“For all intents and purposes, the Madison regional economy grew right through the recession,” Kennelly said.

Madison also leads in business growth and construction activity.

“If you compare Dane County to the rest of the state of Wisconsin, by really any economic measure, whether it’s job growth or innovation or GDP or what have you, we’re really driving the state’s economy in a lot of ways,” Kennelly said.

The “Connect Madison” plan outlines five economic strategies:

Support small businesses.

Grow the tax base.

Create jobs.

Invest in modern transportation.

Support career pathways for youth.

Each strategy is paired with a “priority one” project.

The strategy will act as the work plan for the city’s economic development division and as a cross-agency reference for city decisions.

Commission member Brad Cantrell found the findings significant.

“I think that we should share that with our people at the state, the governor, of the legislature, and show that Dane County is important,” Cantrell said.

Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.