WHAT:
Dane County will hold its 2027 Department Budget Hearing for the Department of Human Services tonight, Wednesday, September 16, at 5:30pm. The hearing is an opportunity for community members to speak about the services and programs they rely on as the county considers its 2027 budget.

Urban Triage is at risk of losing $321,000 connected to its housing access and youth support infrastructure in the current budget process—resources currently used to help people experiencing housing instability, eviction, homelessness and other barriers, as well as young people in need of support.

Urban Triage is urging community members to attend and share their experiences with the organization’s housing and youth services.

The potential funding reduction comes as Urban Triage reports significant demand for its services. During the first six months of 2026, there were:

  • 14,352 community connections
  • 11,847 triage conversations through calls, texts and email
  • 186 unique youth served
  • 71 permanent housing placements
  • $147,226.61 in direct rental support
  • 85% of clients remained housed as of August 2026

WHEN:
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
5:30pm

WHERE:
City-County Building, Room 201
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Madison, WI
OR
Online at https://board.danecounty.gov/attend-meeting

WHY IT MATTERS:
Urban Triage is asking community members to speak at tonight’s hearing about the impact of its housing and youth services and what losing funding could mean for people currently relying on those resources.

Dane County has identified a significant structural budget challenge for 2027 and has directed departments to identify reductions as part of the budget process.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:
Community members and Urban Triage representatives will be available to speak about the proposed funding changes and the impact of housing and youth services in Dane County.

ABOUT URBAN TRIAGE:
Urban Triage is a Madison-based nonprofit focused on empowering Black families and children while working alongside individuals and families throughout the community. Through transformational education, direct services, housing support, agriculture, youth initiatives, peer support, advocacy, wellness, and economic opportunity, Urban Triage addresses immediate barriers while building greater stability, independence, and opportunity.

Urban Triage’s mission is to transform culture, institutions and communities to ensure a humane future.

Urban Triage envisions a world where everyone has the freedom, resources and support to heal and self-actualize.