Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of May 18, 2026

Image credit: City of Madison

MPD welcomes its first-ever therapy dog: MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department is excited to introduce its newest family member — a Golden Retriever named Frost. He's the department's first-ever therapy dog. 

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.

• Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Madison and Dane County regarding the operations of the men's homeless shelter located at 1904 Bartillon Drive. Additionally, the agenda will cover the Office of the Independent Police Monitor Annual Report for 2025, the Police Civilian Oversight Board Annual Report for 2025-2026, and the Chief of Police's 1st Quarter Report and 2025 Annual Report.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

• Proposed Changes at The Edgewater: Virtual Meeting of May 18, 2026: The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Avenue, proposes to make changes to their property in a phased plan over the next five to seven years. Phase 1 of the plan includes exterior shade structures and improvements to the sky bar roof deck as well as shade structures added to the first and seventh floor dining terraces, upgrades to restaurants and dining space, and adding a neighborhood grab-and-go market and coffee shop.
• Envision Downtown Madison Open House (Virtual), Monday, May 18: If you missed the Envision Downtown Madison Open House that was held on April 30, 2026, this virtual event is another chance to learn more about some of the Big Moves and the Shared Vision being proposed as part of the City of Madison's Downtown Area Plan and Downtown Madison, Inc.'s Greater Downtown Economic Investment Strategy. This meeting will be recorded and publicly available for those unable to attend.

Announcements and News Releases

• N Lake Street Closure Starting Monday, May 18: Starting at 7:00am on Monday, May 18th, R.G Huston will be performing sanitary replacement and pavement restoration work on N. Lake Street, between University Avenue and State Street. During this stage of construction, N. Lake Street will be…[posted May 14, 2026]
• Food Scraps Recycling Drop-off Returns to South Madison Farmers' Market on Tuesday, May 19, 2026: Free food scraps recycling drop-off returns to the South Madison Farmers' Market for the 2026 season! The first date food scraps will be accepted is Tuesday, May 19, 2026.Look for the free food scraps drop-off to drop off your coffee grounds… [posted May 14, 2026]
• Register Now for City Budget Engagement Sessions: Madison residents are encouraged to attend three Budget Engagement Sessions this June. [posted May 13, 2026]
• Draft Safe Routes to School Plan: The City of Madison is developing a Safe Routes to School Strategic Plan in conjunction with the Madison Metropolitan School District and the Wisconsin Bike Fed. The plan will provide policy and programmatic recommendations to improve the safety… [posted May 11, 2026]
• MPD welcomes its first-ever therapy dog: MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department is excited to introduce its newest family member — a Golden Retriever named Frost. He's the department's first-ever therapy dog. Frost will work alongside our new peer support officer, a position created… [posted May 11, 2026]
• Madison Public Library's WE READ Summer Reading Program Begins June 1 with a Kick-Off Event in Reindahl Park: Pick up the new WE READ Map, get your WE READ bag, and connect to books, literacy tips, prizes and more this summer at your local library. [posted May 11, 2026]

Please visit the City news webpage to find additional news and announcements and to subscribe to receive notification of news releases as they are posted.

Events

• Olbrich Gardens Public Workshop (12:00pm – 1:00pm & 6:00pm – 7:00 pm), Wednesday, May 20: Have you heard the news? Olbrich Botanical Gardens is undergoing its first comprehensive master planning process in more than 20 years.  In this public workshop we'll Celebrate the Plans as we present the final comprehensive plan framework. There are two different times to join on Wednesday.
• FOOT Dairyland Cowboys & Cowgirls, Wednesday, May 20: Change of tune!  Looks like we'll have a little more time to enjoy the wonderful dance floor in historic Normal Hall (the building we've incorrectly been calling the Olin Park Pavilion). Madison's Parks Division has delayed its renovations projects for a while, so we now can have a spring FOOT-Loose Dance Series.
• Country Grove Park Ribbon Cutting, Thursday, May 21: Neighbors and friends are invited to join City leaders for a ribbon cutting celebrating the new reservable shelter and futsal court in Country Grove Park. 
• Junction Ridge Farmers' Market (This event occurs on multiple dates) Friday, May 22, 2026: Buy fresh, local products at the JRNA Farmers' Market.
• Vaccine Clinic at Kennedy Elementary School, Saturday, May 23: In partnership with Kennedy Elementary School, Public Health is offering a variety of free vaccines on May 23, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. All vaccines are free for eligible individuals. Children six months and older who lack insurance, are under 19, and are either Alaskan Native or American Indian, as well as those with BadgerCare or most other types of insurance, can receive vaccinations at no cost.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, May 23: Signs of Spring ~ Join Naturalist Mary Binkley for a free fun fascinating family friendly guided walk on beautiful walking trails at Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park. 

Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.