Meeting Highlights and Updates for the Week of Feb 5th

• MPD: Recruitment Open House, Wednesday, February 7: Come learn about our agency, its mission to public service and the various careers available within the Madison Police Department. Our recruiting officer will talk attendees through our application and the hiring process. 
• Metro Transit Info Sessions: Learn how to get around the city with help from Metro Transit! Whether you're looking to navigate the bus system or find alternative options, these helpful information sessions led by Metro employees will connect you to the services that are right for you. Several sessions are planned in library locations between January and April 2024. Metro employees will be available for one-on-one conversations in English and Spanish. No registration required; all are welcome!
• February 8, 10am - 1pm | Central Library

Announcements & News Releases

• Affordable Connectivity Program – ACP Windown: In 2021, Congress established the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, appropriating $14.2 billion. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was tasked to develop and implement the ACP as well as ACP outreach and awareness activities. As of January 2024, over 22 million households are enrolled and receiving the ACP monthly benefit. Without additional funding from Congress, the allotted $14.2 billion to fund the ACP is projected to run out in April 2024 (this date is an estimate and may change). As a result, the FCC has begun taking steps to wind down. This includes:
  • ACP applications and enrollments will not be processed after February 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET. 
  • Households who have applied, been approved, and are receiving the monthly internet discount before February 8, 2024, will continue to receive their ACP benefit until ACP funds run out, as long as the household remains enrolled in the program.   
  • After the ACP funds run out (projected in April 2024), households participating in the ACP will no longer receive the ACP discounts.
  • We’re hearing from community partners that some ISPs are telling customer the program isn’t running anymore; this is inaccurate—if households are enrolled (not just have applied) by February 7, they can still benefit until the funds run out.
• Northside Community Resource Fair: Thursday, February 8, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center
• City of Madison Recertified as a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community :  The City of Madison has been recertified as a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Every four years, the City is required to apply to continue to be designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community and since 2015…
• How to Watch: 2024 State of Public Safety: The Madison Police Department remains committed to providing the highest level of service to the Madison community. On Thursday, Chief Shon Barnes will share year-end crime data from 2023. He, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Melinda Knuth, the…
• Spring Primary Absentee Ballots are in the Mail: The City of Madison Clerk’s Office has mailed absentee ballots to 553 voters for the February 20 primary election.Most Madison residents do not have a February Primary. The only Madison residents with a primary are voters in County Supervisor…
• The City of Madison's Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program, Launched February 1st, 2024!: As part of a broader strategy to foster stable and sustainable communities in the City of Madison, the Community Development Division is now offering low -interest loans ranging from $75,000 to $200,000, depending on property size, to owners of rental properties to improve their housing stock. With these loans, property owners can make major repairs, implement energy-efficiency upgrades, and take steps needed to comply with building codes and regulations. These updates will help improve the health, safety, and welfare of tenants who live in these buildings. 

Save the date: Westside community Connections on 2/15 at 6pm

Please join me, Alder Duncan, and Alder Harrington-McKinney as we host Charlie Romines, Streets Superintendent, and Bryan Johnson, Streets Public Information Officer. Considering the recent heavy snowfall, Charlie Romines, and Bryan Johnson, will address resident concerns and present on winter weather policies and practices. There will be an opportunity for a Q&A to answer questions from residents about snowplowing, salt routes, salt vs sand, etc. Please register at: www.cityofmadison.com/westsidecommunityconnections.