Contact: Jessica Burda, 608-443-1952
MADISON, WIS. – In an effort to make doing business in Madison more predictable and timely, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) released several recommendations that will enhance the City’s development approval process. Madison’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) is currently reviewing the approval process at the request of Mayor Cieslewicz.
Many GMCC recommendations echo themes and ideas originally generated by the EDC in a 2004 report on the City’s business climate. GMCC President Jennifer Alexander acknowledged the progress made, but said more work can be done to improve the development approval process.
“The Mayor and Alders deserve praise for implementing many of the recommendations outlined in the 2004 report, but we have further work to do to make the approval process more simple and consistent,” said Alexander. “We should always strive to be more efficient and competitive.”
The GMCC is recommending several concepts and initiatives that aim to make the process consistent and timely. “When you have an uncertain approval process, it inevitably increases the risk and costs for a project,” said Alexander.
One recommendation to ensure a timely decision is adoption of presumptive approval. Under presumptive approval, the City would have 180 days to approve or deny a project once a formal application is submitted. Alexander says the policy would preserve public input and send an encouraging message to business and investors.
“The purpose of a 180-day decision clock is not simply to get to yes,” said Alexander. “Communities that have a presumptive approval policy have found it to be an internal motivator to ensure timely decisions are made.”
In another step aimed at efficiency, the GMCC recommends consolidation of the Plan Commission and the Urban Design Commission.
“By adding two design professionals to the existing Plan Commission, we will be able to streamline the process without losing the intent of the current UDC, which is to make sure we build beautiful buildings,” said Alexander.
Alexander emphasized that all interested parties – the developer, the neighborhood, elected officials and planning staff – would be better served by a simpler and more transparent approval process.
“To preserve our high quality of life, it’s imperative that Madison continues to attract quality development proposals which add to the tax base, visually enhance the City, and create exciting places to visit, live, work and play,” said Alexander.
View the list of GMCC recommendations at http://www.greatermadisonchamber.com/policy/bulletin-board/46.
