Smart Growth Madison was founded in 2025 and exists to ask hard questions and demand better answers from local government. We track elected officials' policy decisions that impact smart growth sustainability, property taxes, service fees, housing affordability, our environment, public resources, and share clear, accessible information with Madison and Dane County voters. Smart growth starts with government accountability and public transparency and an informed public.
GROWTH DECISIONS AFFECT REAL LIVES
This image to the right, taken during unsafe air quality conditions in Madison, reflects why responsible planning matters. Smart Growth Madison & Dane County advocates for transparent, accountable decision-making that protects public health, our environment, and the future of our community.
Our work is informed by an advisory board of engaged community leaders with decades of experience in local governance, public policy, and community problem-solving. They provide thoughtful discussion on local issues, policy guidance, different political perspectives on local issues, news articles, and government accountability as we advocate for smart, transparent, and sustainable environmental and economic growth in Madison and Dane County.
THE ISSUES THAT
SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY
Sustainable growth decisions affect housing affordability, public health, property taxes, essential infrastructure, and government integrity. We focus on the issues where transparency, accountability, and long-term planning matter most for Madison and Dane County. Explore the topics we’re tracking and the questions we believe deserve public attention.
STAY IN THE LOOP WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DANE CO.
THE ELITES HAD THIS COMING
By Dave Cieslewicz, December 9, 2025, Click here to read full article
TIME TO TRIAGE URBAN TRIAGE
By Dave Cieslewicz, October 9, 2025, Click here to read full article
THE LATEST INCONVENIENT TRUTHS
Not all truths are easy to hear. We share and analyze important local news stories, providing added context, perspective, and facts. We examine public policies and decisions made by elected officials and highlight the inconvenient truths that career politicians and special interest groups would rather you not see or understand.