Park Pop Ups, Anti-Racism, Park Encampments, plus City Meeting & Event Highlights for the Week of May 17th

Greetings all,

It was a pleasure to meet and talk with a handful of neighbors this past weekend at my park pop ups series. I plan to host the next pop ups next month. Additionally, it was great to hear about the work, activities and plans of the Elvehjem Neighborhood Association at its annual meeting Saturday. In addition to myself, Representative Samba Baldeh (Assembly District 48) and Chief of Staff for Senator Melissa Agard (Senate District 16), Aaron Collins, were present. Recently Senator Agard held listening sessions across the Senate District. If you were unable to make a session, please fill out her legislative priorities survey HERE so she can hear from as many folks as possible to make sure she is representing our shared values to the best of her ability. 

Speaking of values, many comments and questions I heard during the campaign and beyond have been in relation to racial equity, education and understanding. We all have work to do as continuous learners, both independently, and within our most intimate networks. I'd like to share an upcoming and recurring opportunity for non-Black allies hosted by Justified Anger and titled, "White and Wondering." The series, which occurs the 3rd Thursday of the month, provides a time and space for non-Black allies to come together to work out the messy anti-racism journey. Join us in these sessions for learning, service, networking, and advocacy. Register Here for the next discussion, occurring May 20th, 6-7:30pm via Zoom. 

Lastly, there will be an opportunity Monday to learn more about the history of the city's Temporary Permissible Emcampments (living/camping sites for those who are experiencing homelessness) at the City County Homeless Issues Committee (CCHIC), beginning at 5:30pm via Zoom. Subsequently, this issue will also be discussed at the Common Council meeting Tuesday evening. I am not in support of the Reindahl Park eviction and relocation plan, and hope the city, those that live in the encampment, community organizers, outreach and direct service providers, as well as community members can come together to find trauma informed soultions that recognize the humanity and dignity of those choosing to live in encampments. As there are many different perspectives and thoughts, as well as stereotypes and misinformation, I would encourage you to read more about the issue, and if possible, attend the CCHIC and Council meetings, or watch them at a later date. 

Here's to another week!

City Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of May 17, 2021

Complete Green Streets

The Transportation Policy and Planning Board will be discussing the results of preliminary outreach efforts regarding the Complete Green Streets program on Monday.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment

Temporary Permissible Encampments (TPEs) and Men's Shelter

The City-County Homeless Issues Committee will receive a presentation from City staff regarding the status of TPEs and an update on the status of the men's shelter at its meeting on Monday.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment

Equity and Small Business

The Economic Development Committee will be having a discussion with entrepreneurs of color business organizations, as well as updates on the Small Business Equity & Recovery program, at its meeting on Wednesday.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment

Tenant Protections and Rent Assistance

The Landlord Tenant Committee will discuss distribution criteria for future rent assistance funds and student tenant protections at its meeting on Thursday.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment

Events, activities, seminars, etc.

• The Eastside Farmers Market is being held Tuesdays, 4-7pm at McPike Park (202 S. Ingersoll). The next market will occur this Tuesday 5/18. The Eastside Farmers Market will run at this location through October 26th. 
• Would your group or business like to provide more information on Metro's network redesign or bus rapid transit efforts to members and customers?  Project staff would be glad to answer questions at your next virtual meeting or set up a table to answer questions at your in-person event.  For more information and to schedule staff, email MetroRedesign@cityofmadison.com.  Complete information here.
• Forward Madison FC returns to Breese Stevens Field for the first home game of the season on Saturday, May 15.  View the ticket policies here.
• The Madison Senior Center has several events coming up, including a book club, the next installment in the People of Color series, Let's Cook Together!, and more.  Learn more and register.
• Ride the Drive is holding four simultaneous events this year on Sunday, June 6, and your help is needed.  There are over 550 volunteer shifts to fill, including setup, cleanup, info booth, and route guides.  Learn more and register.

?Announcements, press releases, press conferences, etc.

• Round 3 of Dane County's Small Business Grant Program is underway. Business owners may fill out an application form online. Applications will be accepted until funds run out.  Learn more and apply.
• On May 10, Forward Madison FC and Madison Public Library announced an ongoing strategic partnership to promote literacy and support young writers in Madison. This summer, the two organizations are teaming up to provide opportunities for nontraditional library users to be introduced to the joy and excitement reading and other media can bring!  Read more here.
• City Engineering invites the public to take a survey to help engineers prioritize flood projects.  More details here.
• On May 13, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced the launch of a policy effort aimed at curbing traffic congested and related emissions in Madison. Learn more here.
• The City of Madison has been approved for a $50,000 Our Town grant to support Greater Madison Music City's (GMMC) efforts to create an equitable music economy in the region. This is one of 63 grants nationwide that the NEA has approved to support projects integrating arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities. By advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes, these projects are laying the groundwork for sustainable systems change.  Read more here.
• New trash and recycling calendars will be available May 28.  Beginning on that date, you will be able to download the new calendar for your home at www.cityofmadison.com/collectionschedule. The dates when you can set out large item for pickup will change for all Madison neighborhoods, and you will need to use the Streets Division's new work order system to schedule large item collections for June and beyond.
• The City of Madison is proud to announce that The Walk Friendly Communities program has awarded the City its Gold Level designation based on the City's work in prioritizing pedestrians and creating safer, comfortable and inviting places to walk.  Madison is the first city in Wisconsin to earn the Gold Level designation and is one of only sixteen cities in the United States to receive that designation.  Read more here.

Save the date

• Art Fair on the Square is planning to return to the Capitol Square September 25-26, 2021.  Learn more here.