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No.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway sponsored a proposal for a transit-oriented development overlay district, but withdrew it after local historic districts were added to the plan.
Transit-oriented development, also known as TOD, aims to create higher-density housing and pedestrian-oriented development centered around transit systems. The city began formally collecting public feedback on a possible TOD overlay zoning district in May 2022.
Rhodes-Conway supported the overlay until it added three of Madison’s historic districts, which have specific standards designed to preserve their character. The City Council passed the proposal including the historic districts. Rhodes-Conway said she still supports the overlay, noting it is in the city’s “best interest.”
She told the Cap Times she withdrew her sponsorship because, “I don’t want to do anything that jeopardizes us … getting that good policy passed.”
This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
The Cap Times: Madison housing debate heats up over higher density near bus lines
City of Madison: Transit-Oriented Development
City of Madison: City Creating Transit-Oriented Development Zoning
City of Madison: Transit Oriented Development Overlay District
City of Madison: Local Historic Districts
Wisconsin State Journal: New transit-oriented zoning rules to include historic districts after Madison City Council vote
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