Metro Redesign, LMD and Other Highlights for the Week of February 21, 2022

Transit Network Redesign Community Meeting

On Thursday, Metro Transit will host a community meeting on at 6pm via Zoom, to discuss the recently released Metro Transit Network Redesign draft. 

This draft plan was designed to achieve the Transportation Policy and Planning Board's objective of a new network centered on the "mostly ridership" goal – focusing on fewer routes that are more direct and frequent, while providing coverage where it is needed most.

You can also take a survey about Metro’s draft network redesign plan

I will be scheduling a meeting to focus specifically on the changes proposed on the west side. Stay tuned for details.

Lake Mendota Drive Reconstruction Meeting

On Thursday, there will be a second public information meeting to discuss the Lake Mendota Drive Reconstruction project at 6 p.m (Feb. 24, 2022), via Zoom: Feb. 24, 2022 Public Information Meeting Registration 

The City of Madison is planning to reconstruct Lake Mendota Dr.  Due to the size/scope of the work, this work will be completed over several years, with work being completed on several blocks each year.  In 2022, work is planned for the western most blocks, in 2023, the eastern blocks, and the middle blocks in 2024. [Project Page]

• The City's electronic survey results for this project are now available: Lake Mendota Drive Electronic Survey results
• You can now view Lake Mendota Drive Existing Conditions and Property Lines

Roadway and Sidewalk Café Permits

The Vending Oversight Committee will be discussing several items related to roadside cafés, sidewalk cafes, and the Streatery program at its meeting on Wednesday.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment

ARPA Funds for Community Organizations Supporting Undocumented Immigrants

The Community Services Committee will be discussing a proposal to allocate up to $700,000 in ARPA funds to community-based organizations supporting undocumented immigrants at its meeting on Thursday.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment

For additional information about additional meetings scheduled for this week, please consult the City Meeting Schedule online here

• Madison Public Library is offering free online trainings for senior digital safety. COVID-19 has provided individuals with bad intentions, such as scammers, with new opportunities. Learn how to identify and protect against fake news, gets tips to help avoid becoming a victim of fraud and gain confidence on your journey to financial empowerment. Senior Scams is happening February 23, 1pm - 2:30pm.

• Madison Public Library’s first Library Takeover event is scheduled for Saturday, February 26, and will showcase Thrival Tools. The team organizing the event has invited both local and regional indigenous speakers representing the Ho-Chunk Nation, Ojibwe, Chicana and Yup'ik tribes to share some of the tools native peoples have relied on to not just survive, but thrive during winter. The event will include a series of speakers who will share stories, throat singing, and songs. Learn more here.

• WRTP/BIG STEP are hosting an in-person Latinx Construction Career Fair on February 22 from 3pm-7pm at the Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park Street, #106. Register here.

Announcements

• Madison has joined the Safety First Challenge, announced by the National League of Cities. Participation with the challenge aligns with Madison’s current Vision Zero initiative mission to make safety on our roadways a priority, regardless of your chosen mode of transport. Learn more here.

• As of March 1, 2022, Public Health Madison & Dane County will no longer require face coverings in public indoor spaces in light of steadily decreasing COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations. Read here for additional details.

• Last year, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced the Main Street Bounceback Grant, which provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses and non-profit organizations moving into vacant properties in Wisconsin’s downtowns and commercial corridors. Funds are still available this year and WEDC is accepting applications until the funds runs out. Funds can be used to pay leases or mortgages, operational expenses and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Learn more here.

• The White House hosted a Day of Action for the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit in February to ensure that low-income filers and non-tax-filers are aware of these federal benefits for families. Everyone who may be eligible to take advantage of these credits should. Here's more about how to access these tax credits and how Madison Public Libraries can help you file.

• The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison is soliciting submissions from artists for its 2022 sculpture exhibition on the William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens and Olin Terrace. Art on the Rooftop is a free exhibit of public sculpture to help showcase the rooftop gardens and the facility as another “must see” Madison destination. Learn more here.

Get Winter updates:

Call the Winter Parking Hotline: (608) 261-9111 | Winter Text Alerts | Winter Email Lists | RSS Feeds | Winter Facebook | Winter Twitter

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., feel free to reach out: district19@cityofmadison.com

-Keith F