Madison Living
Mary Beth Broeren plans for present and future
Mary Beth Broeren’s work as director of Planning and Economic Develop
ment for
the City of Madison is comparable in scope to her last job as planning m
anager
for Huntington Beach, California, population of about 200,000.
Some of Madison’s larger projects, like Town Madison, are equivalen
t to her work
in Huntington Beach, and both cities have busy schedules, even with the
population difference.
The job opening in Madison City Hall attracted Broeren for projects un
derway in
differing stages of implementation and the opportunity to work with th
e city on
other goals and efforts. “Madison benefits from its strong identity as a
community
that is grounded in family and tradition while at the same time wel
comes
development and appreciates positive change,” Broeren said. “That com
bination
provides a powerful springboard for advancing the city
’
s objectives and makes
for rewarding professional work.”
As city planner, Broeren handles day-
to
-day management of Madison’s land use
regulations and increases the city’s economic development opportu
nities. She
must produce current and long-range planning and project approva
ls; support
municipal groups, like Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments
and
Historic Preservation Commission; and interact with city hall colleagues.
“The economic development component involves attracting new commer
cial and
industrial development, retaining and expanding existing businesses a
nd
supporting Industrial Development Board,” Broeren said. Her depar
tment also
manages capital improvement projects, such as downtown streetscape
improvements and the proposed new library.
When attracting new businesses, Broeren and staff face significant con
fidentiality
and discretion. “We might work on a project four to six months before th
e
developer is comfortable with sharing anything with elected officials or th
e
public,” she said. “Establishing and maintaining that trust is critical for con
tinued
success in the development community.”
However, with social media literally at everyone’s fingertips on any subj
ect,
frustration results when the department “is not forthcoming about what w
e are
working on.”
Broeren also hopes to simplify Madison website (www.madisonal.gov
) for
improved convenience to users.
“Underlying all (these) responsibilities is a constant feedback loop o
f assessing
ways to improve customer service, identifying ways to engage the commun
ity in
the planning process and serving the public interest,” Broeren said.
“We have a
dedicated, knowledgeable planning staff that truly cares about
Madison. They are
an invaluable asset, and the city is fortunate to have them.
”
Time is her main challenge. “Our ‘to do’ list never seems to get shor
ter.” Her
greatest fulfillments? “It
’
s a tie between seeing a project approved and built that I
know will be good for Madison and making the connection with a resid
ent or
business that furthers their understanding of how planning works.”
Broeren said she believes Madison’s top two needs are expanding the
commercial base for tax revenue and jobs, along with funding public
infrastructure for roads and open space that supports all developm
ent and
improves quality of life.
The Southern California Association of Governments commended her wo
rk as
project manager for a mixed-use plan. Broeren has received awar
ds from
American Planning Association and California Department of Transportat
ion.
She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in economics from
Siena
Co
llege in Albany, New York. At Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta,
Broeren earned a master’s degree in city planning.
Her husband Rob works on the Space Launch System for The Boeing Company.
She grew up in upstate New York, as did Rob with some time in Oregon. The
ir
13
-year-old son Rigel is an eighth-grader.
She participates in P.E.O. philanthropic organization, American
Planning
Association and American Institute of Certified Planners. She helps the
“Mentor
Jackets” program at Georgia Tech that pairs professionals and seniors and
volunteers with CASA of Madison County.
The Broeren family enjoys traveling, birding and astronomy.
