Proposed Williamson Street Business Stabilization Program

At the last full Common Council meeting I introduced a resolution to establish a grant program for businesses within a block of the Willy / Baldwin intersection that were impacted by the extended protest following the police shooting of Corey Ruiz.

Over the past couple of weeks, members of the Economic Development Division have created a plan that would set up a $300,000 fund to aid the approximately 29 businesses within this area. It would be funded by using $100,000 that was budgeted but not spent from the Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development (DPCED) and the remaining $200,000 from the city's Contingent Reserve.

Grants would be given based on loss of sales, how the business would use the money (payroll, rent, etc.) and whether or not the applicant had business interruption insurance, among other factors. You can read the full resolution on Legistar at this link.

Business owners are only one potential benefactor from this program. We know that dozens of neighbors are employed by these businesses. Many businesses continued to pay their employees even when they couldn't work. It's a complicated and nuanced situation, but I believe this program has the potential to do a lot of good.

This resolution was considered at the Business and Economic Resource Committee on 8/19 and passed unanimously. It is next in front of the Finance Committee this Monday, 8/31, then will head to the Common Council on 9/8.

Updates and Notices

• Opening Date Set for Imagination Center at Reindahl Park: Save the date for the opening of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park hosted by Madison Public Library, City of Madison Engineering, Madison Parks and Madison Public Library Foundation. The Imagination Center at Reindahl Park is a multifunctional indoor-outdoor facility containing both a library and four-season parks pavilion. The building will open on Friday, September 25 with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Library, City, and State officials at 3-4pm. Following the ribbon cutting, neighbors and residents are invited to an opening weekend of activities, including building tours, a how-to corner, nature walks, food trucks, a movie in the park, and more. 
• The Smart Trips Challenge Is Almost Here! With fall routines and the new school year beginning, September is a great time to try a different way of getting around. Bike to school with your kids, take the bus to meet up with friends, carpool with coworkers, or walk/roll for a nearby errand. These options can help you save money, add some activity to your day, and reduce your carbon footprint. The challenge is free and open to anyone age 18 or older who lives or works in Dane County. Create a free RoundTrip account and log your eligible trips for chances to win more than a dozen weekly and grand prize drawings. Join the 2026 Smart Trips Challenge!

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.

• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, August 31, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing the Economic Development Division to administer a Williamson Street Business Stabilization Support Program, as well as transferring $28,500 from the contingent reserve to the Office of the Independent Monitor for additional staffing and services costs.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, August 31, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests in Districts 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 15, and 20.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

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

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

• Stoughton Rd. Redesign Public Information Meeting hosted by Alder Field & Alder O'Brien, Thursday, September 3: Join Alder Derek Field of District 3 and Alder Sean O'Brien of District 16 on Thursday, September 3rd, for an in-person public meeting on the Stoughton Rd. Redesign. During this meeting City Planning and Transportation staff will provide information about the project, with a question and answers session to follow.

Announcements and News Releases

• Street Closures for UW-Madison Housing Move In: Starting at 6:00am on Saturday, August 29th, multiple streets will be closed for the annual UW-Madison Housing Move In. The closures will be in effect daily from 6:00am to 6:00pm on August 29th, 30th, and 31st.The following streets will be… [posted August 28, 2026]
• John Nolen Drive Traffic Pattern Changes Active Through Spring 2027: Starting at 6:00 am on Tuesday, September 1, the left turn from southbound Broom Street onto John Nolen Drive will close to facilitate the remaining construction activities and improve safety at the intersection for all users.This traffic… [posted August 27, 2026]
• Sewer Construction on East Washington Avenue Begins Monday, Expect Traffic Delays Through October: Starting on Monday, August 31, and continuing until approximately Friday, October 9, Stevens Construction will be conducting sanitary sewer installation for the private development project at 720 E Washington Avenue. [posted August 26, 2026]
• Pick Up An Artist-Designed Yard Sign to Celebrate the Opening of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park:
• Residents on the northeast side of Madison are invited to pick up a free yard sign from three Madison Public Library locations beginning September 1, 2026. [posted August 26, 2026]
• State Street Campus Garage Officially Open: The newly completed State Street Campus redevelopment Project brings public parking, student housing, and regional bus service to downtown Madison. [posted August 25, 2026]
• Winners Announced for 2026 WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest : MADISON, WI -- Three young Madison writers were announced and recognized this week as the winners of Madison Public Library and Forward Madison FC's 5th Annual WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest. [posted August 24, 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

• International Overdose Awareness Day, Monday, August 31: International Overdose Awareness Day provides a space for remembrance, connection, and healing for those impacted by loss.
• Louka & Co., Friday, September 4: Get ready for an unforgettable evening on the Glen Patio with Louka & Co(external), a dynamic group known for their eclectic blend of bluegrass and beyond.

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