Vision Zero, Capital Budget, meetings, news and announcements

Hello neighbors,

School has started for both our University and K-12 students. Please, please, please, be careful while driving and look out for pedestrians, bicyclists, scooters, skateboards, etc. We really are striving to be a Vision Zero city, and it takes all of us looking out for one another to achieve that.

Note the City’s Capital Budget has been released for public review. As a member of the Finance Committee, I am happy to take any of your comments as you review this document! The Operating Budget will be released within a few weeks.

Upcoming meetings of interest

• Well 15 PFAS Treatment Project – Public Information Meeting #2: Please join the Madison Water Utility for a second public information meeting on Thursday, September 8, 6pm-7:30pm, at the East Madison Community Center, 8 Straubel Court. Water Utility staff will present preliminary concepts on PFAS treatment solutions being considered for municipal drinking water Well #15. To learn more about the project, please visit www.cityofmadison.com/water/projects. Visit cityofmadison.com/water to subscribe to the Water Utility email list to receive news and other updates.

Events

• Ribbon cutting for Madison’s first Rainbow Crossing: The City of Madison and Friends of Madison Arts Commission invite you to the ribbon cutting for Madison's first Rainbow Crossing, on Thursday, September 8 at 4:00pm. The celebration will take place at the beginning of the Madison Night Market at the top of State St where it intersects with the Capitol Square.
• 11th Annual 9/11 “Never Forget” Blood Drive: The American Red Cross and the Madison Fire and Police Departments are hosting the 11th annual Never Forget Blood Drive Saturday, September 10 from 7am to 1pm at Madison Fire Station 14, 3201 Dairy Drive. Read the press release and register to give blood.
• The Madison Good Neighbor Gathering is Sunday, September 11, noon-5pm at Brittingham Park. This is an alcohol-free festival that features family-focused entertainment and education, including bouncy slides, bubbles, balloons, bike parades, craft vendors, food carts, art activities, music and dance!
• The Ironman competition returns to Madison on Sunday, September 11. Please note road closures to support this event.
• The 18th Annual Rhumba for Rainbow event will be held Friday, September 16, from 7pm-midnight at Union South.
• The Urban League is hosting a Sickle Cell blood drive on Saturday, September 17, from 9am-2pm, at 2222 S Park St.
• Trucks & Treasure: See, climb, and explore the big rigs! Sell or shop the gently used toys, games, books, and more at the kids-to-kids garage sale. Join Madison Parks at Trucks & Treasures on Saturday, September 17, 9am-12pm, at Reindahl Park.
• Monroe Street Festival: The 44th Annual Monroe St. Festival will be Saturday, September 24 from 9:30am-5pm.
• Join the Taste of the Market Brunch at the Monroe Street Farmer’s Market on Sunday, September 25 at 10am. Enjoy a farm to table brunch that will showcase products from market vendors!
• Homebuyer education classes: The City of Madison, in partnership with the Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County and Consumer Credit Counseling Service, want to share with you these HUD Approved Homebuyer Education classes occurring monthly through the rest of 2022. The next class is September 24, 8am-3pm, at the Villager Mall, Atrium entrance (2300 S. Park Street). You will learn what it takes to buy your first home, how to secure a mortgage, and about down payment assistance programs. Register for the free class here. If you have questions, please contact Maria Davila-Martinez or 608-266-6557.
• Save the date for the Regent Neighborhood Art Walk on October 8 from 10am to 4pm!

Announcements

• University Bay Drive will be closed overnight September 15 to the morning of September 16, and again from the evening of September 16 to the morning of September19 for storm sewer installation.
• Birding backpacks are now available for checkout from local libraries. The backpacks include binoculars, field guides, and location guides. Get birding today!
• Stormwater ordinance: Since the 2018 flood, the Engineering Division has done much to improve flooding issues, including updating the Stormwater Ordinance – important for anyone planning to build or redevelop in the Madison community. The latest blog in Engineering’s “Since 2018” series focuses on the Stormwater Ordinance.
• Brush collection: The Streets Division would like to remind residents that the final curbside brush collection opportunity for 2022 is fast approaching. Most residents will receive their fifth and final opportunity for curbside brush collection during the month of September. You can learn the dates when you should set out brush for pickup by going to the Streets Division website. Enter your address into the form, and you will see the dates when you can set out brush for pickup.
• Dane CORE 2.0 portal closing: In September of 2021, Dane County and the City of Madison launched Dane CORE 2.0, a federally funded emergency rental assistance program designed to help renter households struggling to meet their housing costs. The program has distributed nearly $40 million of rent and utility assistance to more than 6,300 households. The funds are nearly exhausted, so the portal is closing on September 15.
• The Madison Water Utility 2021 Annual Report is now available.

Take care,

Regina Vidaver