How Churches Might Help Fix Madison’s Housing Crunch
It’s no secret that Americans are becoming less religious. Rev. Mark Elsdon, temporary co-director and outgoing executive director of the Pres House Presbyterian campus ministry, predicts that the Madison area could lose a third of all churches in the area. Many congregations are shrinking and re-evaluating whether they need their large buildings anymore. Madison’s pressed for housing, and more churches are considering selling or moving to make way. Rev. Elsdon says this could mean a real loss of “third spaces” in Madison — free gathering places you can go outside of home and work. We’re revisiting our conversation from earlier this year with him to talk about what this coming wave means for our city.
Rev. Elsdon’s book is Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition.
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
Madison’s Police Monitor Says MPD Is Obstructing Her Investigation
Nearly two weeks after the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, Madison’s Independent Police Monitor says she still doesn't have the evid...
Your Guide to August 2026 in Madison
How is it already August? We’re not sure, but the City Cast Madison team, along with special guest contributor Emily Winter, has your gui...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Madison
Do you know how zoning laws affect Madison’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it...
UW Law Professor Weighs In on Corey Ruiz Case. Plus, What’s Next for Act 10?
Madison continues to grapple with the aftermath of a fatal police shooting. Today, Ion Meyn, an associate professor of law at UW-Madison...
Where To Find Coffee and Community in Madison
While we grapple with heavy news in Madison, we have been thinking about how we engage with each other and gather in community. Luckily f...
Milwaukee County Exec. David Crowley's Bid for Wisconsin Governor
The Aug. 11 primary is less than two weeks away! Today, we continue our election coverage as host Bianca Martin sits down with Milwaukee...
Corey Ruiz Shooting Updates, and the Human Toll of Protesting
In the days following the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, the city mobilized in protest in various ways. From shutting down ev...
Andy 'Just a Guy' Manske’s Bid for Wisconsin Governor
With just over two weeks until the Aug. 11 primary, we’re continuing our election coverage. Today, host Bianca Martin sits down with Andy...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Madison
It’s not a given that every individual will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer...
MPD Shooting Updates, New Marquette Poll Findings, and Long Awaited Openings
On Wednesday, a man was fatally shot by a Madison police officer on Willy Street. Host Bianca Martin, executive producer Hayley Sperling,...