Madison: Mayor Rhodes-Conways Signs Haymarket Declaration
Wisconsin Eagle/10337252

~ Madison, WI - On May 1, 2026, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway joined a group of progressive mayors from cities across the country in signing the Haymarket Declaration. The announcement was made on May Day in Chicago and serves as a joint commitment to use the power of cities to defend democracy, worker's rights, and the livelihoods of residents.

In a statement, Mayor Rhodes-Conway expressed her pride in joining other mayors in supporting the fundamental rights and freedoms of residents to live in thriving and prosperous communities. She stated that the Haymarket Declaration reflects Madison's values and collective strength, as well as the solidarity needed to build a better future. The mayor also highlighted some of Madison's current initiatives that align with the principles outlined in the Declaration, such as people-first housing initiatives, efforts to foster a sustainable local economy, and community-centered violence prevention work.

The Haymarket Declaration outlines specific commitments for participating mayors to pursue at the local level. These include protecting First Amendment rights and the right to peacefully protest and organize, advancing workers' rights and economic justice, lowering costs and defending essential services, expanding access to good-paying jobs, building safer communities through prevention and trust, defending immigrant communities, protecting voting rights and local elections, and aligning public spending around shared values.

More on Wisconsin Eagle

• Madison: Your Final Spring Yardwaste Collection Begins Soon; Get Your Final Spring Set-out Date Online
• Madison: Concerts on the Rooftop Returns to Monona Terrace
• All Madison Public Library Locations Closed May 14 for Staff Day; Other May Hour Changes and Closures
• 2026 Property Tax Base of the City of Madison
• HRC Fertility Celebrates Beverly Hills Grand Opening, Spotlighting Fertility Care as Women's Health Month Begins

The nine mayors who have signed the declaration collectively represent 9.5 million residents. They are Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Mayor Katie Wilson of Seattle, Mayor Keith Wilson of Portland, Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark, Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis, Mayor James Solomon of Jersey City, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway of Madison (the only mayor from Wisconsin), and Mayor Dorcey Applyrs of Albany.

The Haymarket Declaration comes just before International Workers' Day on May 1st. This day is observed worldwide to commemorate the struggle for fair labor conditions and workers' right to organize. It also marks the anniversary of the Haymarket Affair, a pivotal labor struggle that took place on May 4, 1886, in Chicago. During a peaceful labor protest, a bomb was detonated, resulting in deaths, injuries, and a crackdown on labor activists who were advocating for an eight-hour workday.

The signing of the Haymarket Declaration by Mayor Rhodes-Conway and other progressive mayors demonstrates their commitment to upholding the values of democracy, worker's rights, and the well-being of residents in their cities. As they continue to pursue policy improvements that make their cities more affordable, equitable, and democratic, it is clear that these mayors are dedicated to building a better future for all.

---

Show All News | Disclaimer | Report Violation