Updates February 20, 2022

• Face Covering Order expires next Tuesday, March 1
• Metro Transit Network Redesign: Upcoming meetings and survey
• Polling locations for the April 5 Election
• City 
• Community 
• COVID-19 information and resources

Face covering order expires next Tuesday, March 1

Starting next Tuesday, March 1, Public Health Madison & Dane County will no longer require face coverings in public indoor spaces in light of steadily decreasing COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations. This does not affect the federal requirement for face coverings on public transportation.

Metro Transit Network Redesign: Upcoming meetings and survey

Metro Transit has announced a city-wide virtual community meeting on Thursday, February 24 at 6 pm to provide information on their draft route redesign plan and take feedback.

This draft plan is designed toward the ridership goal. The plan focuses on fewer routes that are more direct and frequent, while providing coverage where it is needed most.

There will also be a virtual meeting focused on the east side at a later date. I will share the details of that meeting as soon as they are confirmed.

Metro has also released a survey asking for feedback on their redesign plan: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y9YW2L2

Polling locations for the April 5 Election

The ward numbers for some of District 3 have changed with redistricting. Additionally, some polling locations have changed. Find your ward number and polling location at https://www.cityofmadison.com/clerk/where-do-i-vote/ 

City updates

Madison Public Library event: Senior Safety Programs

Madison Public Library is offering free online trainings for senior digital safety. COVID-19 has provided individuals with bad intentions, such as scammers, with new opportunities. Learn how to identify and protect against fake news, get tips to help avoid becoming a victim of fraud and gain confidence on your journey to financial empowerment.

Senior Scams: Feb 23rd 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Madison Public Library event: Thrival Tools: On Indigenous Winter Survival and Brilliance

Madison Public Library's Library Takeover program will launch its first event of the year on February 26, 2022, 6-8:30 pm. The event, Thrival Tools: On Indigenous Winter Survival and Brilliance, will include a series of speakers representing different Tribes and traditions, song, throat singing, and more. Thrival Tools will provide a space for sharing cultural practices amongst Native peoples, as well as introducing non-Native people to the myriad methods by which Indigenous communities have thrived throughout the year in this region, but especially during winter.

Madison Arts Commission and Monona Terrace Announce Call for Artist Entries for Rooftop and Olin Terrace Sculptures

The Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center is soliciting submissions from artists for its 2022 sculpture exhibition on the William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens and Olin Terrace. Art on the Rooftop is a free exhibit of public sculpture to help showcase the rooftop gardens and the facility as another "must see" Madison destination.

Submission deadline is March 1, 2022.

MPD is hosting two upcoming virtual informational discussions on body-worn cameras

Community members can register to attend a virtual informational meeting about body-worn cameras on either Feb. 24 or March 3.

City meetings of interest this week

Roadway and Sidewalk Café Permits

The Vending Oversight Committee will be discussing several items related to roadside cafés, sidewalk cafes, and the Streatery program at its meeting on Wednesday.

Details

Agenda

Register for Public Comment

ARPA Funds for Community Organizations Supporting Undocumented Immigrants

The Community Services Committee will be discussing a proposal to allocate up to $700,000 in ARPA funds to community-based organizations supporting undocumented immigrants at its meeting on Thursday.

Details

Agenda

Register for Public Comment

Additional meetings scheduled for this week

City news

• Two Events Scheduled for Library Takeover Program Highlighting Muslim Mental Health According to a recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry, Muslims in the United States are two times more likely to attempt suicide compared with other religious groups. You can help change this...

• Prevent Fires: Recycle Batteries Safely 

• Madison Joins the National League of Cities Safety First Challenge Madison has officially joined in the National League of Cities (NLC) "Safety First Challenge".

• Monroe Street Library To Expand Service Hours Beginning Monday, March 7 Effective Monday, March 7, the Monroe Street Library (1705 Monroe St.) will expand service to five days per week.

• New Streets Division Drop-off Site Opening at 121 E. Olin Avenue on April 4, 2022 The drop-off site at 1501 W. Badger Rd will be closing on March 25, 2022.

Community

Funds are still available for small businesses 

Last year, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced the Main Street Bounceback Grant which provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses and non-profit organizations moving into vacant properties in Wisconsin's downtowns and commercial corridors. Funds are still available this year and WEDC is accepting applications until the funds runs out. Funds can be used to pay leases or mortgages, operational expenses and other business costs related to the newly opened location. 

COVID information and resources

• Public Health's COVID-19 homepage

• Data Notes for the Week of February 17 

• 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)