John Guequierre’s Priorities

Madison has launched important multi-year projects and initiatives. I want to use my experience to sustain their momentum.

Forward momentum

  • Champion diverse housing development along transit corridors while preserving neighborhood character
  • Support "missing middle" housing through targeted zoning reforms
  • Implement five-year budget plan with no new referenda
  • Pursue state revenue sharing reform to reduce property tax burden
  • Expand Bus Rapid Transit to support sustainable growth

Effective responses to climate change

  • Implement data-driven sustainability goals for tree canopy and urban agriculture
  • Strengthen stormwater protections through enhanced development standards
  • Advance Madison’s transition to vehicle electrification
  • Champion building energy efficiency improvements
  • Drive agency accountability for meeting climate goals

A safe and livable Madison

  • Support innovative public safety solutions like the CARES mental health response program
  • Maintain high-quality core services as our population grows
  • Ensure efficient delivery of water, sewer, and infrastructure maintenance
  • Find creative solutions for sustainable service funding
  • Support development that includes essential community amenities

Engaged and Listening

  • Serve actively on key committees: Housing Strategy, Plan Commission, Board of Public Works
  • Provide detailed budget oversight and analysis
  • Maintain regular communication with district residents
  • Work collaboratively with city staff and departments
  • Drive accountability through regular monitoring of city initiatives

Platform Details

Budget & Fiscal Responsibility

As your alder, I’ve worked to ensure responsible financial management while protecting essential city services. My commitment to fiscal responsibility is demonstrated through concrete actions and clear plans for the future.

Recent Achievements

I played a key role in developing Madison’s groundbreaking five-year operating budget plan, approved in November 2024. Working closely with the Finance Department and Mayor’s Office, I was one of the few alders who thoroughly analyzed and helped shape our alternative budgets to find the best path forward.

My Commitments

  • No New Referenda: I pledge to oppose any new operating budget referenda during my time in office, honoring the commitment made in our five-year plan.
  • Maximize Efficiency: I will champion smart capital investments that help our growing city maintain high-quality services while controlling costs.
  • Property Tax Relief: I am actively working to secure state revenue sharing reform to reduce the burden on property taxpayers.

The Path Forward

Our city needs experienced leadership to implement this five-year plan effectively. I will continue to dive deep into the details, ask tough questions, and work collaboratively to ensure Madison’s financial stability while maintaining the services our community depends on.

Housing for a Growing Madison

As your alder, I bring hands-on construction and development experience to tackle Madison’s housing challenges. My background in building affordable and sustainable housing guides my work on multiple city committees shaping housing policy.

Leadership & Experience

I serve on key committees directing Madison’s housing future:

  • Housing Strategy Committee
  • Plan Commission
  • Board of Public Works
  • Community Development Block Grant Committee

Current Progress

We’re making strides in addressing Madison’s housing needs, with multiple development projects underway in District 19’s transit corridors, particularly between Mineral Point Road and the Beltline. While we’re still working to match our city’s growth, we’re steadily closing the gap.

My Action Plan

  • Smart Development: Support strategic density along transit corridors while ensuring new developments include essential amenities like shopping, parks, and services
  • Housing Diversity: Champion “missing middle” housing options, especially low-rise condominiums, through targeted zoning reforms
  • Neighborhood Balance: Preserve and enhance single-family neighborhoods while creating new housing opportunities
  • Policy Innovation: Work with fellow alders and the Mayor’s Office to implement zoning amendments and incentives that accelerate housing development

Moving Forward

I’m committed to implementing the Housing Strategy Committee’s recommendations to accelerate housing development while maintaining neighborhood character. My experience in construction and development gives me the practical knowledge to help guide these efforts effectively.

Climate Action & Resilience

My work on Madison’s Sustainability Committee helped shape our city’s updated Sustainability Plan, focusing on practical, data-driven solutions to address climate change and build community resilience.

Leadership & Impact

  • Former resident member of Madison’s Sustainability Committee
  • Author of strengthened stormwater ordinance protecting neighbors from development impacts
  • Active advocate for agency accountability in meeting sustainability goals

Key Initiatives

Our updated Sustainability Plan focuses on achievable local actions:

  • Expanding Madison’s tree canopy
  • Supporting urban agriculture
  • Reducing urban heat islands
  • Transitioning to electric vehicles
  • Improving building energy efficiency

Current Priorities

  • Flood Prevention: Champion investments in stormwater infrastructure improvements
  • Environmental Protection: Enforce stronger development standards through recently authored ordinance changes
  • Measurable Progress: Push for accountability in meeting our sustainability goals
  • Infrastructure Resilience: Support climate-ready infrastructure investments

Moving Forward

I’m committed to ensuring Madison meets its climate goals through practical, measurable actions. By focusing on local solutions and maintaining strong oversight, we can build a more resilient and sustainable city for future generations.

Essential City Services

As your alder and a member of the Board of Public Works, I work to ensure Madison maintains and improves the basic services that make our city exceptional. From infrastructure maintenance to public safety innovations, I focus on both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.

Core Services Oversight

Through my role on the Board of Public Works, I provide regular oversight of crucial city infrastructure:

  • Water systems
  • Sewer maintenance
  • Stormwater management
  • Road maintenance and repairs

Current Priorities

  • Public Safety Innovation: Support the successful CARES program, which provides mental health professionals for appropriate emergency response
  • Basic Services: Maintain high standards for libraries, parks, snow plowing, trash collection, police coverage, fire protection, and road maintenance
  • Infrastructure Planning: Ensure services expand appropriately with our growing population

Transportation Success

The East-West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has proven its value:

  • Minimal impact on property taxes
  • Growing ridership (I’m a regular user myself)
  • Successful attraction of housing development along the route

Looking Forward

I’m committed to:

  • Supporting the proposed North-South BRT route
  • Finding efficiencies and alternative revenue sources to sustain services
  • Ensuring our growing population receives consistent, high-quality city services

Our successful budget referendum provides a foundation for maintaining essential services. I’ll continue working to find innovative solutions that allow us to deliver these services efficiently and effectively as Madison grows.