Goodman Community Center

We've all noticed the large construction sites popping up on our commutes 🚍🏗️ There's little question: the "slow burning" housing crisis is changing east and north Madison's skyline.

"There is tremendous demand for more housing ... The economics of redevelopment projects do not work unless the new development contains a higher density of housing units," explained Bill Connors, exec. director of Smart Growth Greater Madison.

RISE Madison apartments and townhomes opened in 2025 on the corner of East Wash and Fair Oaks, adding options for young professionals, families, and Madison College students. The LakeRidge Bank development is well under way on Milwaukee Street, a prime location for current residents dreaming of proximity to affordable groceries, fuel and neighborhood parks (and the hundreds of the 18,400 new Madison arrivals expected by 2030).

And the added question: Will it be affordable?

📰 Get answers and updates on what's next for neighborhood housing in the July/Aug issue of Eastside News is on stands now, or read online here: https://www.goodmancenter.org/blog/why-theres-so-much-east-madison-apartment-construction

Cover story: Katie Pulvermacher
📸: Rick Dahms

It’s official: school supply costs are up a staggering 30% 😱💸This year it costs an average of $130 for a full set of supplies and a new backpack.

That’s more than inflation. Definitely more than wages. Families big and small are struggling to keep up🎒🙃 But what can you do to help Madison this summer?

Donate school supplies to Goodman Community Center’s Backpack Drive 📒 We’ve got hundreds of families coming in August to pick up full sets of supplies for their school bound kids and teens. We need your help to make sure everyone gets what they need.

There's three main ways to help:
1. 🏢 Purchase supplies in store this summer and drop it off at 149 Waubesa St. (GCC’s Ironworks Building) before August 15.
2. 🖱️ Shop online using our Amazon and Target lists and ship the items right to our center.
3. 💵 Support financially either online or by mail.

No matter how you donate, start the process at goodmancenter.org/backpack

📷 Rick Dahms