City-County Building
Common Council

Week of Dec. 29th

posted 

Dear District 16 Neighbors, 

Happy New Year! I hope that you are having a wonderful holiday season and enjoying time with friends, family, and loved ones. I am so grateful for all the support and encouragement you have shown me over the past eight months as I’ve served on the common council, and I look forward to continuing this service in 2026. 

As we head into the new year, I promise to continue fighting for all of our neighbors, especially in the face of dwindling support from our federal government. In 2026, let’s reaffirm our commitment to looking out for one another and making Madison a city where everyone can truly thrive.

“Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.” — Thurgood Marshall

2025 has been a difficult year. It has presented us with challenges, but these challenges have brought us closer together as a community. There is so much we can accomplish in 2026, and I look forward to working alongside you to keep our city moving forward.

Yours in service,

Sean

Neighborhood Grants Program

The City of Madison Planning Division is again hosting its neighborhood Grants Program in 2026. If you have an idea for a project or improvement in our neighborhoods, I encourage you to attend the hybrid meeting on January 14th to learn more about the program. 

When: January 14, 5:30-6:30 pm
Where: Hybrid (Virtual on Zoom or in-person in Conference Room 151 at the Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd)
RSVP: https://cityofmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/lfYI7yexREKI9I6PDzoEDQ

Recycling Christmas Trees

With Christmas now over, city residents will be able to dispose of their Christmas Trees though the city's annual collection program. This Year the program starts Monday January 5th and a second round begins on January 20th. 

The city will collect trees, wreaths and garlands. NOTE: if there is wire or other materials these items will need to be placed in the trash for regular trash pick up. The city will not collect trees or other items with stands, lights, and ornaments. Trees must be placed on the curb and not placed in bags. 

Door Creek Park 

The new Door Creek Park shelter is now open for winter recreation activities! This year, the shelter will also have an ice rink and ice skate rentals, as well as ski trails and snowshoe rentals. Hours for staffing and rentals are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

For skiing, anyone 16 years old or older will need to purchase a ski permit. There are annual and daily permits available. If you would like to find other winter activities and locations, check out the Madison Parks Winter webpage.

City Services on New Years Eve and Day: 

City Offices:
All city offices will be closed on New Years Eve and New Years Day. There will be no board, commission, or committee meetings this week. 

Trash and Recycling Collection: 
If your trash and recycling are normally collected on Thursday or Friday by the Streets Division, you should have your carts to the curb by 6:30am on Friday, January 2, 2026. Check your collection schedule calendar to determine if you should have your recycling cart to the curb along with your trash cart. Carts set out late may not be collected.

City Drop-Off Sites: 
Madison residents can take trash, recycling, brush, yard waste, electronics, large items, styrofoam for recycling, and cooking oil to drop-off sites managed by the Streets Division. Drop-off sites will be closed on Wednesday, December 31st and Thursday, January 1st. 

The Sycamore and South Point sites will reopen on Friday, January 2nd, for normal winter hours. Check the drop-off site website for hours and restrictions before loading your vehicle.

Preventing Porch and Car Thefts

Property Crime Safety Instructions

Due to a string of thefts from cars and porches in the Sprecher East Neighbor hood, the Madison Police Department wants to remind residents how they can help prevent property thefts and discourage crimes of opportunity.

Remember to lock your doors, remove valuables from your car, and leave outdoor lights on when possible. If you or someone in your household has been impacted by theft, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Madison Police Department to report the incident.

Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of December 29, 2025

Updates and Notices

City of Madison offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 31, and Thursday, January 1, for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: All emergency services will remain open. To learn more about our holiday services, please visit: https://www.cityofmadison.com/city-hall/holiday-schedules

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

There are no Boards, Commissions, and Committee meetings for the upcoming week.

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

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

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

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District 16 - Alder O'Brien

Portrait of Alder Sean O'Brien

Alder Sean O'Brien

District 16
Contact Alder O'Brien