Dane County, Madison officials propose renaming building in honor of Barack Obama

Dane County Madison officials are teaming together to re-name what’s commonly referred to as “the City-County Building” after America’s 44th president — Barack Obama.

County Board and City of Madison City Council resolutions creating the designation were announced at a news conference today on the steps of the City-County Building.

“This building has stood for decades, not just as the home of local government offices, but also as a symbol for the values we as a community hold so dear,” County Executive Joe Parisi said.

“Former President Obama was a champion for the very same values we advocate for daily; social justice, equality, fairness, and opportunity. That’s why it’s logical this building be named in honor of a President who did so much for this community and country,” he added.

The resolutions call for a plaque to be raised outside the City-County Building highlighting the new name.

The City-County Building opened in 1956.

"Naming this building after President Obama is a way to celebrate his visit to the building—- the only president we know to have done so — as well as to celebrate his successful eight years as president of the United States," County Board Supervisor Al Matano said.

“Barack Obama's presidency marked a vital step towards the fulfillment of this nation's promise of equality and liberty and justice for all,” Madison City Council Vice President Samba Baldeh added. “In renaming the seat of our city and county government, we express our commitment to a community in which every person can realize their potential.”

The Dane County Board resolution calling for creation of the President Barack Obama City County Building will be introduced at this evening’s county board meeting.

A Madison City Council resolution calling for the same will be introduced next Tuesday evening.

Both measures will be reviewed in the coming weeks with final consideration slated for later this summer.