Common Council

Updates July 27, 2021

In this update:

• COVID
• City news
• Transportation
• Community

COVID

Masks strongly encouraged for everyone in indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status

Public Health Madison & Dane County has issued new recommendations regarding the use of masks, in light of new guidance from the CDC.

"The Delta variant is spreading quickly in our community, causing an increase in cases in Dane County," said Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County. "This is why we are strongly advising that everyone ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask in indoor public spaces, and at indoor private gatherings."

Delta is now the dominant strain of the virus in Dane County. This variant can spread to unvaccinated people easier, making it harder to avoid. The seven-day average of daily confirmed new cases is 31.4, an increase from 7.6 just one month ago.

Dane County hits vaccine milestone: 70 percent of Dane County residents have at least one dose of vaccine protection

As of Monday July 26, 70 percent of residents in Dane County have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 67.3 percent have been fully vaccinated.

Dane County is among the most vaccinated counties in the country. 80.8 percent of the currently eligible population, 12 years old and older, have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.   

If you or someone you know is looking for options to get vaccinated, schedule an appointment at one of Public Health's office locations or drop by one of their community pop-up clinics.

Data and resources

• COVID data notes

• What you need to know about the Delta variant

• How Can I Talk to Someone About Getting Vaccinated?

• Data Dashboard

• Renter Assistance 

• WI Dept. of Health Services Cases by Neighborhood (Census Tract)

• Madison COVID-related news and service updates, Español: COVID-19 and Hmoob: COVID-19

• Community-aggregated COVID resources

City 

Urban Forestry reminds residents to water newly planted trees

If a tree has been planted on the terrace in front of your home by Urban Forestry within the last five years, or if you had a tree planted on your private property in that same window of time, residents are reminded to water the tree as needed to increase its chance of survival. Young trees need watering regularly during dry weather.

Right now, Madison remains below our normal precipitation, so these young trees need our help.

Reminder of the new large item collection system 

A reminder that large item pickups can now be scheduled on the City of Madison website. The Streets Division has a large item collection page dedicated to answering your questions.

City meetings highlights

City Employee Wage Increase Parity

The Committee on Employee Relations will be discussing a resolution to provide wage increase parity for general municipal employees at its meeting on Wednesday.

• Meeting details

• Agenda

• Register for Public Comment 

City meetings schedule

City weekly meeting schedule
The Mayor's meeting schedule
The County weekly meeting schedule

Transportation

Metro Transit Public Hearing Scheduled

Give feedback on fare technology and policy changes
Monday, August 2, 6 pm
Virtual Hearing

On Monday, August 2, Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transportation Policy and Planning Board will hold a public hearing at 6 pm to discuss expected changes in fare collection technology and future policy changes that will be coming in the next few years.

Let's Talk About Streets

The City of Madison wants to know what you think about the streets you use everyday: how they are designed, who they serve, how they are used, and how to make them safer. Your ideas will help shape future street projects. 

Community

Pinney Library Welcomes Its First Artist-in-Residence

The Bubbler at Madison Public Library announces artist Maria Amalia Wood as the inaugural artist-in-residence at the Pinney Studio within the new Pinney Library.  Amalia Wood will be in residence through January 2022 and works with textiles, paper-making, and community-focused storytelling. Her current project involves exploring journeys: she'll be asking participants to engage by exploring feelings, place, memories, and beliefs in lots of hands-on ways. Those willing to share their own immigrant journeys are especially encouraged to participate.

Madisonians can visit Amalia Wood during open studio hours on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m at the Pinney Library.

Learn about the state of our music scene

Greater Madison Music City Project, of which the Arts Commission and the Planning Division are part, will be presenting a Music Economic Impact Analysis during a special event at Café Coda on August 2 from 5 – 7pm.