
Dairy Drive, Regent Street Reconstruction, and More Updates
postedHi Everyone,
Dairy Drive Resolution
All alders have received a number of emails mostly in support of District 6 Alder Davy Mayer's resolution to extend the date for closing the Dairy Drive camp for the homeless. Today, District 3 Alder Derek Field published his thoughts on his blog while explaining the history of the project and the complex issues involved in funding to extend its life. In my opinion, Alder Field's very thorough take is decidedly well-researched and offers important background information.
I share Alder Field's concerns about the resolution and at this point am unlikely to vote in support. Please read what Alder Field has written in the link above. If you have questions, you may email me at district13@cityofmadison.com.
Regent Street Reconstruction PIM
The City will host a public information meeting at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 15, 2025, via Zoom. During the meeting, City staff will discuss the upcoming construction project.
Registration prior is required: Sept. 15, 2025 Public Information Meeting Registration.
Please provide input by completing the project questionnaire by Sept. 22, 2025:
Regent Street Reconstruction Questionnaire.
In case this is news to you, here is a brief Project Overview:
The City is planning to reconstruct Regent Street (Randall Street to S. Park Street) with work scheduled to begin in 2027 or 2028.
The project includes the replacement of a large box culvert, sanitary sewer and laterals, water main and reconnection of water services, storm sewer structures and laterals, street lighting, traffic signals, curb and gutter, sidewalk, driveway aprons, gravel base, pavement, pavement marking, and signing. The water main replacement will extend beyond Randall Street toward Monroe Street. Madison Gas & Electric is planning to replace the gas main during the project. AT&T as well as Charter Communications and other communication companies may also replace facilities during the project.
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, September 16, at 6:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include extending the supportive services contract between the City and MACH OneHealth through April 30, 2026, for work conducted at Dairy Drive campground.
- Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, September 15, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests in Districts 2, 12, 18, and 20.
- Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 17, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include construction management in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 17.
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
- Intersection Closure — Bedford Street/W Dayton Street and Marion Street/W Dayton Street: Starting Monday, September 15th, City of Madison Traffic Engineering will close the intersections of W. Dayton Street/Bedford Street and W. Dayton Street/Marion Street to complete an asphalt art traffic calming project within these intersections… [posted September 11, 2025]
- Project Update: Capital City Trail Storm Sewer Replacement: Contractors are postponing the start of the Capital City Trail Storm Sewer project and path closure in an effort to limit path closures as additional planning for path clearing and signing are being developed. Work is now anticipated to begin on… [posted September 10, 2025]
- Asphalt Art to Improve Safety on Dayton Street: The intersections of W Dayton Street/N Bedford Street, W Dayton Street/Marion Street, and W Dayton Street/N Frances Street are about to receive an artistic makeover as part of a City of Madison project to assess the ability of asphalt art to improve… [posted September 10, 2025]
- Madison Unveils Latest Efforts to Create More Housing : The City of Madison is continuing its efforts to create more housing with another round of initiatives. Today, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, members of the Common Council, and community groups including… [posted September 9, 2025]
- Capital City Trail Storm Sewer Replacement Project: Storm sewer work will begin Monday, September 8th closing the Capital City Trail Path, from S Blount Street to Brearly Street. Bicyclists and Pedestrians will be detoured to E Main Street for the duration of the project. Temporary removal of parking… [posted September 8, 2025]
- Octavia Ikard named next Madison Youth Poet Laureate: Madison Poet Laureate Steven Espada Dawson and the Madison Arts Commission are inviting the public to the opening reception and poetry reading for the City of Madison’s new Youth Poet Laureate, Octavia Ikard. [posted September 8, 2025]
- City of Madison Celebrates the Recommissioning of Well 15, New PFAS Treatment Facility: Madison Water Utility’s drinking water well that was contaminated by PFAS is put back into service – Well 15 on Madison’s northeast side. [posted September 8, 2025]
- Fall Leaves and Yard Waste Collection Begins in October 2025: The fall yard waste and leaves collection of 2025 begins in October. You will receive three guaranteed curbside set-out opportunities for leaf and yard waste pickup this fall. The exact dates when you should set out your leaves will depend on… [posted September 8, 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
- Learn to Nordic Walk, Tuesday, September 16: Turn your walk into a full-body workout with Nordic walking! We've partnered with Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki) for a free class. Participants of all ages are welcome and will explore the park and learn how to use walking poles for a cardio and strength-building workout.
- Youth Poet Laureate Reception, Tuesday, September 16: Madison Poet Laureate Steven Espada Dawson and the Madison Arts Commission are inviting the public to the opening reception and poetry reading for the City of Madison’s new Youth Poet Laureate, Octavia Ikard.
- Homebuyer Education Course Part 1 of 3, Tuesday, September 16: This HUD-Certified Homebuyer Education Course assists aspiring homeowners with making informed decisions and to potentially qualify for specialized loan programs.
- Menstrual Inequity, Tuesday, September 16: Public Health Madison & Dane County is partnering with Madison Public Library to host the third annual Period Party at Goodman South Madison Library in September!
- FREE Fall Fun - Aldo Leopold Park, Wednesday, September 17 (This event occurs on multiple dates): The Leopold Arbor Hills NRT invites residents to build skills in mountain biking, ultimate and disc golf, and social dance! Instructors will provide lessons to people of all ages. Come learn some skills and enjoy a light dinner afterwards.
- FOOT-Loose Dances, Wednesday, September 17 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Join FOOT (Friends of Olin Turville) every Wednesday in September for two hours of dancing fun, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, inside the historic Olin Park pavilion.
- Volunteer Planting - Olbrich Park, Friday, September 19 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Join us in enhancing our parks' natural beauty and supporting local biodiversity through native plantings. As a Planting Volunteer, you'll play a vital role in restoring and maintaining our natural landscapes.
- Mobile Vaccination Clinic - Orchard Ridge Elementary School, Saturday, September 20: 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.
- Trucks & Treasures, Saturday, September 20: Kids and adults are invited to climb aboard and explore public service vehicles and equipment, and meet the amazing City employees who operate them!
- Period Party: A Menstruation Celebration, Saturday, September 20: Public Health Madison & Dane County is partnering with Madison Public Library to host the third annual Period Party at Goodman South Madison Library in September!
- Yahara East - The Final Farewell | Madison Golf Events, Sunday, September 21: Get ready, golf fans—this is your last chance to be a part of history! The time has come for the legendary East Course to take its final bow, and we're sending it off in style. This isn't just a tournament; it's a celebration, a final tribute to a course that has given us so many unforgettable memories.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, September 21: Rot & Decay is Cool ~ Bring family and friends on this fun nature adventure at Warner Park with Naturalist Kathlean Wolf. Yukky stuff is fascinating! What's going on underneath the surface when you see a mushroom growing on a dead log or the side of a tree?
- Movie at The Glen | Trolls Band Together, Sunday, September 21: Kick off the fall season at Movies at The Glen. The fun begins at 4 PM with classic yard games and a special appearance by the Girl Scouts of America, offering activities for all ages.
Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.
That's all for now.
Take care and stay safe,
Tag