
Week of May 26th 2025
postedDear Neighbors,
As we close out May and head into summer, I’m grateful for the continued dialogue, collaboration, and participation that help make District 7 a better place for all. This past week was filled with productive meetings and valuable community engagement. I’m excited to share the highlights with you, as well as what’s on the horizon.
Highlights from the Past Week
Monday, May 19, 2025 – 4:30 PM: Sustainable Madison Committee Meeting
We had an energizing discussion on environmental initiatives, including Dane County’s innovative sustainability campus and expanded composting efforts. These projects aim to make our waste systems more sustainable while creating green jobs. I also learned more about the Dane County Climate Champions Program, which encourages businesses and organizations to lead on climate action.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 – 6:30 PM: Common Council Meeting
At this hybrid session, the Finance Department presented a detailed overview of the City Budget. We’re approaching a critical period of planning and community input. I’ll be closely reviewing how resources are allocated, especially for affordable housing, infrastructure, and public safety and will keep you informed on ways to participate.
AANHPI Month Recognition Resolution
I was proud to introduce my first honoring resolution at the Common Council to recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It was an honor to present letters of recognition to local AANHPI-owned businesses in District 7 who have enriched our community through culture, service, and entrepreneurship.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – 4:30 PM: Board of Public Works Meeting
We reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on ensuring that District 7’s needs are met in future planning. I continue to advocate for investment in our streets, sidewalks, and stormwater systems.
Friday, May 23, 2025 – 2:00 PM: Meeting with Economic Development Section Staff
I met with staff from the City’s Economic Development Division to explore opportunities for strengthening District 7’s business corridors. We discussed ways to support small business growth, activate underutilized commercial spaces, and foster equitable development across the district.
Saturday, May 24, 2025 – 9:00 AM: West Side Community Market
Thank you to all who stopped by to chat at the West Side Community Market! I always value the chance to hear your ideas, concerns, and hopes for the district over fresh produce and local goods, of course.
Looking Ahead
Here’s what’s on the docket for this week:
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 4:30 PM: Finance Committee Meeting
We’ll be reviewing budget-related items and funding priorities across city departments. I’ll continue to advocate for transparent and equitable allocation of resources that directly benefit District 7 residents.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 – Meeting with the Mayor
I’ll be meeting with Mayor Rhodes-Conway to discuss District 7 priorities, including affordable housing, infrastructure needs, and economic development opportunities. I look forward to ensuring your voices are part of the conversation at the highest levels of city leadership.
Thursday, May 29, 2025 8:00 AM: MMSD Commissioner Meeting
As a newly sworn-in commissioner, I’ll participate in this meeting to further our work on wastewater management, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure planning. I’ll meet with few other staff after the meeting to understand the staff augmentation.
Friday, May 30, 2025 – TID and Land Acquisition Staff Meeting
I’ll be meeting with city staff to discuss Tax Increment District (TID) strategies and potential land acquisitions that could be used to support economic development, affordable housing, and green space improvements in District 7.
Stay Connected
Your feedback is vital to everything we do. If you have a question, concern, or idea to improve life in our district, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to listen and act on your behalf.
Warm regards,
Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7
Email: district7@cityofmadison.com
Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of May 26, 2025
Updates and Notices
- The City of Madison will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Observance of Memorial Day.
- Email Scam (Phishing Attempt): We have heard about emails requesting payments for Conditional Use Permits that are pretending to come from the City of Madison. These emails are a scam (phishing attempt). The City of Madison will always send emails from “cityofmadison.com.” If you get an email from any other domain it is fraudulent.
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 Tuesday, May 27, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include an overview of 2026 Capital Budget requests.
If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.
Announcements and News Releases
- Metro Service Reduced on Monday, 5/26: Due to the holiday, buses will follow Sunday schedules. [posted May 23, 2025]
- Information on Special Election for Dane County Supervisor District 1 : A Special Election is being held on Tuesday, June 17 for the District 1 seat on the Dane County Board of Supervisors. [posted May 23, 2025]
- Lake Vista Café Opens for the Season: Enjoy casual gourmet fare and drinks and sprawling views of Lake Monona and downtown Madison at Lake Vista Café on the Monona Terrace Community… [posted May 22, 2025]
- Madison Police Department invites students to join the 2025 Black Youth Academy: MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Police Department is proud to announce the return of the Black Youth Academy, a free, weeklong summer program designed to build trust, leadership and life skills among Black youth in our community. [posted May 22, 2025]
- Street Closures for Monona Memorial Day Parade: Multiple streets, including Monona Drive, will be closed on Monday, May 26th for the annual Monona Memorial Day Parade. The parade route runs from Monona Grove High School to Sennett Middle School. Street closures will begin at 9:00am with the… [posted May 22, 2025]
- Lane Closures for Run Madtown Races: Multiple streets will be impacted on Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th for the annual Run Madtown race. Beginning at 7pm, the Twilight 5K will start and end on the 700 block of State St with the route looping through the… [posted May 22, 2025]
- Royal Thai Pavilion Earns 2025 Historic Preservation Award : The Royal Thai Pavilion is the 2025 Historic Preservation Award Recipient for its meticulous revival at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. [posted May 22, 2025]
- How to watch the 2025 MPD Awards Ceremony: The Madison Police Department is hosting its annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday. The event is a way to honor officers, professional staff and community members for their bravery and commitment to public safety. The event takes place… [posted May 21, 2025]
- Madison Water Utility Releases Annual Drinking Water Quality Report: The report provides an overview of the tens of thousands of drinking water quality tests conducted in 2024 [posted May 21, 2025]
- Announcing Madison’s First Art Trucks: The City of Madison now has two collection vehicles that have been transformed into rolling murals. [posted May 21, 2025]
- Metro Transit and MMSD Partner Again for Free Summer Passes: The Summer Youth Pass allows students to ride Metro FREE all summer long, making it easier to get to jobs, athletic camps, and other fun summer destinations around Madison. [posted May 19, 2025]
- No Streets Division Collections on Monday, May 26, 2025 in Observance of Memorial Day: There will be no recycling, trash, brush, or large item collections performed by the City of Madison Streets Division on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The Streets Division drop-off sites will also be closed. Trash… [posted May 19, 2025]
- Street Closure – Schewe Road between White Fox Lane and Old Sauk Road: Starting Thursday, May 22nd, Capital Underground will close Schewe Road, between White Fox Lane and Old Sauk Road, for utility installation and road construction associated with the Crest at Eagle Trace development. The street is expected to reopen… [posted May 19, 2025]
- Ordinance Change Proposed to Streamline Entertainment License Process for Local Businesses: A group of alders is introducing a set of changes to the City of Madison’s ordinances to streamline the process for local businesses seeking an Entertainment License for indoor live music. [posted May 19, 2025]
- 2025 Property Tax Base of the City of Madison: The City Assessor is responsible for the assessment process including: Center Garage Fiber Upgrade on May 19: [posted May 19, 2025]
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
- South Madison Farmer's Market, Tuesday, May 27: The Greater Madison MPO at the South Madison Farmer's Market sharing information about the Active Transportation Plan for Dane County, which focuses on improving biking, walking, and rolling across the region.
- FOOT - Free Concerts in Olin Pavilion, Wednesday, May 28 (This event occurs on multiple dates): FREE concerts return to the Olin Park pavilion on Wednesdays in May from 6 to 8 PM. Mark Croft duo - Americana with fiddlin' on Wednesday, May 28.
- Basic Household Plumbing by Project Home, Wednesday, May 28: Ever wonder what’s really going on behind your walls when you flush the toilet or turn on the tap? Demystify your home’s plumbing system with Basic Household Plumbing! This hands-on course will take you from clueless to confident, covering everything from how your plumbing works to tackling common repairs like toilet and faucet replacements.
- Yahara Fishing Club Kids Fishing Day, Saturday, May 31: The first 300 kids receive a free fishing rod and bait along with help from Yahara Fishing Club members. The day coincides with the Wisconsin “free fishing weekend”, so adults can fish without a license. A free lunch of hot dogs, chips, and soft drink will be provided after the fishing.
- Gratitude in Nature: Goats and Yoga, Sunday, June 1 (This event occurs on multiple dates): We've partnered with the Friends of Olin Turville (FOOT) for a unique experience blending yoga, goat education, and volunteerism! Stretch, learn about goats, and contribute to local conservation efforts. This event offers something for everyone—yoga lovers, animal enthusiasts, and nature advocates alike!
Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.