Weekly Updates, METRO Redisign & Community Service meeting

Attend a virtual community wide meeting to learn more about Metro's draft network redesign plan expected to go into effect in 2023.

Virtual on Zoom
https://cityofmadison.zoom.us/j/81025001890?pwd=bnNyY2c5aVFTZ0cxTm9UOHFa... 

Dial In: 1-312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 810 2500 1890
Passcode: 887972
This meeting will be recorded.
 

Comments from the public are a critical component in creating the best transit plan possible. Feedback on the Draft Plan can be presented at the public meetings or by emailing MetroRedesign@cityofmadison.com and/orinfo@cmnna.org  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.

Changes between the 2019 pre-pandemic Bus Routes and the 2022 Draft Plan for the Crawford, Marlborough and Nakoma neighborhoods.

• The pre-pandemic Route 19 that had service on Seminole Hwy., Mohawk Dr., Nakoma Rd., Monroe St., UW Campus and Downtown has been replaced with Route D2 with service on Midvale Blvd., Odana Rd., Monroe St., UW Campus, Downtown and the Airport.
• The 2022 Plan increases weekday frequency of service on Midvale to every 30 minutes and every 15 minutes on Odana Rd. and Monroe St.
• The 2022 Plan designates that some areas would be a longer walk to transit service and in some cases transit may be too far to walk to.

Review Metro's draft Transit Network Redesign Plan.

Review Draft Plan PDF 
Draft Map PDF
Draft Interactive Map  
Analysis on Proximity to Transit, Frequency of Service, and Access to Jobs
Community Engagement Report
Travel Time Maps

Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of February 21, 202

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

Events

• Madison Public Library is offering free online training 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.
• On February 24 at 6pm, join Metro staff for a virtual meeting to learn more about the draft network redesign plan. Find full details here, including information on how to join the meeting. If any group, apartment complex, etc. would like to set up their own meeting with Metro staff, they can send those requests to (608) 266-4466 or email mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com. You can also take a survey about Metro's draft network redesign plan.

• 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 he

City Grants

• Due March 15th by 11:59 p.m. - Madison Arts Commission annual grants of up to $3,000 to support art project are now open https://www.cityofmadison.com/dpced/planning/madison-arts/1592/and a special grant program called "Artists at Work" in the amount of $15,000 - $29,000 to support job creation for the creative sector will soon be posted on the MAC webpage listed above.
• Due February 28th by 5:00 p.m. - The City of Madison 2022 Budget includes $50,000 in grant funds to be distributed by the Madison Food Policy Council. The Madison Food Policy Council is encouraging community groups to apply for SEED Grants. For more information visit: https://www.cityofmadison.com/mayor/programs/food/seed-grant

?Job Announcements

• The South Madison Reinvestment Strategy for Equity is hiring an Outreach Project Manager ($47,000/year) and three Data Collectors ($20/hr). Visit the UW jobs webpage:  https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu/ and type in the job titles.
• These positions will help connect South Madison residents to City of Madison development efforts and provide the City with feedback on how their development efforts are impacting the community. The goal is to ensure residents have a say in the City of Madison funded community development efforts in South Madison over the next 10 years. If you are interested or would like to get more information about these positions please contact Abra Vigna at avigna@wisc.edu or call at 608.345.5666 and leave a voicemail with your contact information.
• The City of Madison Traffic Engineering Division is again looking to hire a number of qualified candidates to work part-time as a School Crossing Guard for the remainder of the school year. The position is an integral part of safe walking and biking to school. Crossing Guards help children safely cross the street and serve as a visual reminder to drivers to slow down and follow traffic laws.