I support the vision for the Central Library as presented by the Fiore-Irgens group and supported by Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

Just as the Downtown serves as the central core for our region, the Central Library serves as the core to the entire library system. What an appropriate statement for our community's Central Library to be a cutting-edge, energy-efficient building located at the gateway to our Capitol Square.

There are both tangible and intangible economic benefits from this proposal. This development will increase the tax base and provide between $1.2 million and $2 million in annual tax payments to Madison. Other economic benefits include increased parking revenue and "halo spending" at local retail and service businesses Downtown. A study by NorthStar Economics found that libraries in Wisconsin return $4.06 for every dollar invested in the system.

Additionally, by clustering the Central Library Downtown with other significant cultural institutions and by giving the library appropriate prominence, we foster a stronger sense of belonging to our Downtown - an important intangible benefit.

As a principal in a Downtown business and the mother of three active library users, I look forward to the contribution this project will make to the vibrant, livable community in which we live, work and play. It's a smart investment in our economic, cultural and educational futures.

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