For Immediate Release
September 22, 2025
Today, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced $1 million in new spending to fund services at the Bartillon Shelter as part of her 2026 Executive Operating Budget. Combined with funding drawn from the Community Development Division’s existing budget, it would bring the City of Madison’s contribution to shelter operations in next year’s budget to an unprecedented $1.7 million if approved by the Common Council. Historically, municipalities including Madison have not provided financial support for shelter services.
“We need to provide services to vulnerable residents while creating more housing in our community so all our residents can thrive. Together, the City and County took a first big step – to design and build a facility that reflects our community’s values to treat people with respect and dignity, no matter their circumstances,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway at a press conference at the Bartillon shelter construction site. “Madison is a compassionate and generous community and together we can accomplish the goal of opening Wisconsin’s first purpose built, 24/7 shelter that will help everyone who needs it connect to permanent housing.”…