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These are some of the top priorities our campaign is focused on.

Fighting for Our Community

I will support policies that promote dense, affordable infill development. Removing mandatory parking minimums, encouraging mixed-use zoning, and reducing single-family zoning restrictions are key ways we can cut red tape and make housing affordable for everyone while reducing development into our farmland.

Building Smarter

After each City Council meeting, I will use this website and social media to clearly explain what was discussed and what those decisions may mean for our community. Social media is a valuable tool, and I plan to make full use of it as mayor. We need to prevent misinformation from spreading by communicating what the city is doing as accurately and as quickly as possible.

Building Communication

While we should welcome new businesses expanding from outside of our area when possible, our main focus should be helping existing local businesses grow and thrive, and new businesses succeed. Supporting those already investing in Monroe strengthens our community and builds lasting prosperity. Let's welcome outside investment, but real opportunity starts here by encouraging entrepreneurship.

Building From Within

We need to continue to help our employers grow and expand so that our employment base can rely less on a few large employers. When we strengthen and diversify our job base, we create more competition, local opportunities, and ensure stability. If one employer faces challenges, our local economy can remain strong, standing firm and resilient through change.

Building Economic Resilience

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<h3>Contribute now to support our campaign!</h3>

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Monroe is a city built on hard work, care, and a drive to give back. My vision is to keep that spirit alive by growing responsibly, supporting local opportunity, and making sure everyone has a voice in how we move forward.

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<h2>Contact me!</h2>I'd love to hear from you. If you have a question, concern, idea, or would like to simply talk about the direction of Monroe, I want to hear it all!I can be reached at:(608)-293-4340<a href="mailto:maxwellbrooks04@gmail.com">maxwellbrooks04@gmail.com</a>Thank you for your interest. I will try to reply ASAP. If I cannot immediately take your call, please leave a voicemail with your phone number.

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Growing Smarter, Standing Stronger

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<h2>Why I'm Running</h2>Like many, I’ve seen just how deeply people care about this community. We have incredible small businesses, active community groups, and amenities that many cities our size could only dream of. All of this exists because the people of Monroe support it. That local investment is a unique strength, and it's one that many small towns have lost as large corporations pull away opportunity. But Monroe is different, and I want to help keep it that way.Right now, I feel a renewed sense of momentum in our city. The new high school, the expanded YMCA, the renovated library, and projects like the downtown pocket park all represent a kind of rebirth for Monroe. This has always been a strong city, cared for by its residents, but we are finally starting to get the recognition we deserve. For the first time in decades, it feels like we could surpass the same population mark that we've been at since the 1970s.<h3>Our Challenges</h3>With that growth come challenges. Monroe faces a shortage of affordable housing, and too many people are being priced out of the community they love. Taxes continue to rise, and the cost of living is stretching both young families and lifelong residents on fixed incomes.As a member of Gen Z, I see firsthand how unaffordability pushes young people away from communities like ours. At the same time, older residents - the people who built Monroe - worry about whether they can continue to afford to live here. Both experiences are real, and both deserve attention. We can meet these challenges together.<h3>Our Opportunities</h3>Monroe is already taking positive steps. The housing cooperative with GCDC, the city’s review of outdated zoning codes in November 2025, and continued investment in community programs are all important moves in the right direction. I know that we can do even more.Our community is at a crossroads. My generation wants to stay, work, and raise families here, and our older neighbors want to stay in the homes and city they helped build. We need policies that make Monroe affordable and accessible for everyone.<h3>A Shared Future</h3>I am optimistic about where Monroe is headed. With strong leadership, thoughtful growth, and community partnerships through organizations like GCDC and Main Street Monroe, we can continue to move forward.If elected, I hope to bring a new perspective to the Mayoral position. a perspective rooted in transparency, collaboration, and forward thinking. I will use social media and my website to share regular updates after each meeting, explain my support, and keep residents informed about what’s happening in our city. Monroe’s future is bright, and together, we can make sure that progress benefits everyone who calls this city home.If you have ideas or concerns you’d like to share, I would love to hear from you. You can reach me anytime at <a href="mailto:maxwellbrooks04@gmail.com">maxwellbrooks04@gmail.com</a>

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Understanding The Issues

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Building smarter means homes people can afford, reasonable taxes, local businesses that thrive, and a community that stands strong for generations.

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<h3>Over 500 Attend No Kings 2.0 Rally in Downtown Monroe</h3>MONROE — The No Kings 2.0 Rally, held Saturday, October 18, in downtown Monroe, drew an estimated crowd of 550 people, joining a nationwide day of action that mobilized more than 8.3 million participants across the country.Locally, rally attendees donated 160 pounds of food to Green Cares Food Pantry in Monticello, contributing to the event’s goal of community service alongside civic engagement.The Monroe rally was organized by Cathie Kwasneski, Pat Skogen, Sam Schumacher, Garrett Wall, Joshua Mittness, and Maxwell Brooks. The event featured a lineup of speakers including Joshua Mittness, Rev. Susan Andersen, Rev. Stacey Cavanaugh, County Board Representative Todd Larson, and radio host John “Sly” Sylvester, with 2022 State Senate nominee Pat Skogen serving as emcee.The goal of the event was to channel the spirit of civic participation and unity that the No Kings movement has inspired across Wisconsin. Statewide, an estimated 96,000 people participated in No Kings events.“This reflects the growing momentum of grassroots organizing in communities large and small,” Brooks said. “It shows what can happen when people come together to speak up, give back, and support one another.

MONROE — The No Kings 2.0 Rally, held Saturday, October 18, in downtown Monroe, drew an estimated crowd of 550 people, joining a nationwide day of action that mobilized more than 8.3 million participants across the country...

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Monroe 50501 rally donates 160 pounds of food

<h3>Understanding the Challenge</h3>Monroe’s economic story has long been defined by a few large employers and a network of hardworking small businesses. It's a deep history, and those local companies, storefronts, and entrepreneurs form the backbone of our community. Yet over time, dependence on a handful of major employers has made our local economy more vulnerable to outside forces.While we should always welcome outside investment, the most resilient economies are those that grow from within. Studies from the Kauffman Foundation and the U.S. Small Business Administration consistently show that new and small firms are responsible for most net job creation nationwide. When communities invest in their own entrepreneurs, they not only create jobs but also strengthen the local economy’s ability to adapt and thrive.<h3>Learning From What Works</h3>Monroe already has organizations doing important work in this space, and this is what we need to build on. The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) supports entrepreneurship, business mentoring, and housing development. Main Street Monroe fosters small business growth and revitalization in the heart of downtown. Their efforts have made great progress in helping build our small business economy and strengthen it through tough economic times. As a city, our role should be to build on that foundation, and to make Monroe a place where starting or expanding a business is straightforward, where every entrepreneur has access to the tools they need, and where local success stories multiply. We want people to stay (or move here) and build their businesses here in Monroe instead of elsewhere.<h3>Building Smart: The Local Advantage</h3>Research shows that dollars spent at locally owned businesses circulate within a community up to three times longer than money spent at chain stores or absentee-owned companies. That recirculation creates more local jobs, higher charitable giving, and stronger civic engagement.Locally rooted employers also bring long-term stability. Because they live and work here, they have a stake in Monroe’s success. They are more likely to invest back into our community through sponsorships, volunteerism, and local partnerships.By growing from within, Monroe can strengthen its middle layer of employers: those firms that hire locally, pay locally, and stay local.<h3>Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Expansion</h3>Here’s how we can make that vision real:<ol><li>Simplify the path for small businesses. Work with GCDC and city staff to ensure that starting or expanding a business in Monroe is as straightforward as possible. This means modernized permitting, clear guidance, and consistent communication from city departments. </li><li>Revitalize and reuse existing spaces. Encourage commercial infill, adaptive reuse, and second-story conversions throughout Monroe—not just downtown. Programs like Main Street Monroe’s façade grants show how small improvements can have large ripple effects. We have walkable neighborhoods near downtown that should be as open as possible to mixed-use and/or second story businesses that don't disrupt.</li><li>Celebrate local innovation. Launch a “Made in Monroe” initiative to highlight businesses that produce or design locally. Recognition, storytelling, and community pride go a long way toward inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.</li></ol><h3>Building Resilience Through Diversity</h3>A resilient economy has many legs to stand on. When a single large employer closes, a community with a diverse set of local businesses can adapt more quickly and keep people working.Encouraging entrepreneurship and steady growth across multiple sectors: manufacturing, trades, hospitality, retail, and emerging technology can ensure Monroe’s economy remains balanced and prepared for the future.<h3>A Smarter, Stronger Monroe</h3>Growing from within does not mean turning away outside investment. It means welcoming new opportunities while empowering our own. By supporting local business owners, deepening our partnership with groups like GCDC and Main Street Monroe, and building a city that values entrepreneurship, we can create good jobs, raise wages through competition, and keep more of our prosperity here at home.This is how Monroe builds lasting economic strength: by investing in the people who call it home.

We need to continue to encourage entrepreneurship as a means of economic development and growth. Companies that are built here and call this area home are more likely to have a deeper commitment to our area, building economic resilience. Having more of these employers gives our community more legs to stand on if one fails.

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

Employment

<a href="https://themonroetimes.com/community/features/making-good-change-from-the-bottom-up/">Making good change from the bottom up - Monroe Times</a>

<a href="https://themonroetimes.com/community/features/making-good-change-from-the-bottom-up/">Making good change from the bottom up - Monroe Times</a>“Green County has the lowest unemployment rate in the entire state,” said Maxwell Brooks, one of the organizers. “Green County is also about average when it comes to SNAP. SNAP usage in this county is between two- to four-times higher than the unemployment rate, meaning the vast majority of SNAP users are not willingly unemployed. People are working their (butts) off and it’s just not enough.”

Making good change from the bottom up (article)

<h3>Understanding the Challenge</h3>Every resident of Monroe values the services that make our city work. From safe streets and reliable utilities to parks, libraries, and emergency services, these amenities are part of what makes Monroe a great place to live. But providing them comes at a cost, and local taxes are how we fund them.In recent years, Monroe’s property values have grown steadily, yet our community continues to face questions about affordability and fairness. According to The Monroe Times, the city’s 2026 levy is expected to decrease by about $40,000, even as total property value rises. Even if some of these services (like the library) don't come from the city's portion of the levy, this shows that when our tax base grows, the city can maintain essential services without increasing the burden on residents.<h3>Learning From What Works</h3>A city’s strength depends on how wisely it grows. Expanding outward often brings long-term costs such as new roads, extended utilities, and higher maintenance for years to come. Growth that stretches our boundaries too quickly can create expenses that outweigh the new revenue it generates.By contrast, growth within our existing footprint allows us to use what we already have. When we focus on dense, infill development or expansion development that we are confident will fill, we can add homes and businesses that increase the tax base without needing major new infrastructure that we may struggle to pay for. Cities across the country have found that this type of growth helps stabilize budgets and reduces the cost of services per household.The Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s most recent data shows that Monroe’s equalized property value continues to rise (as discussed in the housing portion of this). This growing base means we have an opportunity to fund what we need more efficiently, not by asking residents to pay more, but by sharing costs across more contributors.<h3>Building Smart: Growing Into Our Amenities</h3>Monroe has already invested in strong services and facilities. The key now is to grow into them. When we encourage new housing and businesses in already developed areas, we make better use of existing roads, parks, and utilities. This helps keep costs manageable while supporting the services that make Monroe a desirable place to live.The best approach includes:<ol><li>Encouraging infill housing and redevelopment to turn vacant lots into productive, taxable properties.</li><li>Prioritizing downtown and neighborhood revitalization where infrastructure already exists.</li><li>Coordinating growth with financial planning so the city’s levy reflects efficiency instead of expansion costs.</li><li>Promoting transparency and fiscal accountability to help residents see how growth decisions affect their tax bills.</li></ol>Monroe is already making progress on this, so I look to continue much of this work.<h3>Connecting Smart Growth and Fair Taxation</h3>These goals connect directly to our housing and employment strategies. When we grow smarter, adding density where it fits and supporting local business expansion, we create a larger and more stable tax base. That larger base allows the city to keep property taxes level while continuing to fund the amenities we value most.Instead of cutting back, Monroe can maintain and even enhance public services by being strategic about where and how we build. It is not about raising taxes, but about using our growth to make every dollar work harder.<h3>A Smarter, Stronger Monroe</h3>We can build a future where Monroe remains affordable, vibrant, and well-served. By focusing on smart, efficient development and making the most of what we already have, we can preserve our quality of life while easing the tax burden on residents.Growing smarter allows us to stand stronger and ensures that progress is equitable and benefits everyone who calls Monroe home.

By encouraging denser development and different housing types, we can reduce the tax burden and keep our amenities by growing into them. For example, the tax dollars of 100 apartments can be much more tax productive than 100 single-family homes on ten newly built blocks. Balance is key, and we need a mix of both.

Taxing

MONROE — Monroe 50501, in partnership with Bullquarian Brewhouse, announced last week the launch of a community-wide Winter Gear Drive for Local Veterans, aimed at providing essential cold-weather items to veterans throughout Green County this winter.The drive will collect new hats, socks, and gloves, which will be delivered directly to local veterans organizations serving Monroe and the surrounding area. All donations will remain in the community.Local veterans have given so much to this community. This is a simple, meaningful way for Monroe residents can give back and make sure those who served are supported and cared for during the coldest months of the year.Bullquarian Brewhouse is serving as the official drop-off site, and staff will help oversee collection while 50501 will coordinate with veteran groups.Monroe 50501, known for its grassroots community projects including the Little Pantry Project, hopes this new effort becomes an annual tradition of support and gratitude.Items Needed (new only):●&nbsp; Winter hats●&nbsp; Warm socks●&nbsp; Gloves●&nbsp; Any other winter gearFor questions or to arrange large-quantity donations, contact <a href="mailto:50501monroe@gmail.com">50501monroe@gmail.com</a>.

MONROE — Monroe 50501, in partnership with Bullquarian Brewhouse, announced last week the launch of a community-wide Winter Gear Drive for Local Veterans, aimed at providing essential cold-weather items to veterans throughout Green County this winter.The drive will collect new hats, socks, and gloves, which will be delivered directly to local veterans organizations serving Monroe and the surrounding area. All donations will remain in the community

Monroe 50501 Winter Gear Drive

FoodShare assistance is expected to run out of funding soon as the federal shutdown continues, which means food insecurity will likely rise across Green County.While food pantries remain a vital resource, some families need short-term or emergency options too. That’s why I’ve created a community map of Little Free Food Pantries and Blessing Boxes — neighborhood stations where anyone can take or leave nonperishable food.Many of these boxes are concentrated downtown and on the north side, but there are gaps on Monroe’s south and west sides. My goal is to see more of these stations across the city so they are walkable from most neighborhoods.You can view the map here: [Insert link]If you know of another location, please reach out so I can add it. This map will be updated as new information comes in.These small efforts show what community looks like in action. When we work together, we make sure no one in Monroe goes hungry

FoodShare assistance is expected to run out of funding soon as the federal shutdown continues, which means food insecurity will likely rise across Green County.While food pantries remain a vital resource...

Interactive map of "Blessing Boxes" released

<h3>Understanding the Challenge</h3>Monroe is facing a real housing shortage. During the 2010s, only 25 new homes were built while the average household size fell to 2.28. Housing is both an investment and a basic need. When the cost of shelter rises faster than wages, families experience stress and instability.According to Zillow, the average value of a home in Monroe has climbed to about $280,000 and, at the current growth rate, could reach $355,000 within five years. This growth shows that Monroe is a desirable place to live, but it also signals the urgent need to add plentiful, affordable housing. Addressing this shortage presents a major opportunity to move Monroe beyond the 10,000-resident mark for the first time in nearly fifty years.<h3>Learning from Our Region</h3>Monroe is not alone in this challenge. Communities across the Madison metro area are experiencing similar shortages as housing demand across southern Wisconsin increases. To stand out, Monroe must make it easier for people to build here. That means focusing on policies that make safe, efficient development as simple and accessible as possible.<h3>Building Smart: Modernizing Local Rules</h3>Several current regulations limit our ability to grow. Removing outdated requirements such as mandatory parking minimums, exclusively single-family zoning, and restrictive use rules would open the door to more flexible and affordable development. City Council is already making progress on this, and I believe it should continue.Encouraging mixed-use areas, where housing and businesses can coexist, has proven successful across the country. Monroe can learn from those examples to create a more vibrant and economically resilient city.<h3>Focusing on Infill and Density</h3>We should prioritize infill housing. which is the construction of new homes on vacant lots within existing neighborhoods. Projects like the cooperative homes built through the partnership between GCDC and Monroe High School demonstrate what is possible. By updating zoning to support higher density where appropriate, we can expand this model.Infill development allows for duplexes, small apartment buildings, and other accessible housing types that fit within Monroe’s character. It also makes better use of our existing infrastructure, saving on new roads and utilities while easing the tax burden for residents. Building within the current city footprint preserves surrounding farmland and keeps our community compact and efficient.Land is a finite resource, and we should use what we already have wisely.<h3>Ensuring Affordability</h3>Increasing supply alone is not enough. New construction must be attainable for working families, first-time buyers, and young residents. Building only $330,000-plus condominiums will not solve the problem. While market forces may eventually balance prices, that can take years. Without short-term solutions, young people will be priced out of Monroe and forced to look elsewhere.<h3>Following Proven Models: The Strong Towns Approach</h3>I support the Strong Towns approach to housing, which has helped hundreds of small communities strengthen their local economies. Strong Towns is a nonprofit that promotes financial resilience through community-driven development. They note that many cities’ zoning codes make anything other than a single-family home difficult or expensive to build, creating barriers for small builders and homeowners.To overcome this, Monroe should encourage many small-scale developments rather than relying solely on large developers purchasing farmland on the outskirts of town. A market built incrementally by local residents and small builders spreads risk, builds community wealth, and keeps investment rooted here.<h3>Becoming a Housing-Ready City</h3>Strong Towns offers a six-part Housing-Ready Toolkit, which outlines steps cities can take to make local housing markets more responsive. The toolkit includes ideas such as simplifying approval processes, allowing backyard cottages, making it easier to convert single-family homes into multi-family units, and encouraging construction of smaller starter homes.Adopting these kinds of reforms would set Monroe apart as a forward-thinking community ready to meet its housing challenges head-on.You can explore the toolkit here: <a href="https://www.strongtowns.org/housingready">Housing-Ready Cities | Strong Towns</a><h3>A Smarter, Stronger Monroe</h3>By modernizing zoning, encouraging infill development, and focusing on affordability, Monroe can grow in a way that benefits everyone. This is not only about building more homes, but about building a community that stands strong for generations to come.

We need an innovative approach to housing to lower prices and add to our housing stock. We need to remove zoning barriers so that smaller-scale development can become more accessible in Monroe.

Housing

<h3>Understanding the Challenge</h3>Local government works best when people understand what is happening and feel included in the process. Too often, people only hear about decisions after they are made or through unreliable information spread on social media. In a time when trust in institutions is low, communication is not just a courtesy. It is a responsibility. We need to make sure that the information that goes out is detailed, accurate, and comprehensive.As a member of Gen Z, I've spent my entire life in the digital era, and I understand how powerful digital tools can be for bridging the gap. Social media and websites make it easier than ever for residents to stay informed, ask questions, and share their perspectives. As Mayor, I will use those tools effectively and consistently.<h3>Building Smart: Open, Honest Communication</h3>If elected, I will use my website and social media accounts to keep residents informed about city business. After each council meeting, I will post clear summaries of what was discussed, what was voted on, and why. These updates will help residents understand the reasoning behind each decision and allow for open conversation about what comes next.Communication should also celebrate progress. I will highlight positive developments happening in Monroe such as new businesses, community projects, and improvements to parks, roads, and neighborhoods. Sharing these stories builds pride and keeps everyone connected to the good that is happening here.<h3>A Smarter, Stronger Monroe</h3>By making communication a priority, we can create a stronger bond between residents and their local government. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds community. Through open updates and honest dialogue, we can make sure everyone in Monroe feels included in shaping the future we share.

As mayor, I will use every resource that I have to be as transparent as possible, and to bring as many people into the conversation as I can. I will share regular updates, positive news, and helpful information as much as possible.