Updates Feb. 7, 2022

• Black History Month at Madison libraries
• Neighborhood 
• City
• COVID-19 information and resources

Black History Month at Madison libraries

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the achievements by African Americans and a time to honor the central role of black Americans throughout history and in the present day. Madison's Public Libraries are bringing you many ways to learn and celebrate Black history this month. 

Neighborhood

Welcome to Officer Alexa Graham, thank you to Officer Howard Payne!

Starting this week, the East Police District has a new Neighborhood Resource Officer. Welcome to Officer Alexa Graham! A deep thank you to Officer Howard Payne for all of his hard work and service as our Neighborhood Resource Officer. 

Today, Feb 7, is the deadline for applying to the Neighborhood Grant Program

The deadline to apply for the 2022 Neighborhood Grant Program is Monday, February 7, 2022, 4:30 pm. This grant program is designed to help neighborhoods build capacity and beautify public places. Grant awards in 2021 included such projects as a gathering place in Mohican Triangle Park, Darbo Neighborhood Council leadership training and the Junction Ridge Oasis in Junction Ridge Park

Have an idea for how to increase food availability in your community? Apply for a SEED grant.

The Madison Food Policy Council is encouraging community groups to apply for SEED Grants. Any proposal that improves the local food system and makes food more accessible for City of Madison residents will be considered.

How to subscribe to alder blogs

With the new district boundaries now in effect, a reminder for how to find your district and subscribe for updates:

• To find your district, use the Find My Alder online tool or contact the Common Council Office at council@cityofmadison.com or 608-266-4071.

• For those formerly in District 3 and now in District 16, see the webpage for Jael Currie, District 16 where you can "Subscribe to Email List". 

• There is no requirement for you to receive only your alder's emails; you are more than welcome to subscribe to multiple alders' email lists.

City

Transit Network Redesign

Metro's draft network redesign plan is now available for review. Community engagement meetings are now being put together and a survey will be available soon to provide feedback.

City meetings of interest this week

Unsheltered homelessness response panel discussion, Monday at 5:30 pm

On Monday, the City-County Homeless Issues Committee will host an unsheltered homelessness response panel discussion by outreach providers and will also receive an update on the Dairy Drive sheltered campground by MACH OneHealth and Kabba Recovery Services. 

Details
Agenda
Register for public comment

Greater East Towne Plan, Monday at 5:30 pm

The Plan Commission will be discussing adoption of the Greater East Towne Plan as a supplement to the Comprehensive Plan at its meeting on Monday.

Details

Agenda

Register for public comment

Strategic plan and gun violence update at the Public Safety Review Committee meeting, Wednesday at 5 pm

At Wednesday's Public Safety Review Committee meeting, Chief Barnes will be providing a quarterly update and there will be a report from the Madison Police Department including information on their strategic plan and recent gun violence.

Details

Agenda

Register for public comment

Additional meetings scheduled for this week

News releases

• From Destination Madison: 11 Things to Do on Madison's Frozen Lakes and more.

• From Parks: Winter Recreation Rental Hours, Bird & Nature Adventures and Skate Cinema@Tenney

• Wellness Practitioners Summit Seeks to Improve Access to Health + Wellness Services for BIPOC Communities Madison Public Library, Be Well Madison, and Midwest Mujeres are partnering to offer a virtual BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) wellness practitioner gathering on February 17

• Statement by Mayor Rhodes-Conway on AB 588/SB 573 re: EV Charging Electric Vehicles (EVs) are a critical part of our nation's transportation future.

• 30-Day Deadline: Comment On First Flood Solution Models The community has 30 days to give feedback on the first three final draft reports of watershed study models, which are posted online and propose potential solutions to flooding issues.

• Protect Your Home's Pipes From Freezing 2022 is off to a frigid start. It is important for home and business owners to protect their water pipes from freezing or bursting during our coldest time of year. Water Meters and Pipes:

• The K-9 officers protecting Madison need community support for new gear Just like human officers, our K-9s wear protective gear during their shifts. A special fundraiser hopes to cover the costs of new bulletproof vests.

• District 3 resident Angela Trudell Vasquez Reappointed Madison Poet Laureate

   

From the mayor

• Madison's Language Access Plan and Bilingual Pay Differential In December, the Common Council passed a series of employee handbook changes, which included a bump in pay for employees who are required to be bilingual and provide translation services as a significant function of their position. 

• Madison Common Council Recognizes February 2022 as Black History Month
  The Madison Common Council officially recognized February 2022 as Black History Month in the City of Madison. 

• Madison Stands in Solidarity with the Jewish Community This week the City of Madison Common Council joined me in declaring solidarity with the Jewish community in response to mounting violent antisemitic attacks nationwide. See below for the full resolution passed this Tuesday.

COVID information and resources

Public Health Madison and Dane County has issued Face Covering Emergency Order #7, which extends masking requirements through March 1, 2022 at 12:01 a.m.

• Public Health's COVID-19 homepage

• Data Notes for the Week of February 3 

• Free COVID-19 Testing Options Continue to Expand 

• How to Get the Most Out of Your Mask

• Dane County testing sites

• Data Dashboard

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