Why Is Madison’s Budget So Tight?
The Madison area has seen strong economic growth this year. Construction cranes abound. Housing prices have soared. Unemployment is low. We’re the fastest growing part of the state. You might think we’d be sitting pretty when it comes to city services.
But according to Madison Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke, things are tighter than you’d think. City expenses are going up faster than the city’s ability to raise money. The last of the federal COVID aid is helping plug some budget holes for 2024, but after that, the city’s got big decisions to make. A big property tax hike? A citywide sales tax? They’re all on the table. Dylan Brogan gets the details.
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!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
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,...
Community Rallies after Fatal Police Shooting
On Wednesday July 22, Madison Police fatally shot a man in the Marquette neighborhood. Following the shooting, dozens of community member...
Former Cabinet Official Joel Brennan's Bid for Wisconsin Governor
Wisconsin’s primary election is less than three weeks away. On Aug. 11, voters will decide which Republican and Democrat candidates will...
Crowley’s Bid For Governor, City Budget Time, and Movie Theaters Revival
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has gotten back in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin Governor. Host Bianca Martin and executi...
Bombshell News in Gov. Race, Union Fight, and World Cup Fever
The race for Wisconsin governor continues to heat up. On Friday, after questions regarding her campaign financial reporting surfaced, cur...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? — Presented By City Cast Madison
Sometimes it can feel like the Madison government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Ch...
Summer Buggin’, Mayoral Announcement, and Parasites in Produce
On top of the heat and the smoke, Madison had been pretty buggy this summer. Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperli...
Bookstore (And Bar!) Reopens Downtown, Plus Cool Treats to Beat the Heat
Downtown Madison will have a new third space by the end of this week! Lake City Books is moving across Capitol Square to Carroll Street a...
Wisconsin’s Socialism Debate, AI Dispatchers, and Saving the East Side Birds
Democratic socialism is coming for Wisconsin! Host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling sit down to talk about why and ho...
State Rep. Francesca Hong’s Bid for Wisconsin Governor
Wisconsin’s primary election is just four weeks away. On Aug. 11, voters will decide which Republican and Democrat candidates will face o...