Dane County Board provides $1M in additional funding; Market construction set to begin


The Dane County Board, already an important backer and funding source for the Madison Public Market, voted 30-3 on October 19 to provide and additional $1 million towards the Market’s completion. This is a final piece of financing that will allow the project to move toward a 2025 opening. The county’s contribution to the market’s financing comes after the Madison City Council voted to borrow about $1.6 million to help close a budget gap after construction bids came in higher than expected. The market will be funded with $11.5 million in city tax increment financing, $849,000 in city funds, up to $3 million in private donations, $4.25 million from state programs and an additional $1.5 million that Dane County approved last year. With the funding issues resolved, the Madison Public Market Foundation can begin next steps towards creating the operating structure that will run the Market. The City expects to begin construction within the next 60 days. You can read media coverage of the County Board decision on the In The News page.

“The Madison Public Market, long in gestation, offers us an extraordinary opportunity to create something special for the public good. It is a unique mash-up inter-weaving economic development, social enterprise, arts, culture and local history, creative place-making, and much more. What a unique asset that will benefit our local community for many years ahead!” - Karen Crossley

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