EQT By Design Seeking Input on Economic Development Plan survey

Take the survey here: http://bit.ly/CityEDD

We invite you to participate in an important community initiative focused on transforming our approach to economic development. This project aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable economic future by putting community members’ needs at the forefront.

Your input will help us:

• Shape community-centered planning with measurable outcomes
• Create a future vision for our economic landscape
• Improve city programs and services
• Develop practical strategies for implementation

Your feedback will contribute to a comprehensive 5-year Economic Development Work Plan that addresses four key areas: 

• Improving Economic Mobility and Building Generational Wealth
• Empowering Madison’s Workforce 
• Supporting Local Capital Circulation and Small Businesses
• Investing in Existing and Emerging Industries to Create Good Jobs

Thank you for helping us build a stronger, more inclusive economic future for our community. Questions? Please email Engagement@eqtbydesign.com

MMSD Welcomes Tyson Jackson as New Director of Family, Youth and Community Engagement

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has named Tyson Jackson as its new Director of Family, Youth and Community Engagement (FYCE). Jackson brings more than a decade of experience in equity-driven leadership, youth mentorship and community empowerment to this critical role.

Throughout his career, Jackson has demonstrated a commitment to cultivating environments where students and families are seen, heard and valued. His leadership style, rooted in cultural responsiveness, collaboration and authentic engagement, aligns closely with MMSD’s values and strategic vision.

“Tyson Jackson is exactly the leader we need to deepen our connection with families, youth and community partners,” said Dr. TJ McCray, MMSD’s deputy superintendent. “He understands that real progress happens when we engage authentically with those most impacted by our work. His passion for equity, and his ability to lead with both head and heart, will be instrumental in helping every student thrive.”

As Director of FYCE, Jackson will lead MMSD’s efforts to engage families as essential partners in student success, with a particular focus on historically marginalized communities. His responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the implementation of MMSD’s family engagement strategy.
• Leading programs like the Family Leadership Academies and “Read Your Heart Out.”
• Supporting youth leadership development and community-based equity initiatives.
• Strengthening district-wide coordination and capacity around family engagement practices.

“Tyson brings both vision and action,” Dr. McCray added . “He has a proven track record of listening deeply, building trust and inspiring confidence in those around him. We’re excited to see how his leadership will help us advance our commitment to fairness and inclusive excellence.”

Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Carthage College. Outside of his professional work, he leads a local youth sports league and contributes to several community advisory boards. His combination of grassroots experience and strategic leadership makes him a powerful advocate for students and families.

To learn more about FYCE and its programs, please visit the Department’s page on the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District: The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The District’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the District’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Kyle George joins Lake Ridge Bank as Vice President and Relationship Manager

July 7, 2025 (MADISON, Wis.) – Kyle George has joined the Lake Ridge Bank Wealth Management team as a Vice President and Relationship Manager. He will serve clients throughout South Central Wisconsin, working out of the bank’s Bridge Road location in Monona and Atwood Avenue location in Madison.

Kyle has been in banking for 14 years, advancing through various roles from personal banking to lending to financial planning and wealth management. With degrees in economics and philosophy from Augustana College, Kyle went on to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and is currently working on the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) credential. For the last decade, his primary focus has been on businesses, nonprofits, endowments, and high-net-worth individuals with complex estate planning needs.

“I really enjoy looking at a complicated financial puzzle and to provide clarity and direction in the context of [their] goals and aspirations,” he explains. “It’s such an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to craft a plan that gives a sense of stability while also moving families, organizations, and causes toward fulfilling their ultimate goals.”

Kyle has also expressed an affinity for civic and community engagement, with a strong commitment to support local economic development and wellbeing for his neighbors. He has served as an election official for the City of Madison for the last five years, as well as serving on the Boards of the Clean Lakes Alliance, the REAP Food Group, and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.

“I have seen a lot of examples of Lake Ridge Bank reinvesting in our community, and it just felt like a natural fit for my own priorities and values,” he says. “It’s important to me to find ways to nourish my local neighborhood culturally and financially.”

For more information about how Lake Ridge Bank can help you organize and advise your complex financial planning needs, contact Kyle George at KGeorge@lakeridge.bank or call (608) 826-3530.

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Lake Ridge Bank’s mission is to “build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time.” For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at the best rate possible for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.

Investment Products: Are Not FDIC Insured | Are Not Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value

Lake Ridge Bank. Go Far. Go Together!

For additional information, please contact Mark Schellpfeffer at mschellpfeffer@lakeridge.bank.

MMSD Statement on State Budget Agreement

MADISON, Wis. (July 1, 2025)—The bipartisan state budget agreement, described as “pro-kid,” shows a strong commitment to Wisconsin’s early childhood learners, K-12 students and college scholars in public schools and institutions of higher education. The district anticipates an increase of approximately $12 million. The proposed budget establishes the highest reimbursement rate in 30 years and a larger increase for special education than the combined increases in the last three state budgets.

“We’re grateful to the legislators and advocates who supported this historic increase in reimbursement for special education funding,” said Dr. Joe Gothard, Superintendent. 

In addition, approximately $1.4 billion in spendable revenue is slated for K-12 public schools and funding for comprehensive school-based mental health services was doubled to $30 million, building on the “Get Kids Ahead.” However, no increase in general aid is expected. Madison is estimated to see a decrease in general aid of nearly $12 million as compared to last year, which will result in a $12 million increase in property taxes.

“We also want to thank our community for voting yes to the November referenda,” Gothard said. “Without the support of the referenda, MMSD’s budget would need to be significantly reduced, even with the state aid increase.”

The additional funding made possible through increased special education reimbursement enables MMSD to plan strategically to help close the gaps for all students. Additionally,  MMSD can maximize resources to ensure it can sustain programs, practices, and staffing for lasting, positive impacts. Furthermore, MMSD will not need to rely on one-time funds to balance its 2025-2026 budget. 

Although the increase in special education reimbursement represents a positive step forward, considerable work is required to ensure adequate funding for public schools. For example, public school districts statewide had originally advocated for a 90% special education reimbursement rate. Even with this increase, MMSD faces a $64 million shortfall for the upcoming school year. 

“Stable, ongoing funding is critical not only for our students, but students across the state,” Gothard said. “It’s an investment in the long-term sustainability of public education in Wisconsin.” 

Gothard added, “As always we center our work on our students. MMSD remains committed to investing in early learning, literacy, multilingual education, mental health supports and the well-rounded opportunities every child deserves.”

MMSD, along with districts throughout the state, has long been facing significant funding gaps in special education reimbursement. Last year, the gap was $64.8 million, and it was most recently expected to be $76 million. 

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District: The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The District’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 4,500 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the District’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

New Name, Same Mission

Madison, Wis. (July 1, 2025) – Edgewood University proudly raised the new flag above campus for the first time at a brief ceremony this morning.

“In January of this year, we announced that Edgewood College will be renamed Edgewood University. That day has now arrived,” President Manion, said. “The change comes about as we approach our centennial year, and as we continue to expand the reach of our mission as a Catholic institution of higher education in the Dominican tradition.”

The President spoke to an energized group of students, faculty, staff, and several Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa – the sponsoring order of Edgewood University.

Edgewood University has been effectively operating as a university since 1986, when Master of Science and Master of Arts degrees including Business Administration, Education, and Religious Studies were added to the academic portfolio. In 2001, the Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership was added. Since that time, the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and the Doctor of Business Administration have been added. The newest doctoral programs, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia, will welcome their first cohorts of students in Fall 2025.

Institutional partnerships and strategic use of technology are fueling significant enrollment growth. As of 2025, Edgewood University is now home to more than 1,300 graduate students from the U.S. and 37 other countries.

About Edgewood University
Located in Madison, Wis., Edgewood University is a comprehensive, Catholic university in the Dominican tradition. We serve approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Edgewood University offers more than 40 academic and professional programs, including master’s degrees in business, education, and nursing, and doctoral degrees in educational leadership, nursing practice, and business administration. Edgewood University is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the National Collegiate Athletics Association and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information about Edgewood University, please visit www.edgewood.edu, or call Ed Taylor at 608-663-2333.