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Week of September 1, 2025: Keeping Dairy Drive Open through April 2026

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Keeping Dairy Drive Open through April 2026

In November 2021, the urban campground at Dairy Drive was opened as a response to the ongoing pandemic, lack of adequate accommodations for unsheltered homeless people and unsafe conditions at an unsanctioned encampment at Reindahl Park.

Since then, the property has served 97 single adults, of which 78% have left to positive destinations owing to onsite services that have helped them find permanent housing.

At initiation, the campground has largely been funded by federal emergency pandemic funds, which have now been exhausted and discontinued. This facility was always meant to be temporary, but it continues to serve a valuable purpose.

I have been trying to find a way to support keeping it open through the winter, but until recently thought I’d have to come up with around $165,000 in city funds – calling that “no small task” would be an understatement. But very recently it became known that we could keep Dairy Drive open using remaining funds at the disposal of Madison Street Medicine, who administer the site, along with remaining federal funds controlled by the County.

I am introducing a resolution that would extend the contract between the City and MACH Onehealth, Inc. dba Madison Street Medicine through April 30, 2026 at an additional cost of $0. My colleagues on the County Board are reasonably confident that they can secure what is needed to fulfill this task.

Beyond that date, Madison Street Medicine thinks they may be able to privately fundraise to potentially keep Dairy Drive open, but I am not committing or promising any further city funding. And if it cannot remain open, we will direct MSM to prepare residents for what comes after.

In a few short months, the City and County will be opening the permanent men’s shelter. This will be another funding priority, and some have said that it is in competition with Dairy Drive. But these two facilities serve different populations and different roles.

My reasons for taking on this initiative for a facility that is not in District 6: first off is general humanity and compassion … that should need no further explanation. Secondly is that we can do it without taking city funds from another priority. And third, if these folks are pushed out, they will have to find SOMEwhere to stay, that is likely unsuitable and will cause further issues requiring costly resources from police and other city departments.

This resolution will be introduced at the next Common Council meeting on September 2 and referred to the following meeting on September 16 (new legislation cannot be taken up in the meeting in which it is introduced). I will also be moving to refer Legistar item 89274 (approving plans and soliciting bids to demolish the Dairy Drive site) to the September 16th meeting, since it would be impacted by potential passage of my resolution.

Your voice is important in this matter, as it is in any matter. I would encourage you to make that voice known by registering in support of this item (89779). You don’t need to speak to it if you don’t wish to. And as always, please contact me with any concerns.

Updates and Notices

The City of Madison will be closed for observation of the Labor Day Holiday. All emergency services will be open. For emergencies, please call 911.

  • Emergency Water Issue: Call Madison Water Utility at 608-266-4665, 24/7.
  • Sanitary Sewer Back-up: Call 608-266-4430. An emergency crew will respond to your call.
  • Report a Problem: Report non-emergencies that can wait until the next City working day.

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.

  • Common Council: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 2, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include modifying the Police Civilian Oversight Board appointment process.
  • Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 3, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include enhancing the City’s street tree protection provisions.
  • Community Development Block Grant Committee: The Community Development Block Grant Committee meeting will take place on Thursday, September 4, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing the allocation of approximately $3.5 million of combined City and Federal funds among seven non-profit agencies to support the provision of homeless services and housing resources beginning in 2026.

If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

  • Public Input Meeting - Canter and Woods Farm Parks, Thursday, September 4: The City of Madison Parks Division is starting the design process for both Woods Farm Park and Canter Park on the northeast side of the city. Each park is approximately 5 acres. In anticipation of further growth in the neighborhood, a master plan is being put together to guide the development of these two existing parks. There will be public information meetings to discuss both parks.

Announcements and News Releases

Please visit the City news webpage to find additional news and announcements and to subscribe to receive notification of news releases as they are posted.

Events

  • From Council to Community: Meet your Eastside & Northside Alders!, Wednesday, September 3: Join us for an exciting event where you can connect with your local representatives in a casual setting. This in-person gathering will take place at Madison Area Technical College, giving you the opportunity to chat with your alders and learn more about their work in the community. Don't miss this chance to engage with the people who represent you and make your voice heard. We look forward to seeing you there! Please register in advance. (NOTE: I was invited but will not be present at this event, as I have a conflicting meeting of the Urban Design Commission. – Davy)
  • Live at The Glen | The Mike Schneider Polka Band, Friday, September 5: The Mike Schneider Band(link is external) has been entertaining audiences throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio since 1996. Since that time, Mike and his band have been nominated for 24 polka awards from five separate organizations.
  • The 5th annual Madison Good Neighbor Gathering, September 7: The 5th annual Madison Good Neighbor Gathering is just around the corner! This year it will be on Sunday, September 7 from noon to 4 pm in Brittingham Park. Sponsored by DMNA, VNA, Greenbush, Bay Creek, Monona Bay, Triangle, and Bayview neighborhoods, local businesses, organizations and individual donors, this free event promises fun and exciting activities for all ages, including bouncy slides, a climbing wall, food trucks, a scavenger hunt, circus activities, educational tables, dance and music, and more. Kids who pre-register will get a gift bag. Click on the QR code to register here: Madison GNG

Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.

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District 6 - Alder Mayer

Alder Davy Mayer

Alder Davy Mayer

District 6
Contact Alder Mayer