City of Madison, WI
09/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2025 16:26
Mayor Rhodes-Conway Proposing Historic Commitment to Funding Homeless Services
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."
The Bartillon shelter, scheduled to open in 2026, will offer safe refuge to hundreds of people experiencing homelessness in our region and provide supportive services to help individuals find permanent housing. In order to maximize the benefits of the shelter by offering 24/7/365 services, a total of $4 million is needed annually, which will require additional support from the community.
"The City of Madison is dedicating millions of dollars to support people experiencing homelessness and create more affordable housing," said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. "But we need our partners - especially from the private sector, where historically the majority of homeless funding has come from - to join us by investing in the services our most vulnerable community members need to get back on their feet."
A new group, Shelter Friends of Dane County, is launching a campaign to raise money from the business sector, private sources, and the Dane County community.
Construction costs of the Bartillon shelter were paid for with $13.5 million in capital funds from the City, $10.5 million from Dane County, and $2 million from federal funds secured by Congressman Mark Pocan.
Mayor Rhodes-Conway's full 2026 Executive Operating Budget will be released on October 7.
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