The City of Madison invites residents and community members to meet with alders from the Near-West Districts. The Meet and Greet will take place in the Community Room at Midtown Police District, located at 4020 Mineral Point Rd, on Monday, February 23rd, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
This event presents an opportunity to connect with alders on the issues most relevant to you. Those present include District 5 Alder and Council President Regina Vidaver, District 11 Alder Bill Tishler, and District 13 Alder Tag Evers. The Meet and Greet is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served.
If you plan to attend, RSVP through Eventbrite to help us get an attendance estimate, though this is not required. For any questions, concerns, or accommodations, please reach out to Lorissa Banuelos, Community Engagement Strategist, at Lbanuelos@cityofmadison.com.
Below is a brief introduction to each attending alder, which will help you get to know one another better. We look forward to seeing you on Monday!
Meet your Near-West Alders
District 5 Alder and Council President Regina Vidaver
Contact Information
- 608-616-0669
- district5@cityofmadison.com
Why did you choose to become an alder?
In 2017, I started my journey into seeking elected office by participating in the Wisconsin Emerge program, which trains democratic women to run for office. We learned a lot about campaigns, finance laws, lobbying, boards, commissions, and committee engagement, and the variety of offices that were available. I met with my then-Alder (Shiva Bidar), and my then-County Board Supervisor (Jeremy Levin) to learn more about their jobs and roles. When Shiva announced that she wasn’t running for re-election, I took the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring! I ran unopposed the first time, so was guaranteed the seat after nomination signatures were submitted. Once I was in, I was hooked!
What do you hope to accomplish in this role?
I deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve residents of the City. I have only ever wanted to “use my powers for good” and help people during all aspects of my career. My role as an Alder allows me to serve people more directly, and I hope, engage on implementing polices that serve to make Madison as strong and resilient as it can be.
What do you love most about the community that you represent?
My district is incredibly walkable! We have sidewalks that get me to neighborhood shops, restaurants, and a local corner market, with easy access to Lake Mendota and Lake Wingra (and a slightly longer trek to Lake Monona).
A brief description of the area that your district covers (bordering areas and maybe some landmarks).
I represent the area from the Stadium to Hilldale, from the SW bike path and Mineral Point Rd to University Ave, with the addition of the western part of UW and University Heights.
District 11 Alder Bill Tishler
Contact Information
- 608-333-2745
- district11@cityofmadison.com
Describe your district’s location.
District 11 reflects a primarily residential, suburban character within Madison’s city limits, featuring mature tree canopies, walkable neighborhoods, public schools, more places of worship than bars, and convenient connections to bus routes and arterial streets.
Why did you choose to become an alder?
I became a local alder because it’s my turn to give back to the community that has shaped me. Madison is my home. I am a product of Madison, I attended Madison Public Schools from kindergarten through high school and earned my degree from UW-Madison, where I have been working for more than 30 years. Madison is where my wife and I chose to raise our family, and it’s where we built a life rooted in this community.
What do you hope to accomplish in this role?
A central theme in my work is access to education and communication. As a city Alder, I bring this focus to town halls, public gatherings, and the District 11 Book Club. As Madison grows, we must not only create more housing options but also focus on creating safer streets by prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles. Residents of District 11 have expressed growing concerns about increased traffic and excessive speeding, particularly near schools.
What do you love most about the community that you represent?
I love the fact that since joining the Common Council in 2022, 705 new homes —including both houses and apartment units—have been built in District 11, with only one home demolished during this period. Much of this new housing replaces former surface parking lots, transforming underutilized spaces into apartments and condominiums with limited surface parking and increased underground parking options for tenants.
District 13 Alder Tag Evers
Contact Information
- 608-424-2580
- district13@cityofmadison.com
Describe your district’s location.
District 13 encircles Lake Wingra and the Arboretum. We’re home to Henry Vilas Zoo, one of the only free zoos in the nation. There’s a tremendous amount of diversity, ranging from million-dollar homes in Vilas to some of the city’s more vulnerable residents living at Bayview and in the CDA apartments on the Triangle.
Why did you choose to become an alder?
I have spent many years promoting shows in Madison, bringing people together and building community around music. I ran for office hoping to bring people together around the ideas that would make Madison a better city for all.
What do you hope to accomplish in this role?
Housing and transit are two of our main challenges. I hope to play an important role in advancing common sense solutions.
What do you love most about the community that you represent?
I love that District 13 has so much natural beauty, including the Arboretum, Lake Wingra and Monona Bay, along with several delightful parks.
About the Madison Common Council
The Common Council’s mission is to represent the residents of Madison by promoting the safety, health, and general well-being of the community, by incorporating the following City core values: Equity, Civic Engagement, Well-Being, Shared Prosperity, and Stewardship. Visit the City of Madison Common Council website for additional information.
