Common Council

Streets and traffic, neighborhood walk about, redistricting, budget, events

Hello neighbors,

By now, I'm sure you've heard that the mask mandate has been extended through October 8 for Dane County. I'm trying to remain hopeful that will be long enough to get us past this current uptick. New data from the CDC reinforce what we know about vaccine effectiveness: Vaccinated individuals are 5x less likely to be infected than unvaccinated, more than 10x less likely to be hospitalized, and more than 10x less likely to die of COVID-19. Vaccination and masking are extremely effective tools in our toolbox at stopping the spread of this deadly disease.

Streets/traffic

• I received word this week that the University Avenue reconstruction project will be slightly delayed. The new plan is for construction on the north side of University Avenue to begin in May 2022, with traffic on both sides of the street re-opened over the winter, and then completion of the south side of the project in 2023.
• I have heard from many of you about increased traffic, and more concerning, high rates of speed, on the side streets surrounding the Regent/Speedway/Highland intersection since the closure of the left turn lane from southbound Highland onto Regent. I have been in touch with traffic engineering, and they are working on solutions.
• The Streets Division is transitioning from brush collection to yard waste collection. Brush and yard waste collection schedules are different – please check what is available for your address!
• We want to know how streets impact people with disabilities, their families and service providers. A city-wide survey aims to gather information that will help guide future infrastructure and roadway design. The survey closes on September 28.
• Beginning Monday, September 13, the City of Madison will move 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 Raymond Road to the Beltline will change from 30 mph to 25 mph.

Neighborhood

On Tuesday, September 14 at 5pm, the Regent Neighborhood Association will conduct a walk about alongside members of the Madison Police Department to get to know our new neighbors in the rental properties surrounding the stadium area. Please join us at the corner of Lathrop and Summit to build neighborhood connections.

Redistricting

Several options have been proposed for redistricting your Alder representation areas based on changing population numbers. Alder Bennett and I agree that none of them, as currently proposed, are appropriate, as they all break up the student population between the districts she and I currently represent. We both believe this is not ideal, and would prefer options that allow the primary student population to have appropriate student representation. I sincerely hope you will make your voice heard on this important topic.

Budget

• The City has two separate budgets: A Capital Budget, which provides funding for facilities, transit, roads, parks, major equipment, etc., and an Operating Budget, which provides the funds for day-to-day city services, including staff salaries, materials and supplies. The Mayor has released the Executive Capital Budget, and the Operating Budget will be released early next month. The Finance Committee will be holding hearings on the Capital Budget this week, and on the Operating Budget the week of October 11. The Council will be reviewing both budgets, and hammering out the final specifications in November. The best way for you to make your voice heard is to contact Finance Committee members via email. You may also register for public comment at the meetings.
• As part of the Operating Budget, I will be strongly supporting a proposal to implement a comprehensive gun violence reduction strategy (GVRS). This evidence-based approach will require County and City resources to support Madison Dane County Public Health's Violence Prevention Unit. The uptick in gun violence in Madison mirrors a pattern happening across the country. A comprehensive GVRS will provide Madison the resources needed to prevent future gun violence in our beloved city.

Rentals

• The Dane CORE Emergency Rental Assistance program portal is currently closed due to a software update. When the portal re-opens on Wednesday September 15, there will be more funding available, and more than just for rent support. The program will be funding utility assistance, internet assistance, and prioritizing forward rent and security deposit support.
• The Landlord and Tenant Issues Committee will be discussing possible changes to the rent abatement ordinance and tenant protections at its meeting on Thursday, September 16.

Events

• Don't miss out on the celebration of Mexico's heritage and history at the 20th Viva México Festival 2021 on Sunday, September 19, starting at 1pm with a "Car Caravan Parade" beginning at the Villager Mall, 2300 S. Park Street, and ending at Breese Stevens Field, 917 E. Mifflin Street. The official inauguration ceremony at Breese Stevens Field is at 2pm. 
• Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a free outdoor movie with Madison Parks this fall!
  • Friday, September 17, 6pm, Galaxy Park (132 Milky Way): Tom & Jerry
  • Saturday, September 18, High Point Park (7499 Watts Road): Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
• The Madison Night Market will run from 4pm – 9pm on September 16. 
• The next MadLit festival is September 17, 8pm-11pm, on State Street.  This free event includes Rey Cruz w/ Almighty from the 8 / Featuring D.J. Flaco. 
• Art Fair on the Square will return to the Capitol Square from September 25-26.

It was an honor to join Briarpatch Youth Services and Fire Station #1 in remembering those lost on 9/11 yesterday. May we never forget.