What does it take to build a city where every person truly belongs? In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, we walk the streets of Madison, Wisconsin — metaphorically and literally — with two people who have spent their careers shaping it.

Host Rebecca Cooks welcomes Jason Ilstrup, president of Downtown Madison Inc., and Peter Tang, architect and Chief Design Officer Emeritus of Strang Inc., to discuss placemaking, the shifting character of downtown, the challenges of growth, and what it actually means to build a flourishing city for everyone.

From the magic of Memorial Union Terrace to the bold vision of the Envision Madison plan, this conversation is for anyone who loves their city and wants to understand how to make it better.

In This Episode

• Why Jason and Peter both call Madison's Union Terrace the city's "living room"
• The transformation of the East Washington corridor over 30 years
• What the Envision Madison plan is — and how you can have your say in shaping it
• The honest truth about gentrification: what it is, why it happens, and how good design can help
• Why development should always be seen as an opportunity, not a threat
• The "triple bottom line" for flourishing cities: people, planet, and profit
• Madison's approach to affordable housing — and why the most sustainable building is the one that already exists

GUEST BIOS

Jason Ilstrup — President, Downtown Madison Inc.

Jason has been a Madisonian since 2007 and has spent his career championing the city's downtown. As a former general manager of Hotel Red and now president of Downtown Madison Inc. (DMI), Jason brings hospitality, energy, and a deep love for people to the work of urban strategy and placemaking. He is currently leading the private-sector component of the landmark Envision Madison planning initiative.

Peter Tang — Architect & Chief Design Officer Emeritus, Strang Inc.

Peter moved to Madison in 1991 and has spent over three decades shaping the city's built environment. As an architect, he believes deeply that good design belongs to everyone — not just those with means. He has been involved in landmark projects across Madison.

Resources & Links
Envision Madison: downtownmadison.org

City of Madison planning resources: cityofmadison.com

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