Visit to Madison (Washington: construction, school, taxes)

[badger74]

Originally Posted by InnovativeAmerican

Yet, Madison is still the most prosperous city in Wisconsin and the only city in the state that actually attracts global talent thanks to its higher than average job creation in fields like IT, biotech, healthcare, etc. Minneapolis also has a good economy despite its currently high crime rate. The leadership in these cities must be doing something right because they certainly have produced robust economies.

They were just lucky enough to have a major university in the city. POLs had nothing to do with that.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by InnovativeAmerican

LOL, Madison is very safe, especially compared to cities like Milwaukee and Detroit where I have lived. I couldn't imagine living in fear so much that I feel the need to bring a gun everywhere for protection.

Snowflakes need to "protect" themselves from the boogeyman. Haha.

[Master Jay]

My older brother lived in the city of Madison (close to the East Towne Mall) for several years, prior to moving to a northern Madison suburb, Waunakee (whose motto is: "the ONLY Waunakee in the world").

He said he moved when he took his young son to the East Towne Mall, a few years ago, and while they were dining in the food court, a physical fight broke out at the table right next to them.

I remember he said the area towards the western outskirts by West Towne Mall, also declined. He indicated it had to do with drug sales and gangs, apparently. (on a side note, West Towne Mall has one of my favorite Barnes and Noble bookstores!).

Fast forward and he says there are reports of break-ins, even in his suburb community.

As far as the OP inquiring on carrying a gun, I reside in Milwaukee, but I spend almost equal time in Chicago! And i never have problems nor worry.

Don't let fear control you, man! That's no way for anyone to live!

[madison999]

Originally Posted by badger74

They were just lucky enough to have a major university in the city. POLs had nothing to do with that.

Thank you.

The University is a golden goose.

[InnovativeAmerican]

Originally Posted by madison999

Thank you.

The University is a golden goose.

Who cares if the UW has had a lot to do with Madison's success? It still has a good economy regardless. Also, population growth often comes with a price, which is increased crime. Increased crime is unfortunately a symptom of the growing pains Madison is experiencing, not because of its "liberal" leadership. However, this doesn't make the city any less livable. I'd live in Madison if WI weren't such a backwards state, but I currently own a house in both Hudson and Minneapolis and am planning to sell both of my homes in a couple years to move to Georgia. The leadership in this state is beyond toxic. Good thing I'll still be a resident in 2022 to help vote Russian Ron out.

[Empidonax]

Originally Posted by badger74

They were just lucky enough to have a major university in the city. POLs had nothing to do with that.

The claim was about the role of Madison's "leadership" in helping to develop the area's economy. That isn't just politicians, but also business leaders, local entrepreneurs, city boosters, civic organizations, publicists, lobbyists, university researchers, and more. They most certainly did have a role in developing the area's economy.

Of course, you're right to suggest that the very existence of a major university in Madison is itself a major (and core) asset, but that isn't sufficient. If it were, then other cities with major universities (Ann Arbor, East Lansing, South Bend, Iowa City, Lawrence, etc.) might have experienced parallel economic and population growth, but they didn't. This is because a variety of people in and outside of Madison did the work--starting years ago--to position the city as a dynamic place for new technologies and industries, and as a worthwhile place for people to live.

This has resulted in some big changes for Madison, however. It is no longer the city it was back in the 1970s and 1980s. Perhaps it used to be more akin to quieter college towns such as Missoula or Boulder, but now it is perhaps more comparable to Austin. Madison is becoming more of a full city beyond its college-town identity. It wasn't inevitable, but that's how it's shaped up.

(BTW, there were riots in Madison during the 1960s and 1970s, so it isn't like it was Mayberry back then. Less crime, for sure, but not perfect.)

An interesting thing about Madison during its economic and population boom: It has remained very politically progressive. That has been one of the selling points in attracting workers to the city. There aren't very many politically progressive and highly educated cities in the Midwest that are also experiencing an economic boom. Madison fills this role nicely, and people are responding.

All of this has resulted in more crime in Madison. It would have been surprising if it hadn't. Madison has been transforming from "chill college town" to a New Economy city. It happens; places change.

If you don't like the new Madison, or if you fear for your safety for some reason, feel free to visit some of Wisconsin's less liberal and "safer" cities. Eau Claire, for example, may be more appealing to your tastes.

[timberline742]

Austin, also an oasis of the state, has grown so much as well. Madison now is maybe what Austin was 30 years ago, and indeed, I know two couples that are looking at that move to Madison as Austin has grown so huge.

[badger74]

Originally Posted by Empidonax

The claim was about the role of Madison's "leadership" in helping to develop the area's economy. That isn't just politicians, but also business leaders, local entrepreneurs, city boosters, civic organizations, publicists, lobbyists, university researchers, and more. They most certainly did have a role in developing the area's economy.

Of course, you're right to suggest that the very existence of a major university in Madison is itself a major (and core) asset, but that isn't sufficient. If it were, then other cities with major universities (Ann Arbor, East Lansing, South Bend, Iowa City, Lawrence, etc.) might have experienced parallel economic and population growth, but they didn't. This is because a variety of people in and outside of Madison did the work--starting years ago--to position the city as a dynamic place for new technologies and industries, and as a worthwhile place for people to live.

This has resulted in some big changes for Madison, however. It is no longer the city it was back in the 1970s and 1980s. Perhaps it used to be more akin to quieter college towns such as Missoula or Boulder, but now it is perhaps more comparable to Austin. Madison is becoming more of a full city beyond its college-town identity. It wasn't inevitable, but that's how it's shaped up.

(BTW, there were riots in Madison during the 1960s and 1970s, so it isn't like it was Mayberry back then. Less crime, for sure, but not perfect.)

An interesting thing about Madison during its economic and population boom: It has remained very politically progressive. That has been one of the selling points in attracting workers to the city. There aren't very many politically progressive and highly educated cities in the Midwest that are also experiencing an economic boom. Madison fills this role nicely, and people are responding.

All of this has resulted in more crime in Madison. It would have been surprising if it hadn't. Madison has been transforming from "chill college town" to a New Economy city. It happens; places change.

If you don't like the new Madison, or if you fear for your safety for some reason, feel free to visit some of Wisconsin's less liberal and "safer" cities. Eau Claire, for example, may be more appealing to your tastes.

Those "riots" served a real cultural purpose. I was there for most of them. Totally different thing.

[badger74]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Snowflakes need to "protect" themselves from the boogeyman. Haha.

Others agree exactly Moderator cut: link removed, competitor site

"We chose Madison for a voluntary, lifestyle improvement move 5 years ago. Initially, we loved it. Clean, so much to do, everyone on bikes with endless paths throughout the city, lakes, and tons of cool community activities. Madison has big city resources with a smaller city feel. Unfortunately, the city has changed for the worst over the last two years. Crime has sky rocketed with visible drug issues, car theft, burglary, and shootings/gun fire (shots fired into bystander houses and moving vehicles) almost daily, often in broad daylight. Taxes are huge and increasingly for odd, pet project services. Traffic is insane and a new mid rise building seems to spring up daily. Over the top liberalism permeates everything with zero criminal accountability from judges, frivolous services for special interest groups, an incompetent and ineffective mayor. Downtown, formerly fun and inviting, is a no go zone due to violence, unchecked protesting and COVID or looting shuttered businesses. I live intown in a walkable community, but now have to think about safety when I go for a run, dog walk, or bike ride. Super sad, I would strongly discourage moving here.
Bella | Madison, WI"

[badger74]

Originally Posted by badger74

Those "riots" served a real cultural purpose. I was there for most of them. Totally different thing.

I doubt the criminals are part of the "new economy" unless you count drug dealing and thefts/assaults. Most of the new jobs choose to locate out in the suburbs. Way out.