City Meetings and Updates Week of June 29
posted- City Meetings:
- Finance Committee 6/29, Update re: 2027 City Operating Budget Outlook
- Plan Commission 6/29, Update re: Madison's Data Center Moratorium
- Parks Alive Series Returns to Galaxy Park 6/29
- North Star Neighborhood “Pedals & Paws" Parade 7/4
- Events & Announcements
City Meetings
Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, June 29, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a staff presentation on the 2027 Operating Budget outlook and request guidance.
Here is the Finance staff presentation on the 2027 Operating Budget outlook, which shows that the estimated cost to continue existing levels of City services in 2027 exceeds the State's Expenditure Restraint Incentive Program limit for Madison by $7.2 million. If the City spends even a dollar more than that limit, the City would lose $9 million in State aid in 2027 (see slide 7 in the staff presentation). That means cuts to City agency budgets will be necessary to keep spending in the Operating Budget under that limit. Thus, the Mayor's 2027 Operating Budget guidance directs agencies to prepare 2% cut scenarios in each of their budgets for her consideration as she prepares her 2027 Executive Budget Proposal later this summer. The 2027 City Budget process will continue through mid-November. Watch for future blog posts with more information and public input opportunities.
Plan Commission
The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, June 29, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests (none in District 3) and an update and discussion about the City of Madison's Data Center Moratorium. Here is the staff presentation, which walks through the current moratorium, basic characteristics of data centers, regulatory tools available to the City (like building form and land use rules) and those not available to the City due to State-imposed legal constraints (like demand for electricity or water), and high-level zoning options for commissioners to discuss.
Parks Alive Series Returns to Galaxy Park Monday
Galaxy Park in the North Star neighborhood in District 3 will once again host three Parks Alive events this summer. This program is collaborative effort involving City agencies, community organizations, and mobile resource providers working together to activate parks located in and around Neighborhood Resource Team areas like East Milwaukee Street.
Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Events start at 5:00 p.m. This first Parks Alive at Galaxy Park will feature a free showing of the movie Elio (2025), more information available here.
- Where: Galaxy Park, 132 Milky Way
- When: Monday, June 29th from 6:30pm-8pm
For more information: Parks Alive | Galaxy Park, Monday, June 29
Interested in volunteering for Parks Alive? Learn more and register online!
North Star Neighborhood "Pedals & Paws" Parade
Join friends in the North Star Neighborhood for the annual "Pedals & Paws" Parade on Saturday July 4! This free event kicks off with (optional) bike decorating from 9:00-10:00. Parade begins at 10:00 and ends at North Star Park Playground with balloon twisters, face-painting, goodie bags, and community fun! All are welcome to attend this free event.
- When: Saturday, July 4th at 9am
- Where: North Star Park
More info can be found on the event page.
Events and Announcements
- Community Celebration & Ribbon Cutting Set for the Expanded WPCRC: The community is invited to join Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, alders, neighborhood leaders, project partners and community members to officially open the expanded Warner Park Community Recreation Center on Wednesday, July 8 beginning at 10:00am. [posted June 26, 2026]
- Christine Knapp Appointed General Manager of the Madison Water Utility: Christine Knapp has served with the City of Cedar Rapids Water Division for the past nine years, the last five as Plant Manager. [posted June 25, 2026]
- Absentee Ballots Are in the Mail: The City of Madison Clerk's Office has begun mailing absentee ballots for the August 11, 2026, election. [posted June 25, 2026]
- Common Council Approves Southwest, Southeast Area Plans: The City of Madison Common Council voted to adopt the Southwest and Southeast Area Plans during its meeting on Tuesday, June 23. [posted June 24, 2026]
- Fourth of July Fireworks workshop - Child + Adult, Monday, June 29:Young artists use the "wax resist" technique of using watercolors to paint over designs made in crayons to reveal a 4th of July night sky.
- Lakeside Kids!: Black Star Drum Line, Tuesday, June 30: Join us for another exiting summer season of Lakeside Kids! – a free interactive series featuring science, culture, arts and entertainment. Designed for kids ages 4 and up. Lakeside Kids! provides hands-on fun and learning in an engaging and dynamic setting.
- Learn to Standup Paddleboard Yoga, Tuesday, June 30: Learn to Standup Paddleboard Yoga with Madison Boats! This free class is open to beginners who want to learn how to stand up on a paddleboard and yoga stretches while on the water.
- Movie in the Park | Zootopia 2, Tuesday, June 30: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park!
- WPGA Jr. Tournament | Par 3 | Monona Golf Course, Thursday, July 2: City of Madison Golf will host a WPGA Jr. tournament at Monona Golf Course on July 2, 2026.
- WPCRC Madison Pro-Am Basketball League, Friday, July 3 (This event occurs on multiple dates): The Madison Adult Pro-Am League is set to tip off this summer, bringing high-level competition to Friday nights at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. This 8-week league is designed for elite talent only, featuring current and former college players, professional athletes, and other top-tier competitors.
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. Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.
