On October 24, our Madison for More Neighbors campaign proudly attended a vibrant ribbon-cutting event for a new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) – also known as a backyard cottage – on Madison’s southwest side.
Local leaders came to show their support. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Alders Barbara McKinney and Will Ochowicz, alongside developers from Accessible Housing Wisconsin, advocacy organizations like AARP-WI, and others, shared their excitement to see innovative solutions like this one take shape in Madison.
The ADU ribbon cutting was just one part of Madison Housing Week, organized by the Madison Housing Coalition to raise awareness about the need for more housing choices, through in-person and virtual events throughout the week.
Inclusive Infill Makes Room for More Neighbors
Built alongside a modest ranch home on the same parcel, this fully-accessible, 1,000-square-foot cottage will become the home of a resident with a disability who requires full-time, live-in care. Located in a neighborhood near transit, parks, and community amenities, this ADU is a powerful example of how small infill housing solutions can support inclusion and independence for people at many life stages and with diverse needs.
Upcoming Opportunities to Support Housing Progress
Momentum is building—and there are more chances to get involved. On November 5 at 5:30 PM, the City of Madison will host a virtual community meeting to discuss two proposed policy changes:
- Cottage Courts – A housing model that allows up to eight detached homes arranged around a shared central courtyard, increasing the sense of community as well as housing supply.
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Zone Updates – Proposed adjustments to make it easier to build more housing types and mixed-use developments near transit corridors.
These proposals build on recent policy changes adopted in July and September, which made it easier to build ADUs, duplexes, and small apartment buildings. Such updates are helping Madison offer housing at a wider range of sizes and price points, better connected to jobs, transit, and community life.
Join the Movement
The Madison for More Neighbors campaign is committed to raising awareness about the people and organizations working to expand housing options in our city. We’re helping residents connect with meaningful opportunities to get involved and make a difference. We’re also building partnerships with diverse organizations to keep momentum growing for more housing in Madison. A recurring theme we’re hearing is the urgent need for policies and funding that support housing affordability, attainability, and anti-displacement—ensuring that as our population grows, Madison remains a place where everyone can thrive.
Want to get involved? Visit our campaign website to sign up for updates. We’re also launching a video storytelling project to highlight challenges and innovative solutions shaping Madison’s housing future, and lifting up the personal stories that emphasize the need for a continued focus on housing policy.
1000 Friends of Wisconsin is excited to be part of this movement, and we hope you’ll join us. Stay tuned and stay engaged!
Jen Walker of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, and Sharon Johnson, Lead Organizer with Madison for More Neighbors, attend the ribbon-cutting