To all the new Badgers just arriving on campus — welcome not just to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but to the City of Madison! I’m MGR Govindarajan, and I have the unique privilege of serving as your representative on the Madison City Council.
What does that mean? It means that I work on the city policies that directly affect your day-to-day life as a Madison resident. From big-picture issues like building more affordable housing, improving downtown safety and strengthening public transportation, to the smaller things like making sure snow gets removed or that fallen branches get cleared after a storm. My goal is to uplift the student voice at every level of decision-making, and ensure you have a real seat at the table.
I first ran in 2023 for City Council while still a student because I saw how many of our city’s decisions were being made without student input. That’s still true far too often. But now, you have a city council rep who understands the student experience firsthand and is committed to making sure your voice is heard and your needs get prioritized.
So as you make Madison your new home, here's my call to you: get engaged.
City government may not be the first thing on your mind right now. But the truth is, local policies impact your rent, your safety, your nightlife, your bus routes, your bike lanes, your parks and so much more. And they’re all shaped right here in City Hall. That’s why it matters for students to not only stay informed but get involved. Whether it's showing up to public meetings, applying for a city board or commission or simply direct messaging me on instagram and saying what you care about, your engagement helps make this city better for everyone. Regardless of how long you might stay in Madison, you deserve a say in how this city operates.
If you’re interested in getting involved, I’d love to hear from you. There are city committees with student seats, internship opportunities and ways to testify or just stay in the loop. As you encounter issues during your time as a Badger, whether it’s with your landlord, an idea to improve campus life or something you saw on State Street, utilize me and the city council as a resource. Remember, if you’re having problems with your landlord, it’s not a dean who can help you — it’s me.
The easiest and quickest way to engage and stay in touch is by following me on Instagram at @mgrfordistrict8_.
Let’s make Madison work for students — because you’re not just residents of campus, you’re residents of this city.
MGR Govindarajan represents District 8 on the Madison Common Council. He is a UW–Madison alum with degrees in Legal Studies and Political Science. Do you think students should have a greater role in shaping Madison’s future? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com
