April 2026 | Advocacy News
Madison Trust Alder Candidate Survey
Spring 2026
It is important that our members and the public understand the important role their local government plays in the protection of local heritage, and the authority their elected representatives use to make decisions concerning the preservation and demolition of historic buildings.
We invited all alder candidates to respond to the following questions and then make them available to you. The Madison Trust feels the preservation of our diverse cultural heritage makes Madison a more interesting and more desirable place to live. We encourage local politicians to reflect on how this diversity establishes a civic identity and promotes a positive sense of place.
To find out what aldermanic district you live in click here.
The Madison Trust supports development while at the same time seeking to preserve the buildings and neighborhoods that give Madison its civic identity and distinctive sense of place. The City's historic preservation ordinance promotes the adaptive reuse of historic buildings to encourage both development and preservation.
Should development proposals that request demolishing historic buildings be required to evaluate adaptive reuse?
Mike Verveer, D4 | Yes
Kate Blood, D14 | Mostly yes
Bobby Gronert, D8 | Yes, they should be required to at least evaluate adaptive reuse options. However, if such options are not viable, and the development in question addresses material community needs, then demolition must be considered.
In recent years, the Madison Trust has submitted several landmark nominations which have been approved by the Common Council, including nominations of buildings identified in the City's 2020 report documenting buildings of historic interest to underrepresented communities.
Do you think it is worthwhile for the Council to review more landmark nominations for historic buildings in the future?
Mike Verveer, D4 | YES
Kate Blood,D14 | Definitely yes
Bobby Gronert, D8 | Absolutely, especially when it comes to buildings of historic import to marginalized communities.
Would you be willing to meet with Madison Trust for Historic Preservation members in the future about preservation issues in your district and citywide historic preservation initiatives?
Mike Verveer, D4 | Yes, I've enjoyed our conversations over the years and look forward to more in the future.
Kate Blood, D14 | Of course!
Bobby Gronert, D8 | Yes, although within District 8 preservation is somewhat different, as it falls much more under the University's purview.
Candidate Comments
Mike Verveer, D4
Thanks to the Madison Trust for all that you do!