Public information meetings tomorrow, recent announcements, and upcoming events

Hello neighbors,

As the year is winding down, I’d like to take a moment to say what an honor it is to serve as your Alder. I learn so much from all of you and your varied experiences and expertise, and value the relationships we are building across our community. There will undoubtedly be ups and downs in the next year as we experience more construction (sigh), the launch of bus rapid transit (BRT) service, and the opening of new housing developments. While we all want progress, I do understand change can be challenging. My goal is always to keep you as informed as possible, so you can be engaged in all that is happening in our wonderful City! 

Public Information Meetings & Sessions

• Northeast Area Plan Virtual Meeting, Tuesday, December 19: The Northeast Area Plan team will present the plan draft recommendation. Join us and share your thoughts. Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be present to share information about the HWY 51 North Study.
• Resurfacing Program 2024 Projects, Tuesday, December 19 (VIRTUAL): The Annual Street Resurfacing Program is designed to improve the quality of your street and delay the need for total reconstruction. The City Engineering Division rates streets and curb & gutter every two years. A public information meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., Dec. 19, 2023, via Zoom. Registration prior is required. Dec. 19, 2023 Public Information Meeting Registration

Announcements & News Releases

• Madison Awarded $6.3 Million in Federal Funding for Vision Zero Project: The City of Madison was awarded 6.3 million dollars in federal funding from the US Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant to fund Forward to Vision Zero: Safe System for Vulnerable Roadway Users projects.
• State Street Campus Garage, Lake Street Side, to close on December 27: The State Street Campus Garage, Lake Street structure, located at 415 N Lake St, will permanently close on December 27 to make way for a new parking structure, intercity bus terminal, and housing development, which will include affordable student housing.
• Madison Awarded $25,000 Urban Forestry Grant to help establish a gravel bed holding system for bare root trees, which can be transplanted across the City, and to fund more efficient watering systems for young trees.
• Alder Kristen Slack Announces Resignation from Madison Common Council Effective January 10, 2024; Applications Being Accepted to Fill Vacancy
• Do Not Set Out Leaves for Collection: Leaf/Yard Waste Pickup Over Until Spring 2024
• Check out this update from Public Health Madison & Dane County. Read about the new Respiratory Disease Dashboard, Gun Violence Report, Foodborne Illnesses, and more!
• Winter Information: The City of Madison has a hub for all things winter from how to use salt correctly to winter recreation opportunities to free sand locations to snowplowing update email signups.  
• 2024 Neighborhood Grant Program: Have you and your neighbors been thinking about making community improvements or strengthening your neighborhood group? The Planning Division will once again offer funding through the Neighborhood Grant Program for Leadership and Capacity Building and Community Enhancement projects. Orientation meetings will be held on January 11, 2024:
  • Virtual, 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please sign up to receive an email with information about participating in the meeting.
  • In-Person, 6:00 p.m., Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 206. 

Events

• Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, December 23: Join a naturalist for an easy family-friendly walk from Aldo Leopold Nature Center into beautiful Edna Taylor Conservation Park and enjoy a bit of nature education along the way. Walk will begin at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Drive. Meet outside at the Children's Shack. Co-sponsored by Madison Parks, Madison Audubon Society , and Aldo Leopold Nature Center . No registration is required. No pets are allowed.
• Make New Year’s Eve Noisemakers at the Monroe Street Library on December 26, or join the Crafternoon weaving session on December 27, or Comics & Superheroes on December 29. Check out all the upcoming activities in December and January!

Best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season,

Regina Vidaver