Alder Kristen Slack to Resign for Common Council

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – District 19 Alder Kristen Slack announced Friday that she is stepping down from the Madison Common Council. Slack was first elected to the council in April of this year, and has worked as a professor at UW Madison for over 22 years. 

Alder Slack’s final day as alder will be January 10. 

District 19 contains the far-west side of Madison, including parts of Old Sauk Road north of the beltline. Since before even being elected to the seat, Slack has relied on data-driven initiatives and has worked to improve community engagement between area residents and city officials. She told WORT before being elected that she wanted to create more opportunities for homeownership in Madison as a way to address the city’s housing crisis.

Slack says that, since the April election, her family has been dealing with a major health issue that has significantly altered their lives. Though she says she has tried for months to balance these issues with her responsibilities as alder, she says she is no longer able to adequately serve as alder. 

In a statement, Slack says that it’s been an honor to serve the city of Madison, and has worked to represent her district fairly and transparently to guide the city through complex issues with humility and thoughtfulness. 

Council President Jael Currie thanked Alder Slack on Friday for her service as an alder. “Alder Slack has contributed a strong analytical and data-driven approach during her time on the Council,” Currie says. “I appreciate her service to District 19 and the city and wish her and her family the best going forward.”

City leaders are now accepting applications to fill the vacancy on the council. Residents of District 19 can apply by emailing ccec@cityofmadison.com. Applications should include:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone Number (Home/Mobile/Work)
• E-mail address
• A biographical resume should include education, work, neighborhood, and civic experience
• A statement on why you wish to serve
• A statement of what you wish to accomplish
• A statement on whether you plan to run for alder in the Spring 2025 election

Whoever is chosen as interim alder will serve until the next municipal election on April 15, 2025. Applications are due by no later than 4:30 on Tuesday, January 9. City leaders will  then interview candidates throughout January. A new alder should be appointed on January 23.