Our History
Our Story
The Northside Planning Council began in 1993 with City support and has grown into one of Madison’s most successful and effective community organizations. NPC serves the 22,500 residents and businesses in north Madison and works with diverse community leaders from neighborhood, business, senior, faith, school and community center groups. Our dedicated and passionate volunteer citizen leaders assess the needs of the Northside community, develop partnerships and actively lead community organizing and economic development efforts to meet our community’s goals and address issues.
Over the last decade, we have delved deeply into local food systems. This work includes the creation of FEED Kitchens, FEED Bakery & Training Program, Healthy Food For All, and the Madison Public Market’s MarketReady Program.
NPC's Major Accomplishments
- Organizing 17 new neighborhood associations
- Partnering with the City of Madison to build the Warner Park Community Recreation Center
- Publishing the Northside News community newspaper
- Organizing the award-winning Troy Gardens project
- Advocating and raising funds for an expanded Lakeview Branch Library
- Piloting the Dane County TimeBank
- Creating the Grassroots Leadership College
- Establishing the Northside Farmers Market
- Organizing the Eastside PTO Coalition
- Developing the “Northside brand” and “community vision”
- Protect food security by successfully bringing grocers to the Northside
- Serving over 200 food businesses through FEED Kitchens
- Over 500 jobs created by entrepreneurs at FEED Kitchens
- Rescuing and redistributing van loads of food through Healthy Food For All
- Successful FEED Bakery Social Enterprise and Job Training Program
- Leveraging over $10 million in investments for the Northside
- $12 million+ business revenue created by FEED entrepreneurs.
- Over 30 food businesses ‘graduating’ FEED and opening new spaces
- FEED businesses are 70% BIPOC and 50% women owned and operated
Our Timeline
30 years of community transformation!
Northside Planning Council
The mission of the Northside Planning Council is to improve the quality of life and foster equity on the Northside through community organizing and economic development.
Our Major Initiatives
