Completing a New Home for Public Policy on Campus
Music Hall Addition and Renovation – Phase II
UW–Madison is transforming historic Music Hall, soon to be known as Herb Kohl Hall, into a permanent home for the La Follette School of Public Affairs. A $50 million Phase I renovation, funded entirely through gifts and grants, is already underway. The 2027–29 request would fund an addition to support growing enrollment.
A Growing School with Limited Space
The La Follette School’s current facilities cannot adequately support its academic programs or growing student demand. Key challenges include:
- Programs scattered across campus: The school’s operations are currently spread across seven facilities, with courses taught in more than 20 locations, limiting collaboration.
- Growing demand for public policy education: Enrollment in public affairs and public policy courses has increased for three consecutive years; a new undergraduate public policy degree is expected to add significant demand.
- Inadequate space: Existing classrooms and facilities are too small and need to be modernized to support growth.
Strengthening the Workforce and Policy Education
The Phase II renovation would add new, larger classrooms, modern study and gathering spaces, and conference rooms. It would also consolidate faculty offices that are in three campus locations, bringing students, faculty and staff together.
2027-29 project request: $63.2 million (GFSB)
The La Follette School’s Impact on Wisconsin
~1,600
students enrolled in public affairs/public policy courses in 2025
600
students expected to enroll in the new undergraduate public policy degree within five years
96%
of La Follette School graduates employed in their field within six months of graduation
Find out how you can help advance these priorities in the next state budget.