Vote YES! for Madison's City Funding Referendum on November 5th

The November 5th referendum is our chance to stand up for the services that make Madison strong. From libraries and sanitation to poll workers, public safety, and community programs, our city needs funding to keep thriving—and that starts with YOU.

Join Community Groups, Business Leaders, Labor Unions, and the leaders you trust to support Yes for Madison.

Donate to Yes For MadisonRequest a Yard Sign
Sign Up For Emails

Why vote yes?

Madison is booming! Over the last 10 years, the population has spiked 19%, and we are not done growing yet. We are the fastest-growing community in Wisconsin and are projected to grow by another 115,00 residents by 2050. Yet, instead of investing in our success, the Republican-controlled State Legislature has restricted our funding, causing budget deficits.

‍This referendum is our opportunity to fix our budget deficit.
‍
Madison deserves better than budget cuts and underfunding. Demand for city services has soared and is not slowing down any time soon. The referendum will address the financial deficit we face, allowing our city to continue running smoothly—ensuring we continue to grow without sacrificing the services we need as we work towards a long-term solution to Madison’s funding.

Most of Madison’s operating budget goes to staffing the services we all use. From libraries to road maintenance to election administration to trash collection to snow removal to our police officers and firefighters. Without the referendum, services will be cut across the board—something that will be felt by residents from every neighborhood of the City.

Why vote yes?

Madison is growing. Demand for city services has soared while costs have risen. But the Republican-led State Legislature has restricted our funding, causing budget deficits.

‍This referendum is our opportunity to fix our budget deficit.
By voting YES, we invest in our safety, workers, and future. Madison deserves better than budget cuts and underfunding. The referendum will address the financial deficit we face, allowing our city to continue running smoothly—ensuring we continue to grow without sacrificing the services we need as we work towards a long-term solution to Madison’s funding.
‍
Most of Madison’s operating budget goes to staffing the services we all use. From libraries to road maintenance to election administration to trash collection to snow removal to police officers and firefighters. Without the referendum, services will be cut across the board—something that will be felt by residents from every corner of the City.

Madison is already doing far more with less funds

Inflation and a growing population mean current revenue levels are unsustainable. Over the past ten years, Madison’s population has spiked 19%, but Madison has 11% fewer City workers per capita.

Booming City of Madison is worth $19 more a month

Sep 22, 2024

“[C]ity spending hasn’t kept pace with inflation plus population growth in recent years. That’s because the Republican-run Legislature has constrained city budgets — in part because of the city’s liberal politics. When the Legislature overhauled its formula for distributing state aid to municipalities last year, Madison got less per resident than all but one of Wisconsin’s 1,848 cities, villages, and towns. 

Coincidence? Of course not. 

‍Republicans stuck it to Madison so they could steer more state money to the rural and suburban areas the GOP represents. Playing favorites was short-sighted because the Madison region is an economic engine for the entire state, producing most of its growth, attracting private investment, and advancing technology. 

Moreover, lots of municipalities across Wisconsin are struggling to maintain services under state-imposed restraints. Baraboo, Monona and Fitchburg are similarly seeking greater taxing authority on ballots Nov. 5.”

READ THE ARTICLE >

Republicans in the State Legislature are punishing Madison

Madison's budget crisis didn’t happen overnight. Republican lawmakers have increasingly restricted funding for our city, punishing Madison for being progressive. While cities like Green Bay get six times more state funding, Madison is left scrambling to do more with less.

How does Madison compare?

Madison only gets $29 per resident in state aid—less than any other city in the state. This isn't just unfair; it's unsustainable. If Madison got its fair share, we'd have an additional $54 million in the budget—more than double what we're asking for in this referendum.

What happens if we don't vote YES?

If this referendum fails, we will all feel the impact:

  • Public Safety: Cuts to our CARES program and resources for first responders.

  • Libraries: Reduced hours or closures.

  • Sanitation: Delays in trash collection and snow removal.

  • Clerk's Office: Longer lines to vote and fewer polling places in crucial elections.

  • Infrastructure: Less frequent repairs for roads, public spaces, and facilities.

Madison deserves better.

Vote 'YES' for Madison, Fitchburg, and Mononoa referendums

Oct 2, 2024

"Walker and his allies took out their frustrations on Dane County cities — and other municipalities across Wisconsin — by squeezing funding for the state’s most populous and diverse communities, rearranging funding formulas to cheat cities that produced substantial revenues for the state, and working to undermine collective bargaining protections for public employees...

By maintaining strong basic services, hiring able and conscientious public employees and investing in the future, Dane County cities showed how a combination of responsible management and forward-looking policies could make the lives of residents better while at the same time creating a booming local economy.

We urge a "yes" vote on each of these municipal referendums because Dane County's well-run cities need increased revenues in order to keep up with the rapid grown they are experiencing."

READ THE ARTICLE >
🗳 Vote YES on November 5

Invest in Our City.
Invest in Our People.

By voting YES, you’re protecting the people who work hard to keep our city moving forward. We need Madison to be a community where everyone can succeed. This takes all of us and starts with YOU. 

Donate to Yes For MadisonRequest a Yard Sign
🗳 Vote YES on November 5

Invest in Our City.
Invest in Our People.

This isn’t just about budgets and numbers—this is about our community. By voting YES, you're helping Madison continue to thrive and grow. You're supporting the people who keep our city safe, clean, and vibrant.

Donate to Yes For MadisonRequest a Yard Sign

Supporters ofYES for Madison for include:

‍‍

Congressman Mark Pocan

Mandela Barnes, Former Lieutenant Governor

County Executive Jamie Kuhn

State Senator Kelda Roys

State Representative Francesca Hong

State Representative Mike Bare

State Representative Alex Joers

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway

Alder John W. Duncan

Alder Juliana Bennett

Alder Derek Field

Alder Mike Verveer

Alder Regina Vidaver

Alder Marsha Rummel

Alder MGR Govindarajan

Alder Nikki Conklin

Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole

Alder Tag Evers

Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford

Alder Jael Currie

Alder Sabrina Madison

Alder John Guequierre

County Board Chair Patrick Miles

County Supervisor Jay Brower

County Supervisor Henry Fries

Dana Pellebon, Candidate for Dane County Executive

Former Council President Shiva Bidar

Former Council President Keith Furman

 Former Council President Scott Resnick

Former Alder Mark Clear

Former Alder Denise DeMarb

Former Alder Patrick Heck

Former Alder Matt Phair

Former Alder Erik Paulson

Former Alder Robbie Webber

President&CEO, Urban League of Greater Madison Dr. Ruben Anthony 

Wayne Harris, 6am Marketing

Lindsey Lee, Cargo Coffee

John Matthews, Former Executive Director, Madison Teachers Inc

Mahlon Mitchell, President, Fire Fighters Local 311

What are your neighbors saying?

"[T]he statewide budget deficits are a direct result of the state Legislature’s reckless tax redistribution policies to their corporate sponsors, not from overspending by city governments. The only way to fix it is for the media to publicize the official records widely and often in hopes that voters will see the light and vote accordingly."

Legislature the cause of city budget woes

John Birkholz
READ MORE HERE >
"We wouldn’t have to go to referendum if we were paid the full amount of the municipal services we provide the state. We wouldn’t have to go to referendum if Republicans had given Madison an equitable share of shared revenue. We wouldn’t have to go to referendum if Republican legislators stopped their insidious tactic of pitting our cities against each other.

It isn’t fair that the Madison taxpayer ultimately has to fill the gap our Legislature has created, but it is the only choice we have to ensure that the essential services our neighbors rely on continue to be provided."

Republicans punish Madison, impose tax on its residents

Francesca Hong
READ MORE HERE >
"Moving forward means sharing, and change is indeed hard, but for us to take steps forward, we need to accept that Madison is growing and yes, changing. Despite our growth and progress, the city has been doing more with less. Our population has increased 19% in the last 10 years, but since 2011 our number of city employees is 10% lower per capita. Something has to give."

Referendum needed for a growing city

Patrick Heck
READ MORE HERE >
"I drive a Chevy Suburban. Needless to say, I don’t see eye to eye with Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on every issue. But until we have political change at the state level, a referendum in Madison was inevitable no matter who was mayor. We can argue about local issues after we rid Wisconsin of Walker-era austerity measures — which are somehow even crueler in 2024 because lawmakers are hoarding a $3 billion surplus."

GOP made referendum inevitable

Sly Sylvester
READ MORE HERE >
"I have balanced eight Madison city budgets (as a former Madison mayor). There's no way to fix a $22 million problem without a referendum allowing the city to exceed state taxing limits."

City referendum the only way out

Dave Cieslewicz
READ MORE HERE >
“I raised my son as a struggling single mom, experienced homelessness, and benefited from local food pantries… As someone deeply committed to building a more inclusive, thriving Madison, I’ve seen firsthand how critical city services — especially those that support working families, low-income neighborhoods, and communities of color — are to ensure everyone has a chance to succeed…
‍
[O]n November 5th, vote YES to support the city services we all rely on!”

Alder Sabrina Madison: Vote YES on Madison’s Municipal Referendum this Nov. 5

Sabrina Madison
READ MORE HERE >
"The importance of passing this referendum cannot be overstated. It offers a safeguard against financial uncertainty, enabling initiatives that can enhance our infrastructure, support essential services and foster community wellbeing. This investment extends beyond immediate gains, establishing a foundation for sustainable growth and resilience."

Referendum is investment in Madison's financial future

Wayne Harris
READ MORE HERE >
"The Madison School District and the city of Madison are asking for our support, and I’m enthusiastically supporting both. The workers in Madison schools and the city have been essential to my quality of life in this city."

Referendums for city and schools both deserve our support

Laura Dresser
READ MORE HERE >
"The city’s budget problem is entirely created by the state Legislature, and not by bad decisions by the city. The way you know this is true is because so many other communities, including Fitchburg and Middleton, are also going to referendum."

Supporting Madison's referendum is fiscally responsible

Erik Paulson
READ MORE HERE >
"We are the fastest growing community in Wisconsin. We have grown 19% in the last decade, but there are fewer city workers per capita than 10 years ago. We absolutely cannot afford to lay off a single one of them. Fewer ambulance drivers? Less trash pick up? Fewer poll workers, librarians and crossing guards? That is the legislative Republicans' vision for Madison — not ours"

GOP caused city's budget woes

Bert G. Zipperer
READ MORE HERE >
"Residents of an apartment community on Madison’s Far East Side struggled last year with a pattern of gun violence that caused harm and loss of life among our young people. In the aftermath of these tragedies, city staff stepped up to help. I represent the Far East Side on the Madison City Council and worry about whether we can count on this high level of city services in the future if the city’s operating referendum does not pass Nov. 5."

Madison stepped up to help apartment community, showing need for referendum

Derek Field
READ MORE HERE >
"This referendum is not merely a question of fiscal policy; it is an opportunity to affirm our commitments to protecting jobs, investing in public services and funding our social safety net — all of which enhance human flourishing. These services are lifelines for many, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to what they need to thrive. When we support programs that meet essential needs, we are strengthening the very fabric of our community."

Voting 'yes' an act of compassion

Rev. Tim Schaefer
READ MORE HERE >

FAQs

How much will the referendum cost taxpayers?

If the referendum passes, the average home, valued at $457,300, would see an increase of around $230 per year.

What does the November referendum affect?

The November referendum only impacts the operating budget. By law, this is separate from the capital budget which are funds used for physical infrastructure like roads, bike lanes, building improvements, affordable housing developments, and other projects and cannot be moved to the operating budget.

Can we take money out of projects like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the public market to pay for the deficit?

No, these and similar large infrastructure projects are part of the City's capital budget, which is, by law, a separate budget from the city's operating budget. The latter covers city services and cannot be used for ongoing service costs. Additionally, roughly 80% of the Bus Rapid Transit project funding came from federal infrastructure grants.

Can we use the City’s Rainy Day Fund to pay for the deficit while we lobby for a better deal in the Capitol?

No, using the Rainy Day Fund in this way would risk losing Madison’s AAA credit rating, which would cost the City more in the long run which would cost the city more in the long run.

If the referendum fails, which services will be affected?

Every city department will see cuts if the referendum fails. This will affect the services Madison residents rely on, including public safety, elections, permitting, public works, sanitation, and libraries.

If the referendum fails, who will be affected?

Everyone. Anyone and everyone who relies on city services will feel the cuts the city would be forced to make. From less frequent trash pick up and snow plowing to reduced bus routes and libraries being closed on Sundays, all of us will feel the cuts.

For more information go to: www.cityofmadison.com/referendum

Still have questions?

We’re here to help! This decision affects all of us, and it’s important that you feel fully informed. Whether you want more details about how the referendum will impact city services, or you’re curious about where the funding goes, we’ve got the answers.

Contact