How to find factual updates, Social Justice Center, President's Workgroup, Dane County Human Services, Grand Opening of the Imagination Center at Reindhal Park, and more

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How to find more details on City issues 

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Lately, I've noticed even more social media posts that lack context and contain incorrect information.  While it may require just a few more minutes of searching, asking questions, and seeking out more information, I think it's really important to do so.  Not fact checking information you've come across on social media about City related issues leaves you misinformed about topics important to you and your neighbors for example. Engaging in local issues is key to a healthy and thriving community, however engagement is most effective when your involvement is based on facts. Because when misinformation, disinformation campaigns, posts without full context  becomes the story by which you engage, you lose, the community loses and we all lose invaluable time solving the most pressing issues. 

A few ways that you can find more information on City issues: 

  • Read the actual Common Council agenda, meeting minutes, and legislative files attached to items on the agenda. I've seen social media posts that for whatever reason leaves out full context such as clipped meeting videos that fits the posters narrative but doesn't show the full discussion which would conflict with the posters narrative.   
  • Watch Council and other board, committee, and commission meetings.  This is the best way to hear the information for yourself and get the full context rather than relying on a clipped video or social media post. Because of my schedule, I often put on meetings and let them play while I'm cleaning for example. 
  • Look up and read the actual ordinance and/or resolution.  I've lost count of the number of social media posts I've seen online that says an ordinance does something it actually does not. 
    • Find City of Madison ordinances 
    • Find City of Madison legislation 
      • Agendas have a legistar file number that you can use to search.  I also put in a search word such as "Shelter" to help me have a starting point. 
  • You may also contact staff in the Common Council office for help in finding information. 

Now that you have a few ways to find more information, below is more information on several topics where I've seen a lack of context and incorrect information shared online

Social Justice Center

Recently the City issued a: 15-Day Notice of Intent to File a Public Nuisance Action Pursuant to Sec. 3.07(2) Madison General Ordinances

"The City has received numerous complaints and has documented a continuing pattern of disruptive, unsafe, and unlawful activity occurring at, and in association with, the SJC.  These complaints have come from neighbors, businesses, the neighborhood  association, and even concerned passersby. The activity has continued over an  extended period spanning multiple years and has had a significant impact on neighboring residents, private property, public areas, and the neighborhood as a whole.  This nuisance action is based solely upon recurring conduct that is unlawful, substantially disruptive, and materially interferes with the rights of neighboring property 
owners, business owners, and the public." 

Read the full notice

Council President Madison Announces Workgroup on Policing Policies

Soon after the shooting death of Corey Ruiz by a Madison Police Officer, I began exploring next steps for addressing use of deadly force by MPD.  I landed on creating a President's Workgroup. It would allow me to do what I've done best while serving as Alder, work with Alders, City agencies, and the community at large to accomplish a common goal that would better serve our residents.  

Chaired by Alder Guequierre, this workgroup gives us an opportunity to look at what has already been studied, understand where we are today, listen to our community, and do the work necessary to address outstanding issues and strengthen our policies, practices and level of service our community receives from the Madison Police Department. 

Sometime in late July or early August I met with Chief Patterson and discussed where MPD was at on implementing the 177 recommendations from a previous workgroup.  I asked him to prepare an update to Common Council as soon as possible to include those recommendations.  We eventually landed on today, Tuesday, September 22, 2026 as he would already be on the agenda to present his quarterly report.  

Included in the charge of the Workgroup you'll find: 

"Educate the Council on the current state of the relevant MPD policies and procedures o Organize a briefing by MPD Chief Patterson at the September 22, 2026, Council meeting"

Dane County Department of Human Services Budget Request

I've seen a few posts that confused the County's budget with the City's budget on human services related topics such as mental health and homelessness. 

  • Read the County's Department of Human Services 2027 budget request which includes cuts to some programming. 
    • Watch Dane County Board meeting which includes the Department of Human Services budget presentation and public testimony
  • Learn more about the City's Capital and Operating budgets

Now that you have more information to provide context to what you may have read online, below are a few meetings, events, and updates you may be interested in

Inside the library

Lastly,  social media bots are often deployed to spread disinformation and to manipulate your understanding of local and national issues. I strongly encourage you to check out this info sheet to help you better understand how social media bots work. 

Take care, 

Sabrina

fall leaves

 

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