Top 10 things I loved about recently serving as Acting Mayor

Top 10 Things I Loved About Serving as Acting Mayor

(July 3–6 & August 2, 2025)

For those who know me well, you know how much I love coffee, books, good music and libraries. So when Mayor Rhodes-Conway and our Common Council leaders were out of town and I had the honor of serving as Acting Mayor, I knew exactly how I wanted to spend my days — combining my role as Alder and Acting Mayor with visits to some of my favorite spaces, connecting with residents in coffeehouses, community events and libraries across Madison.

Read more about my Coffeehouse and Madison Public Libraries tours. 

Here are my Top 10 favorite moments from my time as Acting Mayor:

1. Hosting the Coffee House Tour
I spent time in coffeehouses across Madison and loved starting conversations over a cup of coffee. Each stop had residents who came with great energy and stories about their experiences in Madison so far. It was an easy, comfortable way to connect about our city’s needs and hopes.

2. Seeing a Young Person Explore a Potential Career Move 
A highlight was running into a young woman I met a few years ago, and then reconnected with her a few months ago at Mercie’s Coffee when she was excited to meet Chief Patterson (he and I were there for a meeting). This time, she was heading out for a ride-along with an officer — taking real steps to explore a possible career in public safety. Inspiring!

3. Joining a Neighborhood 4th of July Parade 

I loved seeing how creative the kids decorated their bikes and parade outfits!  I also gathered so many ideas to share with residents in my district who may want to host similar events in the future.  I thought it to be a perfect mix of creativity and joy. 

4. Stopping by R&B Sunday Funday at Reindahl Park
It was great to enjoy the music and fellowship — but also meaningful to see the positive results of a meeting I organized earlier this year between the event organizers and our Parks leadership to help plan for a successful summer of weekly events.

5. Spending Time in My Favorite Spaces — Libraries!
Libraries have always been close to my heart, so visiting multiple branches in a single day was nothing but happiness for me. I saw firsthand the creative programs, welcoming spaces, and tech resources our residents can access regularly.

6. Meeting the Incredible Library Staff
From Hawthorne to Lakeview, Central to Meadowridge, to Goodman South,  I met kind, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic staff who make the library feel like home for so many. Also, I love how our libraries are places where you can meet new friends and attend a long list of social opportunities. 

7. Seeing Creativity Everywhere
Whether it was a maker space project, children’s reading corner, or art display, every branch showed how libraries get our imaginations going no matter our ages. 

8. My Fellow Alders Joining Me for Coffee/Conversation
Big thanks to Alder Tag Evers (District 13), Alder Davy Mayer (District 6), and Alder John Guequierre (District 19) for joining me in their districts during the coffee house tour. Alder Guequierre attended with a great group of residents who had great questions and perspectives about our city which made for great discussion. 

9. Conversations Over Meals with Friends
Between official stops, I met friends for lunch and dinner — because connection isn’t just about meetings, it’s about nurturing relationships. 

10. Enjoying our vibrant city!
From coffee tables to library desks, parades to music in the park, I loved every reminder of how vibrant and connected our city is when we come together. 

Final Reflection
Serving as Acting Mayor was another opportunity to immerse myself in the spaces and with the people that make Madison home. I came away with fresh ideas for my district, more ways to work with my fellow Alders, and even more love for this city I get to serve. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in this additional capacity and of course would love to do it again -- I mean, there are many many many more coffeehouses to discover across Madison. 

In community, 

Alder Madison