Sabrina Madison
Madison Common Council District 17
Tenure
Term ends
Years in position
Predecessor
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Sabrina Madison is a member of the Madison Common Council in Wisconsin, representing District 17. She assumed office on October 24, 2022. Her current term ends on April 20, 2027.
Madison ran for re-election to the Madison Common Council to represent District 17 in Wisconsin. She won in the general election on April 1, 2025.
Madison completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Sabrina Madison's career experience includes working as the founding CEO of the Progress Center for Black Women.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in Madison, Wisconsin (2025)
General election
Nonpartisan primary election
The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Sabrina Madison and Sean Burke advanced from the primary for Madison Common Council District 17.
Endorsements
Madison received the following endorsements. To view a full list of Madison's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here.
2023
See also: City elections in Madison, Wisconsin (2023)
General election
Nonpartisan primary election
The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Sabrina Madison advanced from the primary for Madison Common Council District 17.
Endorsements
Madison received the following endorsements.
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Sabrina Madison completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Madison's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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As the Alder for Madison's District 17 since October 2022, I have dedicated my efforts to enhancing community resources and fostering engagement. I have been a strong advocate for the Imagination Center (library) at Reindahl Park, envisioning it as a transformative space designed by and for the northeast Madison community—a hub for education, digital access, and cultural expression. Recognizing the need for coordinated support in underserved areas, I successfully championed the establishment of the Sandburg/Motel Corridor Neighborhood Resource Team, which held its inaugural meeting on August 27, 2024. This initiative aims to improve city services and promote equity in the Sandburg neighborhood. Beyond my role on the Common Council, I serve as the Founder and CEO of the Progress Center for Black Women, focusing on entrepreneurship, professional development, and financial health within our community. My commitment to servant leadership is further demonstrated through my active participation in various civic engagements, including serving on the Economic Development Committee for the City of Madison and contributing to the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Advisory Taskforce. These are just a few of the experiences that have equipped me to navigate complex community issues and advocate effectively for sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
- Constituent Engagement – I am committed to transparent leadership that prioritizes community input. I actively engage residents through town halls, neighborhood meetings, and direct outreach to ensure their voices shape decisions.
- Equitable Development – I advocate for responsible growth that benefits all, pushing for investments in infrastructure, small businesses, and community resources like the Imagination Center.
- Affordable Housing – I support policies that expand housing options, protect tenants, and ensure working families can afford to live in Madison.
I am passionate about affordable housing, ensuring all residents—especially working families—have access to stable, affordable homes. I advocate for equitable development, pushing for investments that strengthen communities without displacing longtime residents. I am also committed to addressing homelessness through policies that improve shelter options, connect people to services, and create pathways to permanent housing. My focus is on sustainable, community-driven solutions that uplift everyone in Madison.
This office is unique because it directly connects residents to local government, ensuring their voices shape city policies. As an Alder, I work to solve community issues, advocate for equitable development, and collaborate with local and state leaders to address housing, transit, and public safety—key issues that impact daily life.
I highly recommend bell hooks’ books "All About Love," "Salvation," and "Communion." Her writings explore how a love ethic—rooted in care, commitment, and justice—can transform our relationships, communities, and institutions. I believe that governing with a love ethic means prioritizing equity, listening deeply to residents, and working collaboratively to build a city where everyone can thrive. These books reflect my belief that leadership should be about service, connection, and collective progress.
An effective elected official must be deeply committed to constituent engagement, ensuring that the voices, concerns, and ideas of the people they represent are at the heart of every decision. I believe leadership requires active listening, direct outreach, and fostering meaningful dialogue with residents. Whether through town halls, community meetings, or one-on-one conversations, I prioritize open and transparent communication to build trust and make informed decisions that reflect the needs of the community.
Collaboration is another essential characteristic of strong leadership. No single elected official can solve complex issues alone. That’s why I remain committed to working closely with my fellow alders, the mayor, the county board, the county executive, and other elected officials across the state to push for policies that benefit Madison and its residents. I recognize that local, county, and state governments must work together to tackle challenges such as affordable housing, equitable development, and homelessness. By building partnerships and aligning efforts, we can create more effective and lasting solutions.
I also firmly believe in honoring our differences and finding ways to work together, even when we don’t always agree. True leadership means being willing to engage in difficult conversations, respecting diverse perspectives, and seeking common ground. Madison is a diverse and growing city, and our strength lies in our ability to work together toward shared goals while respecting the unique needs and experiences of our communities.
Ultimately, elected officials must be accessible, accountable, and solutions-driven. I am dedicated to bringing people together, fostering collaboration at all levels of government, and ensuring that every resident has a voice in shaping our city’s future. I possess a deep commitment to listening to residents, understanding their needs, and fostering collaboration across all levels of government. My experience in community building, advocating for equitable development, and working on initiatives like the Imagination Center, positions me to be a proactive and responsive leader. I am driven by a passion to serve and ensure that every voice in my district is heard and valued.
The core responsibilities of an elected official include consistent engagement with residents, ensuring they have a voice in decisions that impact their lives. I am committed to helping residents solve problems, whether it’s navigating city services, addressing neighborhood concerns, or advocating for policy changes. Additionally, this role requires collaboration with fellow alders, the mayor, and other officials to develop equitable policies that support affordable housing, economic growth, and public safety. My priority is to serve as a responsive, solutions-focused leader for District 17.
My favorite book is "All About Love" by bell hooks. It gave me a working definition of love and introduced the powerful concept of working from a love ethic. Her insights helped me understand how love can be a transformative force, particularly for Black people, offering a path to healing and restoration. The book has profoundly influenced my approach to leadership, as I believe that love—rooted in care, justice, and respect—should guide how we engage with others and shape our communities.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been navigating the challenges of being a teen mom—having my son at 15—while later experiencing homelessness in my 20s. During that time, I slept in my car and my son and I would stay in multiple run-down motels. Despite these hardships, I never gave up, and they taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of having a support system. These experiences continue to shape my approach to leadership, as I am deeply committed to advocating for those facing similar struggles and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Many residents don’t realize they can actively shape the future of their neighborhoods through city planning processes. As an Alder, I help connect constituents to opportunities like the recent update of the Northeast Area Plan, where community input directly influenced development priorities. Residents can engage in planning meetings, give feedback on zoning changes, and advocate for resources that reflect their needs. I encourage everyone to get involved—your voice matters in shaping Madison’s growth and equity.
While previous experience in government or politics can be helpful, I believe the most important quality for this office is a strong commitment to community. Understanding and valuing the needs of residents, being approachable, and working collaboratively are essential for effective leadership, regardless of prior political experience.
The most important skills for this office are community building, active listening, and collaboration. Being able to connect with residents, understand their concerns, and work together to find solutions is essential. Additionally, the ability to collaborate with other leaders—both locally and at the state level—is crucial for creating policies that truly serve the needs of the community.
This office is unique because it directly represents and advocates for the needs of local residents. As an Alder, I have the ability to influence decisions that impact daily life—like housing, public safety, and neighborhood development—while ensuring that community voices are heard and valued. This position plays a key role in shaping the future of our neighborhoods and fostering strong, connected communities.
To date: Planned Parenthood, Dane Dems, AFSCME PEOPLE, I asked the following Alders for their endorsements and they all said yes: Alders Duncan, Bennett, Field, Verveer, Vidaver, Rummel, Govindarajan, Conklin, Figueroa Cole, Evers, Martinez-Rutherford, Currie, and Guequierre. I will have an updated list on my website by early March.
Residents deserve clear, accessible budget information and responsible use of tax dollars. I am committed to open decision-making, and keeping the community informed.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2023
Sabrina Madison did not complete Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection survey.
See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 10, 2025
