Week of 3/2/26: Meetings for Playgrounds and Property Taxes

New Playgrounds!

This week and next there will be virtual public meetings to help guide the future of the playgrounds at James Madison Park and Orton Park. Get more info and register for the Zoom sessions below.

• Wednesday, March 4 at 6pm: James Madison Park. Register here.
• Monday, March 9 at 6pm: Orton Park. Register here.

Property Tax Learning Session

Alder Badri Lankella (D7) is hosting a virtual seminar to help folks learn more about property taxes, property assessments and how the whole process works. He will be joined by Michelle Drea from the Assessor's Office, David Schmiedicke from the Finance Department and Bob Soldner, the Assistant Superintendent for Financial Services at MMSD. Following their presentations there will be time for Q&A. More information and a registration link can be found here.

Updates and Notices

Traffic Enforcement Safety Team: Concerned about speeding and reckless driving? MPD has a Traffic Enforcement & Safety Team that takes your traffic complaints seriously and works to address them. Visit the Traffic Enforcement website or call the Speeder's Hotline at 608-266-4822 to report your speeding or reckless driving concerns.

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

• Public Input Meeting - Marshall Park, Tuesday, March 3 (Virtual): The City of Madison Parks Division is improving the playground at Marshall Park and we want your input. At this meeting City staff will present revised playground equipment options from input gathered at the playground workshop. 
• Public Input Meeting - Olin Park, Wednesday, March 4 (Virtual): The pavilion in Olin Park, known as the Monona Lake Assembly Normal Hall, is one of the most historic buildings owned by the City of Madison and one of the most popular park shelters in Madison. The landmark building requires substantial structural and exterior repairs happening in 2026. The community is invited to a virtual public meeting as Parks and Engineering staff will provide information on the planned rehabilitation work for the Olin Park Pavilion – Normal Hall. 
• Public Input Meeting - James Madison Park, Wednesday, March 4 (Virtual): The City of Madison Parks Division is improving the playground at James Madison Park and we want your input. At this meeting City staff will present revised playground equipment options from input gathered at the playground workshop. 
• Virtual Open House | District 3 Parks, Thursday, March 5, 2026 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Madison Parks is holding a series of virtual public input sessions for the Southeast Park Development Plan process coinciding with the City Planning Division's Southeast Area Plan. 

Announcements and News Releases

• Women in Construction Week 2026 Stories Ahead: The City of Madison is proud to join the nationally recognized Women in Construction Week, March 1-7, 2026. [posted February 27, 2026]
• Common Council approves investments into affordable homeownership: The City of Madison Common Council approved more than $6 million of funding for several homeownership programs and new owner-occupied homes. [posted February 26, 2026]
• Lane Reduction on University Avenue Starting Monday, March 2: Starting 7:00 am on Monday, March 2nd, R. G Huston will begin the first phase of construction on Hawthorne Court.  This project will be completed in multiple phases and will impact University Avenue, N. Lake Street, and W. Dayton Street during… [posted February 25, 2026]
• D7 Lunch and Learn: Understanding Property Taxes with Alder Badri Lankella: District 7 Alder Badri Lankella will continue his Lunch & Learn series on Monday, March 9th, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Join us on Zoom for an informative hour with Michelle Drea from the Assessor's Office and David Schmiedicke from the Finance…[posted February 25, 2026]
• Mayor and Alders Propose New Funding for Utility Rebate Program: Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and several members of the Common Council are advancing legislation to reduce utility bills for low-income families in Madison. [posted February 23, 2026]

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

• Vaccine Clinic at Leopold Elementary School, Saturday, March 7: All vaccines are free for eligible individuals. Children six months and older who lack insurance, are under 19, and are either Alaskan Native or American Indian, as well as those with BadgerCare or most other types of insurance, can receive vaccinations at no cost.
• 2026 Tee Off Party, Saturday, March 7: We're teeing off the 2026 golf season with our Annual Tee Off Party at Odana Hills Golf Course!
• Freeze for Food 5K/10K, Saturday, March 7: Lace up for the 45th Annual Freeze for Food! In partnership with Open Doors for Refugees(link is external), Freeze for Food raises funds for local food security initiatives and support refugees.

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