Lake Wingra Bike Ride This Sunday, Last Call for Brush Collection, Purpose-Built Shelter, More Housing Proposals

Hi Everyone,

Such beautiful fall weather! I trust you're getting outside to enjoy it while it lasts!

Here are this week's updates:

Lake Wingra Community Bike Ride This Sunday!

Come explore Madison’s hidden gem by joining neighbors and friends for a community event around the 6.5-mile Lake Wingra Loop, 1pm - 3pm this Sunday. The ride kicks off from the parking lot near the Vilas Park tennis courts at the end of Edgewood Avenue. 

Whether you bike, run, or walk, the loop offers an urban oasis filled with natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and neighborhood character. The route circles Lake Wingra, passing through the Vilas, Dudgeon-Monroe, Nakoma, Arboretum, and Greenbush neighborhoods.  Click here for more information.

Last Call for Brush Pick-Up 

There will be one more brush collection this fall, starting this coming week with collections to begin on Monday, September 29. Click here for more information. Yard waste collection starts next month. Click here to find out when you should be setting out leaves, garden trimmings and other forms of yard waste for pick-up. 

Report a Problem

Click the link about to report non-emergency issues, such as traffic concerns, potholes, parking, and more. 

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. 

• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, September 29, at 4:30 p.m. in Room 215 of the Madison Municipal Building at 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Agenda items include 2026 Capital Budget deliberations. 

  I am sponsoring a Capital Budget amendment to pay for removal and replacement of fencing on the Edgewood side of the Park and Pleasure Drive, and to remove what remains of the fencing on the lake side of the same path.

• Meeting Details 

• Meeting Agenda 

• Register for Public Comment 

• Watch Online 

• Purpose-Built Shelter Discussion: A Common Council Discussion will take place on Tuesday, September 30, at 6:00 p.m. This is a briefing on the Bartillon Purpose-Built Permanent Men's Shelter and its history to current status, as well as key issues that lie ahead. The Common Council will not take any formal action at this discussion (no votes, no introduction of legislation, etc.). Members of the public can observe the discussion in person at 201 City-County Building or observe online. 

• Meeting Details 

• Discussion Agenda 

• 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) 

• Housing Forward Proposals Community Meeting, Tuesday, September 30: Another slate of Housing Forward initiative proposals was introduced during September 16 Common Council meeting before being referred to relevant Boards, Commissions, and Committees for consideration and public comment. Click here to find out more about the proposals and to register to attend the meeting.

Announcements and News Releases 

• “Unjust Deeds” Racial Covenants Exhibition Coming to Madison Public Library’s Sequoya Library in October 2025: Unjust Deeds, an exhibition sharing the history of racial covenants in Dane County and beyond, is coming to Sequoya Library in October. [posted September 25, 2025] 

• Overdose Spike Alert: Risk of Drug Overdose Increased in Dane County (link is external): On September 24, Public Health Madison & Dane County issued a public health alert due to an increase, or spike, in drug overdoses in our community. [posted September 24, 2025] 

• Get a Sneak Peek at Student-Inspired Public Art at Warner Park Community Recreation Center: The Warner Park Community Recreation Center (WPCRC) and the Madison Arts Commission (MAC) are inviting the community to a Public Art Preview to see draft designs for a proposed public art installation at the expanded facility. [posted September 24, 2025] 

• Mayor Rhodes-Conway Proposing Historic Commitment to Funding Homeless Services: Today, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced $1 million in new spending to fund services at the Bartillon Shelter as part of her 2026 Executive Operating Budget. [posted September 22, 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 

• Week Without Driving, Monday, September 29, 2025 – Sunday, October 5: The Week Without Driving Challenge is a nationwide initiative that invites elected officials, transportation professionals, policymakers, and community members to step into the shoes of people who don’t drive. This includes older adults, youth, low-income individuals, students, and people with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. 

• Homebuyer Education Course Part 3 of 3, Tuesday, September 30: This HUD-Certified Homebuyer Education Course assists aspiring homeowners with making informed decisions and to potentially qualify for specialized loan programs. 

• Warner Park Community Recreation Center Public Art Preview, Wednesday, October 1: The Warner Park Community Recreation Center (WPCRC) and the Madison Arts Commission (MAC) are inviting the community to a Public Art Preview on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM to view draft designs for a proposed public art installation at the expanded facility.   

• FREE Fall Fun - Aldo Leopold Park, Wednesday, October 1 (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. 

• Moon Over Monona Terrace, Friday, October 3: Join the Madison Astronomical Society (MAS) as they celebrate their 90th anniversary with a return to the Monona Terrace rooftop for Moon Over Monona Terrace. Young and old alike are invited to view the Moon and other celestial objects, such as Saturn and Neptune, through a multitude of different telescopes provided by MAS.  

• Dane County Fire Truck Parade and Display, Saturday, October 4: Join us on State Street and the Capitol Square for a parade and fire truck display. The parade begins at the bottom of State Street at 1 PM. Then, fire trucks will line the Capitol Square and remain on display until 3 PM. Bring your kids and let them hop aboard! 

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

That's all for now.

Take care and stay safe,

Tag