Redistricting, operating budget, other updates

Hello neighbors,

A lot is happening in the City right now:

Redistricting

The Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee met on Monday evening, and preferred a new option, 7a, which would keep District 5 mostly the same, though add in Ward 82, and remove a small portion of Ward 61.

Notably, this option keeps the UW student population predominantly together, which was a really important modification.

The Committee will meet again tomorrow, October 7 at 4pm, to consider some additional modifications to Districts 10, 13, 14, 3 and 17. As always, any modification to one district’s boundaries impacts other districts, as there is an effort to keep the populations across districts relatively even. Thus, some additional changes to District 5 could occur.

Budget

The Mayor released the Executive Operating Budget yesterday. This is the budget that covers staffing and city services (the Capital Budget covers buildings and major projects). Unlike the Capital Budget, which the City can borrow to pay for, the Operating Budget MUST balance. And this year, that is a complex dance as City revenues are down, yet we have federal stimulus dollars available for certain expenses. I sincerely hope you will take advantage of the multiple opportunities for public comment between now and early November when the final budget is adopted.

Bus Rapid Transit

There will be a series of meetings on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) over the next three Thursdays:

• Thursday, October 7, 6pm: Eastside East-West Line Route & Stations
• Thursday, October 14, 6pm: Westside East-West Line Route & Stations
• Thursday, October 21, 6pm: Downtown East-West Line Route & Stations

Violence Prevention

Focused Interruption will be hosting a webinar on gun violence reduction on Tuesday, October 19 at 6pm.

Rehabilitation Loans

The City of Madison’s Rehabilitation Loans program is accepting applications. This program provides financial incentives to upgrade eligible housing units in need of rehabilitation, resulting in improved housing stock. To accomplish this goal the City will provide loans to property owners, both owner-occupied and rental properties, with varying loan terms based on eligibility.

Streets and Traffic

• Beginning this week, the City of Madison has moved to the next stage of speed changes in this city-wide effort for the Vision Zero initiative. The posted speed limit on Whitney Way, from Sheboygan Ave to Tokay Blvd, will change from 30 mph to 25 mph. Mineral Point Rd, from Whitney Way to Science Dr, will also see a reduction of the posted speed limit from 40 mph to 35 mph. Similar to the recent Whitney Way changes, temporary digital signboards are present in the area to remind drivers of the speed limit changes.
• Curbside brush collection by the Streets Division has ended for 2021. Do not set out brush for pickup at this time. Crews that were collecting brush will transition to collecting leaves and yard waste when that curbside service begins.  Curbside brush pickup will resume in the spring of 2022. 
• Please take a short survey about our city streets. This survey builds on what we have heard from the community so far on our shared values for streets. We would like to know more as we develop those shared values in a way that can guide decisions about streets and transportation.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the perfect time to get screened if you put it off due to the pandemic.

Fun stuff

• Movies on the Green return this Friday, October 8, starting at dark (around 6:45). Movies will be G or PG-rated.
• Sustain Dane’s Sustainable Breakfast Series will feature youth in the sustainability movement at their webinar on Tuesday, October 19 at 8:30am.
• Pop up shops are now open on State Street! Check them out between 10am and 6pm.
• The next MadLit festival is October 8, 8pm-11pm, on State Street.  This free event features Supa Friends w/ Marcus Porter + Juciee Monroe.
• The Wisconsin Book Festival is highlighting diverse voices at many upcoming events. 
• Don’t forget about the Regent Art Walk this Saturday, October 9, 10am-4pm. Start at the corner of Regent and Allen for maps and directions.

I know many of you may be still reeling from the tragic loss of three of our community’s young athletes this weekend. I’m hugging my high schooler a little tighter, and sending even more love across the miles (if that’s possible) to my college freshman. My condolences to those who knew the young men.

Please take care,

Regina Vidaver