D13 Updates for the week of June 9th

Greetings, neighbors.

I trust you all saw the updates from MPD District Captains Blackamore (Midtown) and Zanders (South) regarding the start of a summer traffic safety plan, both of which I highlighted last week. Traffic safety is the number one area of constituent concern, at least as far as I can gather from the number of phone calls and emails I get on this topic. I’m hopeful we can make progress, and I urge you to participate in the following ways: First, set a good example by driving within the speed limit on our city streets, and, second, report traffic safety problems as they occur to the Speeders Hotline: (608) 266-4822.

Also, let me know if you’d like a “Slow Down” yard sign and I’ll see that you get one.

Here are this week’s updates:

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.

• Board of Park Commissioners: The Board of Park Commissioners meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include an informational presentation from staff regarding planning for the future of Olbrich Botanical Gardens with the completion of a comprehensive master plan.
  • 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.

Announcements and News Releases

• Road Closures for Wilson Street Final Paving and Marking Work: Starting at 7:00 am on Friday, June 13th, R.G Huston’s paving contractor will begin final surface paving operations with a full closure on Wilson Street, from S. Franklin Street to S. Pinckney Street.  Local access will be maintained to this… [posted June 6, 2025]
• Wear Orange Weekend Honors Victims of Gun Violence, Calls for Change: Public Health Madison & Dane County, City and County leaders, and the Madison Police Department are joining a nationwide call to end gun violence with a series of “Wear Orange Weekend” awareness events. [posted June 6, 2025]
• MPD increasing enforcement to address traffic safety concerns: MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Police Department is launching a new data-driven traffic safety plan to help reduce dangerous driving. The proactive safety program runs now through September 1, 2025.Department leadership will review crash data and… [posted June 5, 2025]
• Madison Fire Announces Free 'AED Library' Program: AEDs save lives! That's why the Madison Fire Department is making them easier to access through their AED Library checkout program. [posted June 4, 2025]
• Madison Public Library Announces 2025 Naturalist-in-Residence; Programs Begin June 16  [posted June 2, 2025]
• Madison Arts Commission Seeks Applicants for Teejop Community History Public Art Project: The Madison Arts Commission (MAC) is seeking artists to create temporary outdoor public art installations for the Teejop Community History Public Art Project (TCHPAP) during the Summer and Fall of 2026. [posted June 2, 2025]

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

• Conservation Park Tour – Owen Conservation Park: Conservation Park Tours are educational staff-guided walks held at various conservation parks on the 2nd Wednesday, May - October. Topics vary and include highlights of the past, present and future of the land.
• 2026 Budget Engagement Meeting - City Administration & Facilities: The meeting will feature an update of the 2026 budget process with Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke and presentations from the Clerk's Office, Information Technology, and the Madison Public Library. The goal of this public meeting is to provide an opportunity for residents to speak directly with City staff about your ideas, concerns, and priorities for Madison’s future.
• Parks Alive – Penn Park: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share fun, family-friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer.
• Concerts on the Rooftop: Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press (Dance/Rock n Roll Covers): Enjoy the unparalleled experience of sensational bands and breathtaking views at Concerts on the Rooftop! Dance the night away or just relax with family and friends, A truly unique Madison event. Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press is a peak experience band from Chicago, IL. With a focus on bone-crushing three-part harmonies and laser-sharp musicianship, this band is a live performance powerhouse! The band carefully curates each show from a truly eclectic and massive repertoire to cultivate an unclassifiable experience of joy and entertainment for everyone in attendance.
• Safety Saturday on the Square: Join the Madison Fire Department, Madison Police Department, Madison Metro, and other community partners for Safety Saturday on the Square! Enjoy hands-on activities, demos, and fun for all ages at this free event.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park: Imagine June 2054. Join Naturalist Kathlean Wolf for a talk a talk and walk on climate change. As summers heat up with climate change what will Warner Park look and feel like in 2054?  What can we individually and collectively support and do to help mitigate those impacts?

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

Lastly.... 

I watched the livestream of the Broadway play, “Good Night, and Good Luck” that was broadcast on Saturday evening. II was spellbinding, emotionally stirring and very sobering.

If you missed it, I encourage you go back and watch the 2005 film it was based on. The parallels to our current moment are uncanny and highly unsettling.

That’s all for now.

Take care and stay safe,

Tag