we have an opportunity to win a Democratic majority, Madison is going to need active representation that is ready to fight for everything we have been neglected over the last 15 years.

 My long term commitment to and involvement in this community. I have lived, worked and raised my family in the 76th District. I have been doing the things my opponents say they want to do.

 I don’t have the typical background of someone who runs for the Assembly. I’ve experienced homelessness, gone without healthcare, and made $2.33 an hour in the food service industry. And as a transgender woman, I know what it feels like to see your basic rights and freedoms come under attack. That perspective is missing from the legislature. I’ve lived the policy failures of our state government. That’s something no degree or consultant can teach you. I carry those experiences with me, and they guide every decision I make as an elected official. This fight isn’t political for me. It’s personal.

 There are three things that set me apart from my fellow candidates: 1. I am the only candidate with experience in all levels of government: as Madison Alder, as the Federal Legislative Liaison for WHEDA, and as the Chief of Staff to State Representative Angelito Tenorio. 2. I’m running on the 17 cent Millionaire Tax. This bill meets one of the most pressing needs of this district, to lower property taxes and fund our schools by supplementing school aid with funds from higher income earners. 3. I’m endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers - Wisconsin, Madison Area DSA, and national DSA.

 I bring a systems lens to my analysis and so think about how different pieces of an issue connect to other areas. One example of this is recognizing that part of the traffic problem on East Washington Avenue could be solved through a robust regional transit system that would reduce the need for cars.

Would you support a moratorium on hyperscale data centers in Wisconsin? Why or why not?

 Yes. We cannot allow any infrastructure to be built that poses a danger to our water, our planet, or our people. We need to ensure that our ratepayers are protected from spikes in utility rates, and we need to know that our water will not be jeopardized for a private entity's profit. In addition, we need to dramatically grow our green energy infrastructure to ensure that the immense power needs of these data centers will not generate carbon emissions that are dangerous to our planet.

 Definitely. The proliferation of data centers in Wisconsin and around the country especially in the midwest is getting out of hand. During this 5 year moratorium we should be using all resources from our UW System to really study and research the impact data centers have on our environment, water supply and rates.

: I am the only candidate in this race who has actually passed a moratorium on data centers. As an alder in Madison, I was proud to sponsor our first-in-the-state moratorium on large-scale data centers. In the Assembly, I’ll do the same at the state level. We need strict guardrails to limit the energy and water consumption of data centers and ensure they do not raise our utility bills or cause irreparable damage to our communities. I’ll fight for local control and real community input so that municipalities can protect their residents. Wisconsin’s future should not be up for sale to Big Tech.

: We must put a moratorium on hyperscale data centers until we pass serious legislative regulations to safeguard against its large ecological impact at Wisconsinites’ expense. Data center owners must be held accountable and charged for the degradation of water quality, burden on the electrical grid, and other negative impacts they cause on their surrounding communities and environment. We must end the tax exemptions and non-disclosure agreements (NDA) so that communities can not be sold off by secret deals. Instead, these funds and jobs should be moved towards affordable housing development.

: Yes, I not only support a moratorium on hyperscale data centers, but I would work to repeal the tax credit the legislature passed in 2023 subsidizing these projects.

What's something the state government currently isn't doing, but could do, to help ease Madison's housing crisis?

 Increase incentives to build dense housing, and decrease regulations that make building dense housing expensive. We can invest in condos, duplexes, and co-ops to allow more people to live in our wonderful city. In addition, we can change our building code to allow for single-stairway buildings to be built. These are not flashy policies, but they will grow our housing stock in a way that will help a growing city like ours.

: Stop private equity / outside hedge funds to buy up available housing stock. Keep investment local. Build more rental housing.

: As an alder, I’ve secured over $60 million in affordable housing investments and reformed zoning codes so we can build more homes. But we can only do so much when the state ties our hands. In the Assembly, I will fight to pass a Tenant Bill of Rights, reduce property taxes so people aren’t priced out, expand tax credits and eligibility for affordable housing units, and restore local control by repealing the bans on rent stabilization and inclusionary zoning so that local governments can actually meet the needs of their residents. Housing is a right, and it’s time our state treats it as one.

: I’m very comfortable talking with people who disagree with me, something I did often as a federal legislative liaison and Chief of Staff to a progressive representative. So I’m ready to organize across the aisle to proactively protect and uplift working families and marginalized communities across the state.

: The state could create a public bank, which could work with local financial institutions to provide low-interest financing to low-income housing developers. This would help facilitate new construction.

What's your philosophy when it comes to working across the political aisle with Republican colleagues?

: I have worked with Republican officials as a staffer. We often did not see eye-to-eye, but we tried to find common ground where possible. Always start from where you can agree, and continue on from there. Those areas of agreement may be small, but if they exist there is hope for progress. I will never sacrifice my values, but it is the responsibility of any legislator to be at any table where a decision will be made that will impact your constituents.

: I believe and know that I can relate to just about anyone for the common good. If you develop legislation that benefits the common good you should be able to convince others of the benefits. I have friends that are Republicans and family members that are as well if you can believe Chicanos voting for Trump.

: I’m a coalition builder. On the Common Council, I am proud to have authored legislation that has received unanimous support from my colleagues. I’ve earned the trust of people who don’t always see eye to eye with me, because even if we disagree, they know that I always show up authentically and fight for the people I represent. We need a legislator who can get things done no matter what our government looks like in 2027. I’m ready to reach across the aisle, but in the face of fascism, we must stand strong in our values and defend the dignity of all people. We cannot negotiate on human rights.

: I am very open to working across the aisle with people who are committed to the well-being of Wisconsinites and our state as a whole. I have experience finding ground with people from a broad range of backgrounds, and that is the attitude I would bring to the Assembly if elected.

: Argus Bar & Grille's "Ten Cent Tommy’s Chopped Cheese"

: So many but right now I've been frequenting AMA a lot for their delicious breakfasts.

: When I moved to Madison, my very first job was at Monty’s Blue Plate Diner. I waited tables and got to know the people and community I would later represent as an alder. That’s where I realized that Madison is the first place in my life where I’ve felt like I actually belong. We have so many wonderful restaurants with fantastic food, but going to Monty's will always mean something special to me. And the Veggie Meatloaf of The Gods with that amazing cashew gravy always makes me happy!

: When I get paid out well in tips, I like to splurge on yellow curry chicken, sticky rice, and Thai Iced coffee at Ha Long Bay!

: The coconut curry dish at Alchemy is my favorite meal in Madison.

Find information about the candidates running for Wisconsin's Assembly District 76 seat in the upcoming primary election.

Wisconsin District 76 Primary Candidate Information

Meet the Madison Democrats Running For Assembly District 76

The statewide Aug. 11 primary is just two weeks away. Knowing what you’re voting on and when and where to vote can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you need to know 🗳️

On the ballot for all of Wisconsin is the gubernatorial primary race. There are two candidates on the Republican ticket and seven on the Democratic one. (

. Only five are still in the running. Missy Hughes and Sara Rodriguez have both suspended their campaigns but their names remain on the ballot.)

City Cast Madison has had a chance to talk to a majority of the candidates on our podcast. On the Dems’ side, we’ve had conversations with State Sen. 

, former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration 

. We also have an ask out to former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes’s campaign. (Hey, Team Barnes, email us back!)

On the Republican side, we have an interview with the underdog in the race, 

, and multiple asks out to U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.

Meanwhile, voters in the 76th Assembly district

 have a consequential primary on their ballots. Five Democratic candidates are vying for the seat currently held by gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong. The winner of the primary will face off with Republican candidate Nina Chat in a district where Democrats are heavily favored.

Where do the candidates stand on the issues? 

We asked the five democratic candidates to fill out a questionnaire. 

 hosted by the SASY Neighborhood Association, Indivisible Madison East, and Williamson Marquette Business Alliance, moderated by Isthmus.

Other statewide primaries will also appear on your ballot, but the races are determined by which political party you choose to cast your votes for. A full breakdown of what voters in all primaries will see on their ballots can be found at 

Where and when can I vote on Election Day? 

Polls are open on Aug. 11 from 7 a.m to 8 p.m. (If you’re in line by 8 p.m., state law says you have to be allowed to vote – so stay in line!) You can find your polling place at 

What do I need to bring with me to vote? 

If you are already registered to vote, all you need to bring with you is a 

. If you aren’t registered to vote or have moved since the last election, you will also need to bring 

, such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement.

In-person absentee voting starts today. If you live in Madison, you can vote at any of the 

, which includes libraries, churches, and the Madison Municipal Building. (For voters outside of Madison city limits, early polling locations can be found on 

.) Make sure you bring ID and proof of residence if needed!

anyone can request an absentee ballot up until the Thursday before election day

. However, it’s recommended to make the request as soon as possible to leave ample time for delivery and return. Absentee ballots must be received by election day to be counted. In addition to returning your ballot by mail, you can drop it in a 

 or take it to an early polling location. On Election Day, you can return it to your assigned polling place.

If I already voted absentee, can I change my vote before Election Day? 

Even if the candidate you voted for has suspended their campaign, your vote is still locked in.

Get ready for the Wisconsin election on August 11. Learn where to vote in Madison, what ID to bring, how to vote early, and mail-in ballot deadlines.

What’s On Your Ballot in the August 11 Wisconsin Primary

Your Guide to the August Primary Election in Wisconsin 

The fatal shooting by Madison police of Corey Ruiz last week has the city in an uproar. Here’s the latest news on what’s been happening, from the legal proceedings to a wave of high-profile event cancellations.

⚖️ Corey Ruiz Family Hires High-Profile Attorney: 

Ben Crump, a nationally-known civil rights attorney

, has been retained by the family of Ruiz. Crump represented the families of two other victims of police-involved shootings, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. [WMTV]

Festival organizers decided on Friday to cancel AtwoodFest

. The east side community festival was to take place Saturday and Sunday.

The cancellation joined several other summer events, including Concerts on the Square and 

Monona Terrace’s Concerts on the Rooftop

, although the Dane County Farmers Market went on, with organizers saying the market was a “

crucial distribution point for our local food system

 to make room for protests. [News 3, WMTV, 🔒WSJ, WKOW]

🏥 Medical Examiner Hasn’t Determined Cause of Death: 

The Dane County Medical Examiner’s office said that 

a determination of Ruiz’s cause and manner of death is still pending

AtwoodFest and local concerts are cancelled following the Corey Ruiz shooting. Plus, Willy Street remains closed as police records are subpoenaed.

Corey Ruiz Madison Police Shooting: Family Hires Ben Crump

Here’s the Latest on the Corey Ruiz Shooting

You may like pizza, but do you really know pizza? Madison has several popular local pizza restaurants, each serving their own distinctive signature pies. Take our quiz and see how well you know your slices.

Food & Drink

Test Your Knowledge of Madison's Iconic Pizzas

Rob Thomas

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