Counting Cranes
@countingcranes.bsky.social
Thoughts on Madison without a 250 word count limit.
www.countingcranes.com
www.countingcranes.com
In case you missed it, Soglin has "uniparty" complementary piece too. I'm pretty sure I avoided every criticism he has of his detractors so I expect another response that can address my points.
captimes.com/opinion/gues...
captimes.com/opinion/gues...
Opinion | In today's Madison, voices of reason are not tolerated
Paul Soglin: In implementing their anti-car, pro-tax agenda, Madison's so-called progressives have hidden their incompetence behind bellicose posturing.
captimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:40 AM
In case you missed it, Soglin has "uniparty" complementary piece too. I'm pretty sure I avoided every criticism he has of his detractors so I expect another response that can address my points.
captimes.com/opinion/gues...
captimes.com/opinion/gues...
The most important consequence of these changes is definitely the ability for Madison Bikes to form a Bike Mafia party that could run a candidate for council.
But having City-focused goals/debate (instead of areas), an accountable school district, and more staff capacity are good too.
But having City-focused goals/debate (instead of areas), an accountable school district, and more staff capacity are good too.
January 14, 2026 at 4:38 AM
The most important consequence of these changes is definitely the ability for Madison Bikes to form a Bike Mafia party that could run a candidate for council.
But having City-focused goals/debate (instead of areas), an accountable school district, and more staff capacity are good too.
But having City-focused goals/debate (instead of areas), an accountable school district, and more staff capacity are good too.
Madison's pro-housing majority doesn't need to compromise. The majority of Madisonians like what they are doing (and don't like the Fanlund/Soglin vision). But in politics, there are some risks that could be worth taking. I propose:
- 10 at-large CC seats
- MMSD under the Mayor
- Less consultants
- 10 at-large CC seats
- MMSD under the Mayor
- Less consultants
January 14, 2026 at 4:36 AM
Madison's pro-housing majority doesn't need to compromise. The majority of Madisonians like what they are doing (and don't like the Fanlund/Soglin vision). But in politics, there are some risks that could be worth taking. I propose:
- 10 at-large CC seats
- MMSD under the Mayor
- Less consultants
- 10 at-large CC seats
- MMSD under the Mayor
- Less consultants
You can read it here when it's published open.substack.com/pub/counting...
It Takes Two to Tango - Letter to the Editor (Cap Times)
Madison's "uniparty" isn't as united as it seems, but Paul Fanlund should consider offering serious compromises rather than complain that his vision isn't popular with the majority of Madisonians
open.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:33 AM
You can read it here when it's published open.substack.com/pub/counting...
Prepping for the Comp Plan will be vital for housing in Madison. It's the one document with legal teeth and everything is based on it. For more on the "political decision" during the last GFLU process - www.countingcranes.com/p/abundance-...
Abundance, Strong Towns, and the Comp Plan
We have until 2028 to start building default permission into our Comprehensive Plan.
www.countingcranes.com
August 26, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Prepping for the Comp Plan will be vital for housing in Madison. It's the one document with legal teeth and everything is based on it. For more on the "political decision" during the last GFLU process - www.countingcranes.com/p/abundance-...
Once you've "seen the cat" about taxing land, it's hard to not think about it while walking down any city block.
www.countingcranes.com/p/can-madiso...
www.countingcranes.com/p/can-madiso...
Can Madison "see the cat"?
When prices keep rising, it's important to take stock and incentivize building. That starts with valuing land correctly with a land value tax.
www.countingcranes.com
August 23, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Once you've "seen the cat" about taxing land, it's hard to not think about it while walking down any city block.
www.countingcranes.com/p/can-madiso...
www.countingcranes.com/p/can-madiso...
On the 1000-1060 block of E Washington, three large apartment complexes, a youth center, a restaurant, and many businesses reside. Just across the street the 1001-1055 block has a car wash, warehouse, and businesses with a surface parking lot. The difference? $1,500,000 vs. $150,000 in taxes.
August 23, 2025 at 3:10 PM
On the 1000-1060 block of E Washington, three large apartment complexes, a youth center, a restaurant, and many businesses reside. Just across the street the 1001-1055 block has a car wash, warehouse, and businesses with a surface parking lot. The difference? $1,500,000 vs. $150,000 in taxes.