Community Connection Week of March 9th, 2026

Neighbors, Spring is making its way to Madison, and so is a week full of opportunities to connect, participate, and shape the future of our community together. Whether you want to weigh in on a park redesign, attend a health fair, or watch your city government in action, there is a place for you at the table. Everyone belongs here, and your voice matters.

Your Vote, Your Voice

With spring elections on the horizon, Dane County residents will receive absentee ballots earlier than last year. More time to vote means more power in your hands. You can register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and find your polling place anytime at the City Clerk's Elections & Voting page.

City Meetings: Your Government, Open to You

City meetings are not just for insiders. They are open forums where community members like you can speak, listen, and influence decisions that shape daily life in Madison. Here are the key meetings this week:

Common Council -- Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m.

This hybrid meeting (in-person and online) will take up significant community investments, including $4 million in TID 44-supported general obligation borrowing and a proposal for the City to acquire property for land banking in District 15. These decisions affect housing and neighborhood development across Madison.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment
• Watch Online

Board of Public Works -- Wednesday, March 11 at 4:30 p.m.

This virtual meeting covers construction management and approvals across several districts (3, 5, 14, 15, 16, and 19). Public works investments keep our roads, sidewalks, and infrastructure functioning for every person who lives here.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment
• Watch Online

Interested in serving on a City board, commission, or committee yourself? Learn how to apply here.

Your Input Is Needed: Public Meetings This Week

Public input meetings exist because the people who live in a place know it best. The City is actively seeking your knowledge and preferences on parks and pathways this week.

Orton Park Playground -- Monday, March 9

City staff will present revised playground equipment options based on community feedback gathered at the earlier workshop. This is a follow-up -- your ideas from last time are already shaping the proposals on the table. Come see what emerged and share any final thoughts. Event details here.

Moorland Rd Shared-Use Path -- Wednesday, March 11

The proposed project would build a 0.6-mile shared-use path on the south side of Moorland Rd from Wayland Dr to Raywood Rd/South Towne Dr, connecting to the Capital City Trail. More paths mean more people are able to move through our city safely -- on foot, on wheels, and on bikes. Event details here.

Heifetz Park Playground -- Thursday, March 12

Like Orton Park, City staff will present revised playground options developed from the earlier community workshop. Show up and help finalize a playground that will serve children and families in your neighborhood for years to come. Event details here.

Community Events: Come As You Are

Understanding Property Taxes -- Monday, March 9, 12-1 p.m. (Zoom)

District 7 Alder Badri Lankella is hosting a Lunch & Learn with Michelle Drea from the Assessor's Office and David Schmiedicke from the Finance Department. They will explain how property assessments connect to the taxes you pay. Knowledge is power -- understanding these systems helps all of us advocate more effectively. Join on Zoom.

Spring Home Maintenance -- Tuesday, March 10

An engaging course covering the practical skills every homeowner and renter should know: HVAC efficiency, sump pump care, roof and gutter prep, and outdoor space maintenance. Caring for where you live is an act of investment in yourself and your community.

Better Together Health Fair -- Thursday, March 12

A day centered on connection, health, and community -- with snacks and beverages provided. Health is not just individual; it is built together through relationships, access, and care. Come connect with neighbors and resources. Event details here.

Warner Family Fun Night -- Friday, March 13

Join families at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center for art projects, the game room, gym activities, a movie, and bingo with prizes. Joyful, multigenerational community time -- no agenda required. Event details here.

News and Notices Worth Knowing

Women in Construction Week: Profiles in Dedication

This week the City is celebrating Women in Construction Week by spotlighting the women who build and maintain Madison every day. From architect Laura Amundson and planner Liz Callin, to building inspector Karime Grajales-Patton, machine operator Jamie Nichols, and parks leadworker Shelley Johnson -- these are the people whose expertise keeps our city safe, functional, and growing. Read their full profiles on the City news page.

Madison Sees Drop in Violent Crime in 2025

The City saw decreases in both violent and property crimes in 2025, supported by community-centered policing strategies and data-informed patrol approaches. Safe communities are built through relationships, investment, and trust -- and this progress belongs to all of us.

Free Garden Seeds at Madison Public Libraries

Starting March 2, eight Madison Public Library locations are giving away free seeds through the popular Garden Seed Giveaway. Growing food and green spaces is a form of community self-sufficiency and connection to the land. Stop by your nearest branch and take some home.

Street Sweeping Overnight Operations Begin March 8

Starting the evening of Sunday, March 8, Streets Division operators will sweep from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in addition to daytime operations. Please be mindful of parking to help crews do their work keeping our streets clean as we move into spring.

Madison Fire Department: Recruitment Open Houses

The Madison Fire Department will soon be accepting applications for Firefighter/EMT positions and is hosting recruitment open houses to help interested people prepare. If you have ever considered this path, now is the time to explore it. Our community is stronger when the people who serve it reflect the full range of people who live here.

Building Energy Savings Program: Third Year Underway

In 2026, owners of commercial buildings over 25,000 square feet are required to benchmark their energy use by June 30. This program is part of Madison's commitment to a sustainable future where environmental health belongs to everyone.

Odana Hills Golf Course: A New Chapter

The City of Madison Parks Division has announced a new partnership with Michael and Jocelyn Keiser and the Madison Parks Foundation, whose philanthropic investment opens an opportunity to reimagine Odana Hills Golf Course as a community asset for the future.

A Spring Heads-Up: Flash Flooding Risk

With frost still in the ground, water cannot soak in as easily, making urban flash flooding possible during heavy spring rains. Stay aware of conditions in your neighborhood and check city alerts if significant rainfall is forecast.

Thank you for being part of this community. There is no District 18 without the people who show up, ask questions, share ideas, and look out for one another. I am grateful to serve alongside you.

In solidarity,

Alder Carmella Glenn

District 18, City of Madison

Find more news and events at the City of Madison news page and City events calendar.