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Community Connection Week of March 2nd, 2026

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Neighbors, this week our community is filled with opportunities to shape the places we share, make our voices heard in local government, and come together around the causes we care about. Whether you are a long-time resident or new to District 18, every one of us has something meaningful to contribute -- and every voice matters. I am grateful to serve alongside each of you.

Community Safety

Safer streets are something we build together. If you live or travel through an area where speeding or reckless driving is a recurring problem, please know there are resources ready to respond. You do not have to navigate that concern alone.

The Madison Police Department has a dedicated Traffic Enforcement and Safety Team that takes community traffic complaints seriously and works to address them. You can reach them in two ways:

When we speak up about safety, we look out for the people around us -- children walking to school, older adults crossing the street, cyclists sharing the road, and every neighbor who calls our community home.

Civic Engagement: Upcoming Meetings

Local government decisions shape our neighborhood every day -- from how public funds are spent to what gets built on our blocks. The meetings below are open to community participation. This is not a complete list; all meetings can be found at the City of Madison Meeting Schedule page.

Finance Committee -- Monday, March 2 at 4:30 p.m. (Virtual)

The Finance Committee will consider several agenda items this week, including adding $4.0 million in TID 44-supported GO borrowing and authorizing a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the City to acquire property for land-banking purposes in District 15. These decisions shape how our city invests public resources -- and public comment is always welcome.

Plan Commission -- Monday, March 2 at 5:30 p.m. (Virtual)

The Plan Commission will review development-related requests in Districts 1, 2, 12, 14, 15, 18, and 19 -- including our own District 18. Development decisions have lasting effects on neighborhood character, housing availability, and public space. If you have thoughts about what is being proposed in our district, this is your chance to weigh in directly.

Interested in serving on a City board, commission, or committee? Community members bring irreplaceable lived experience to these bodies. Find the full meeting schedule and learn how to apply using the links below.

Public Input Meetings: Help Shape Our Parks and Public Spaces

Our parks, playgrounds, and historic buildings belong to all of us. This week the City is hosting several virtual public input meetings where residents can directly influence decisions about shared spaces. Your perspective as someone who lives in, plays in, and moves through these spaces is exactly what planners and engineers need to hear.

Marshall Park Playground -- Tuesday, March 3 (Virtual)

The City of Madison Parks Division is improving the playground at Marshall Park and wants your input. At this meeting, City staff will present revised playground equipment options informed by feedback gathered at an earlier community workshop. Come see the options, share what you think, and help decide what this playground becomes for the children and families who use it.

Olin Park Pavilion -- Normal Hall Rehabilitation -- Wednesday, March 4 (Virtual)

The pavilion at Olin Park, known as the Monona Lake Assembly Normal Hall, is one of the most historic buildings owned by the City of Madison and one of the most beloved park shelters in our community. This landmark requires substantial structural and exterior repairs in 2026. Parks and Engineering staff will present information about the planned rehabilitation at this virtual meeting. If this space is meaningful to you, come learn what is coming and share your perspective.

James Madison Park Playground -- Wednesday, March 4 (Virtual)

The Parks Division is also improving the playground at James Madison Park. Like the Marshall Park meeting, City staff will present revised equipment options based on earlier community input and are seeking resident feedback before final decisions are made. Your voice helps shape what this space becomes.

District 3 Parks Virtual Open House -- Thursday, March 5 (Multiple Dates)

Madison Parks is holding a series of virtual public input sessions for the Southeast Park Development Plan process, running alongside the City Planning Division's Southeast Area Plan. These sessions look ahead to how parks and green space will grow to serve our expanding community. If you care about how the southeast side develops -- including access to recreation and nature for all residents -- this is your seat at the table.

Announcements and News from the City

Women in Construction Week 2026 -- March 1-7

The City of Madison is proud to join the nationally recognized Women in Construction Week, celebrated March 1-7, 2026. This is a moment to recognize and uplift the women whose expertise, skill, and labor build our roads, bridges, buildings, and community infrastructure. Their contributions deserve visibility, recognition, and opportunity.

Common Council Approves Over $6 Million for Affordable Homeownership

The City of Madison Common Council approved more than $6 million in funding for several homeownership programs and new owner-occupied homes. Stable housing is foundational to a stable life -- and this investment reflects a commitment to making homeownership possible for more Madison residents, not just those with the most financial resources. This is how we build a city where everyone can belong and put down roots.

Lane Reduction on University Avenue -- Starting Monday, March 2

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2, R.G. Huston will begin the first phase of construction on Hawthorne Court. This project will take place in multiple phases and will impact University Avenue, N. Lake Street, and W. Dayton Street. Please plan for delays and allow extra travel time in this corridor. This construction is a sign of investment in our shared infrastructure, and we appreciate your patience as work gets underway.

D7 Lunch and Learn: Understanding Property Taxes -- Monday, March 9

District 7 Alder Badri Lankella will continue his Lunch and Learn series on Monday, March 9, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Zoom. Joining him will be Michelle Drea from the Assessor's Office and David Schmiedicke from the Finance Department. Understanding how property taxes are assessed is something that affects homeowners and renters alike -- this is a valuable opportunity to get your questions answered directly.

Mayor and Alders Propose New Funding for Utility Rebate Program

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and several members of the Common Council are advancing legislation to reduce utility bills for households with lower incomes in Madison. Access to heat, water, and electricity is not a luxury -- it is essential. This proposal reflects a commitment to ensuring that no neighbor has to choose between keeping the lights on and meeting other basic needs. We will continue to follow this legislation closely.

To find additional City news, announcements, and to subscribe to receive notifications as they are posted, visit the City of Madison news webpage.

Community Events

Being in community with one another -- showing up, moving together, and supporting shared causes -- is what makes District 18 more than just a map boundary. Here are the community events worth putting on your calendar this week.

Vaccine Clinic at Leopold Elementary School -- Saturday, March 7

All vaccines are free for eligible individuals. Children six months and older who lack insurance, are under 19, and are Alaskan Native or American Indian, as well as those with BadgerCare or most other types of insurance, can receive vaccinations at no cost. Protecting our community's health is a collective act of care -- being vaccinated means looking out for the neighbors around us, especially those who are most vulnerable to illness.

2026 Tee Off Party at Odana Hills Golf Course -- Saturday, March 7

We are teeing off the 2026 golf season with the Annual Tee Off Party at Odana Hills Golf Course! Whether you are a dedicated golfer or simply looking for a festive way to welcome spring with your neighbors, this is a great opportunity to celebrate the season together. Come enjoy the day and the community.

45th Annual Freeze for Food 5K/10K -- Saturday, March 7

Lace up for the 45th Annual Freeze for Food! In partnership with Open Doors for Refugees, this beloved annual race raises funds for local food security initiatives and supports refugees who are building new lives in our community. Whether you run the 5K or 10K, walk the route, or cheer from the sidelines, your presence and participation send a message: every person in this community belongs and deserves to be supported.

Additional upcoming events can be found on the City of Madison events calendar.

Stronger Together: A Note of Gratitude

Every meeting attended, every comment submitted, every neighbor greeted, every event joined -- these are the acts that build a community worthy of everyone who lives here. District 18 is made stronger every time one of you chooses to engage, to show up, and to care for the people around you. I am deeply honored to serve alongside such a vibrant, thoughtful, and committed community.

With solidarity and deep gratitude,

Alder Carmella Glenn

 

 

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District 18 - Alder Glenn

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Alder Carmella Glenn

District 18
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