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Downtown Development Commission

Downtown Development Commission

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View Borough Code

Upcoming Events

The Downtown Development Commission (DDC) supports Madison's business district in many ways and organizes various promotions including those listed below. Through the DDC’s Arts & Events Committee, the Borough also supports ongoing events at its Community Arts Center, and other special events throughout the year co-sponsored with the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, and the Madison Arts & Culture Alliance.

Taste of Madison

The Taste of Madison is scheduled for Monday, April 24, 2023! Get your tickets at tasteofmadison.org.

The Taste of Madison is a must-attend party for food lovers and a celebration of the best of Madison. The Taste is also a festive fundraiser that benefits local non-profit initiatives. Chefs from thirty of the area's finest restaurants will serve samples of their best dishes. Gary's Wine & Marketplace, the event's longtime presenting sponsor, will provide guests with fine wine, beer, and spirits. The Taste has a Silent Auction, Tricky Tray, and 50/50 Raffle.

Madison Green & Clean

The Downtown Development Commission is launching a total refresh of the event formerly known as May Day, and the event will now be called Madison Green & Clean. The event will still incorporate a townwide beautification day on Saturday, April 29, from 9:00 to 3:00 pm but will now include a new focus on Eco-Friendly Initiatives.

Madison Farmers Market

Madison Farmers Market check back here for updates about the 2023 season.

Rose City Summerfest

The Madison Downtown Development Commission is presenting the first ever Rose City Summerfest. This new event will be scheduled for some time in late spring or early summer of 2024.

Bottle Hill Day

Bottle Hill Day will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023. This event is a festival celebrating our hometown and downtown, with over 10,000 in attendance. Click here for event information.

Madison Sidewalk Gallery/Gala & Auction

The Madison Sidewalk Gallery is a collaborative project of the Madison Arts and Culture Alliance (MACA) and the DDC to exhibit original artwork of local artists on banners in the downtown district. This program has been inactive since 2018 and will undergo a full evaluation and reinvention soon.

Standing Committees

In addition to these major events, the DDC has four standing committees that work throughout the year to enhance the Downtown District. The Downtown District includes both the traditional downtown area which principally corresponds to the CBD Zoning Districts and also the additional commercial areas of the Borough of Madison which correspond to the CC and Gateway Zoning Districts, as shown on the Zoning Map of the Borough of Madison.

Arts & Events

Work with Madison Arts and Culture Alliance (MACA), Madison Music and Arts (MMA), Chamber of Commerce and other community Partners on event development and support.
Advise and support the Director of Arts and Events and programming for the Madison Community Arts Center.
Research and make recommendations regarding public art installations.
Research and evaluate the viability of new events.

Marketing & Economic Development

Monitors the Downtown District’s current economic conditions and identify opportunities for market growth.
Develops programs, events, and initiatives working with the Chamber of Commerce to strengthen existing businesses and recruit new ones.
Creates, with consultants as necessary, a comprehensive marketing plan that will be issued to support current and future programs and that will showcase the Downtown and expand the Madison brand.

Public Improvement

Creates plans and projects to improve the streetscape and public spaces in the Downtown District.
Helps to develop financial incentives and strategies for potential rehabilitation projects.
Explores strategies to improve available shopper parking in the Downtown District.

Sign & Facade

Reviews and submits recommendations on all sign permit applications, new or replacement, submitted for commercial uses referred by the Zoning Officer.
Reviews referred Master Signage Plans and submit recommendations to Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Adheres to all regulations put forth in Chapter 195. Land Development, Article V. Zoning, § 195-34. Signs, while conducting all review processes.