Budget, transit and community planning, events

Hello neighbors,

Last night, the Common Council took public comment on the City’s Operating Budget. The budget will be further discussed by the Finance Committee on October 25 starting at 4:30pm, and public comment is welcome via email or by joining the meeting. I’ll just note that there are a lot of high priority needs that are jockeying for funding at this point, not least of which is a desperate need for another ambulance to serve the city, which would take an additional 10 full-time staff, at a cost of $1M. At present, there is not a plan for funding this in the budget, but things may change. Another high priority is funding violence prevention programs, which are being partially funded with ARPA funds, but not fully.

Transit & Community Planning

• The City of Madison’s planned East-West Bus Rapid Transit Project along Mineral Point Road and E. Washington Avenue is expected to involve minor changes in three public parks. See project images, read the impact description for each park, and submit your comments on these proposed changes. Comments will be accepted through October 31.
• There is a public meeting on the downtown design of Bus Rapid Transit on Thursday, October 28 at 6pm.
• The Greater Madison Municipal Planning Organization’s Connect Greater Madison: Regional Transportation Plan 2050 is in full swing. Upcoming public meetings will be held:
  • Regional Transportation Plan Phase 2 Public Meetings: 
    • Thursday, November 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m., or
    • Tuesday, November 16, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Events

Thursday:

• Wisconsin Book Festival (through Sunday). Six author events are on Thursday — two in person at UW-Madison’s Discovery Building, and four virtual programs featuring women authors. Events continue throughout the weekend, with four virtual programs on Friday and 15 in-person programs at Central Library and the Discovery Building on Saturday.
• Wisconsin Science Festival (through Sunday). Visit the Allen Centennial Gardens, the Washburn Observatory, the Arboretum, or engage in numerous virtual events.

Friday:

• Madison Night Market on State Street, 4pm-9pm. Vendors showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. The event includes live music, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences.
• While you’re on State Street, stop by Lisa Link Peace Park at 7pm to celebrate the grand opening of the pop-up shops next door, which will be open during the Night Market. The first 25 attendees will get door prizes!

Saturday:

• Pasture & Plenty Fall Fest, 9am-1pm. Pumpkin carving! Apple cider donuts! Hot apple cider!

Thursday, 10/28:

• Working Draft release of Red Scooter, to benefit the Madison Library Foundation, 5-7pm. Working Draft Beer Company, 1129 E. Wilson St., Madison

Ongoing:

• From October through December, join Ho-Chunk Nation storyteller-in-residence and tribal member AJ (Andi) Cloud for a variety of interactive storytelling and creative learning opportunities for all ages. With art workshops, activity kits, outdoor story walks, digital stories, exhibits, and more across the city, there are lots of ways to participate, celebrate, and learn.

Future:

• Public Health Madison Dane County is hosting a COVID-19 Town Hall on Thursday, November 4, 6pm.
• The Madison Police Department is offering a Community Academy on Mondays in November, 5-7pm, to give the public a working knowledge and understanding of the values, goals, and operations of the City of Madison Police Department. The objective of the Academy is to help build a positive relationship between the Madison Police Department and the community, while improving the lines of communication with the members it serves. This experience allows community members the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our Police Department.

Take care,

Regina Vidaver