The Downtown Development Commission (DDC) supports Madison's business district in many ways and organizes various promotions including the following events
Taste of Madison
Save the Date! Next year's Taste of Madison will be held on Monday, March 23. Plan to enjoy an evening of fine food and libations to showcase Madison's best dining. The Taste of Madison is held in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Madison.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the venue. Guests must me at least 21 years old.
May Day in Madison
Saturday, May 2, 2020 is the town-wide beautification day called May Day in Madison. This event is always held the 1st Saturday in May. Over 800 volunteers help clean up Madison's public spaces.
Madison Farmers Market and Holiday Market
Madison Farmers Market a downtown event every Thursday from May 23 to October 24 (Market Closed on July 4) from 2 to 7 p.m. The 2019 Farmers' Market will be located on Central Avenue between Main Street and Cook Avenue. New in 2019 - Madison Holiday Market!
Rose City Summerfest- The Madison Downtown Development Commission is presenting the first ever Rose City Summerfest. This new event has been cancelled for 2019 but been scheduled for Saturday - May 30, 2020
Bottle Hill Day
Bottle Hill Day will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020. This event is a festival celebrating our hometown and downtown with over 10,000 in attendance.
Madison Sidewalk Gallery/Gala & Auction
The Madison Sidewalk Gallery is a collaborative project of the Madison Arts and Culture Alliance (MACA) and the DDC to exhibit original artwork of local artists on banners in the downtown district.
Standing Committees
In addition to these major events, the DDC has four standing committees that work throughout the year to enhance the Downtown District. The Downtown District includes both the traditional downtown area which principally corresponds to the CBD Zoning Districts and also the additional commercial areas of the Borough of Madison which correspond to the CC and Gateway Zoning Districts, as shown on the Zoning Map of the Borough of Madison.
University Relations Committee
Works to strengthen the connection between the administrative leaders of the three local Universities and with the Commission.
Seeks strategies to help engage the University Student Population in the activities of the Commission and in all aspects of the Downtown District.
Creates events and support existing events that further Town-Gown connectivity such as the University Town Tour Program, which brings new university students into Madison for a tour of our Downtown.
Marketing and Economic Development Committee
Monitors the Downtown District's current economic conditions and identify opportunities for market growth.
Develops programs, events and initiatives working with the Chamber of Commerce to strengthen existing businesses and recruit new ones.
Creates, with consultants as necessary, a comprehensive marketing plan that will be issued to support current and future programs and that will showcase the Downtown and expand the Madison brand.
Public Improvement Committee
Creates plans and projects to improve the streetscape and public spaces in the Downtown District.
Helps to develop financial incentives and strategies for potential rehabilitation projects.
Explores strategies to improve available shopper parking in the Downtown District.
Sign & Facade Committee
Reviews and submits recommendations on all sign permit applications, new or replacement, submitted for commercial uses referred by the Zoning Officer.
Reviews referred Master Signage Plans and submit recommendations to Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Adheres to all regulations put forth in Chapter 195. Land Development, Article V. Zoning, § 195-34. Signs, while conducting all review processes.