Week of July 7th 2025

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you had a joyful and safe Fourth of July weekend! Whether you gathered with neighbors for fireworks, enjoyed music in the parks, or simply took a moment to relax, this holiday reminded us of the value of community and the freedoms we strive to uphold.

This week’s update includes follow-ups from last week’s meetings, new announcements, and upcoming engagement opportunities. As always, thank you for staying involved and informed.

🏘 Housing Forward – Thank You for Engaging!

Thank you to everyone who attended the July 2 Housing Forward public information session. Your questions and feedback on zoning reform, setbacks, and lot sizes show how invested our community is in shaping Madison’s growth.

These proposals aim to expand housing options, improve affordability, and promote equity in development. If you weren’t able to attend, a recording and summary will be available on the City’s Planning Division website soon. I’ll continue working with colleagues to ensure District 7’s concerns and aspirations are reflected in the next steps.

🌆 Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth in Our District

The conversations around the Southwest Area Plan continue to evolve. In my recent meetings with Planning staff, I emphasized the need to align development with infrastructure, especially in areas near schools, parks, and stormwater systems.

I also met with city and neighborhood leaders to begin identifying strategies for green infrastructure and climate resilience. As the draft plan progresses, I’ll be reaching out with new ways to get involved — including neighborhood listening sessions later this summer.

🚨 Public Safety: July 4th Weekend Coordination

Last Thursday, I met with West District Police leadership to review the Fourth of July weekend safety plan. From fireworks enforcement to traffic patrols and event monitoring, our police team took proactive steps to keep neighborhoods safe.

Thank you to all the officers who worked over the holiday and to residents who reported concerns responsibly. While the weekend was generally smooth, we’ll evaluate this year’s outcomes and look for improvements ahead of next year’s celebrations.

If you have safety-related feedback or incidents to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office or the West District.

🧹 Recycle Better, Madison!

On July 2, the Sustain Dane / City of Madison “Recycle Better” course kicked off its final session of the year. These free classes help residents understand what goes where and how we can all do our part to reduce contamination and support a more sustainable recycling system.

If you missed this session but are interested in future waste and sustainability programs, let me know. I’ll advocate for more neighborhood-based events and workshops.

🌳 Celebrating Our Parks and Green Spaces

July is National Park and Recreation Month, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate:

• Keep an eye out for Parks Alive events nearly every evening this week.
• Enjoy a stroll, a concert, or yoga at one of our public parks or green spaces.
• The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Country Grove Park Shelter is coming soon. I’ll share the official date once confirmed!

Let’s continue enjoying and caring for the incredible outdoor spaces that make our neighborhoods vibrant and healthy.

📣 City Announcements

• 🌈Disability Pride Month: The City raised the Disability Pride Flag in celebration of the ADA’s 35th anniversary.
• 🚍Metro Transit: You can now pay bus fares with credit cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• 🌧Flooding Reminder: Be cautious during heavy rains. Avoid driving through flooded streets and report infrastructure issues promptly.

🙏 Thank You

Your engagement, whether it’s attending a public meeting, picking up litter at the park, or asking questions about zoning helps make District 7 a stronger and more responsive community. I’m proud to serve as your Alder and look forward to seeing many of you at events and meetings in the weeks ahead.

Stay safe, stay connected, and as always, feel free to reach out to share a thought or ask a question.

Warm regards,
Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7

Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of July 7, 2025

Updates and Notices

Goodman Pool: The Goodman Pool is open daily, weather permitting, through Sunday, August 24.

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.

• Police and Fire Commission: The Police and Fire Commission meeting will take place on Monday, July 7, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a discussion of the Police Chief hiring process.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Watch Online
• Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, July 7, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests in Districts 3, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 20.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Transportation Commission: The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 9, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Police and Fire Commission: The Police and Fire Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 9, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a discussion of the Police Chief hiring process.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Watch Online

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

• City of Madison to Unveil Sculpture in Darbo-Worthington Neighborhood: The City of Madison Arts Commission is inviting the community to attend the unveiling of "Mother and Child," a new sculpture by Detroit-based artist Austen Brantley. [posted July 2, 2025]
• Public Health Launches Digital Partner Services to Help Stop Spread of STIs(link is external): Public Health Madison & Dane County is launching a new initiative designed to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) more efficiently. [posted July 2, 2025]
• Celebrate Safely this Holiday Weekend : Over the holiday weekend, residents are encouraged to use Madison's fabulous network of parks and greenspaces. [posted July 2, 2025]
• Alder Madison to Host Coffee House Tour while Acting Mayor : Ald. Sabrina Madison, who is serving as Acting Mayor from July 3-6, is hosting a coffee house tour of Madison. [posted July 1, 2025]
• 5 Bison Collected, 15 to Go: Madison’s Food Scraps Program Stampeding Toward Its Goal: The City of Madison has three drop-off sites for food scraps at neighborhood farmers’ markets. They are located at the South Madison Farmers’ Market, the Eastside Madison Farmers’ Market, and the Westside Community Market. This year, we want to… [posted July 1, 2025]
• Statement from Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on State Budget Deal: Thank you to our legislative leaders and everyone across the state that helped advocate for a common-sense increase to the Municipal Service Program. [posted July 1, 2025]
• Metro Service Reduced on Friday, July 4: Due to the holiday, Metro will follow Sunday schedules on Friday, 7/4. [posted June 30, 2025]
• Celebrating National Park and Recreation Month in July: Join Madison Parks and Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) for National Park and Recreation Month as we celebrate throughout July, how parks and recreation help create thriving communities. This year’s theme, “Build Together, Play… [posted June 30, 2025]
• No Streets Division Collections on Friday, July 4, 2025: There will be no trash, recycling, brush, or large item collection on Friday, July 4, 2025, by the Streets Division in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The Streets Division drop-off sites and offices will also be closed. Trash &… [posted June 30, 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

• Monday Mornings at The Glen, Monday, July 7, 2025: Enjoy The Glen for a stroll, nature, workout or leashed dog walk from sunrise to 8:00 am. Tee times resume at hole #1 at 8:00am. Visitors should be alert for golf balls and golfers while exiting the course.
• Rooftop Yoga, Monday, July 7: Join us on the beautiful Monona Terrace William T. Evjue Rooftop Garden for a unique yoga experience that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and balanced. This yoga class is perfect for all levels, with a focus on gentle movements, meditation and deep breathing to calm the mind and body.
• Parks Alive, Monday, July 7: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share fun, family-friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, free food, music and the occasional movie will be free. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer. Allied Park Dates & Theme: July 7 - Sports & Games
• District 11 Community Town Hall, Monday, July 7: The District 11 community is invited to join Alder Bill Tishler for a discussion on the 2026 City Budget and the 2025 Housing Forward Proposals.
• Lakeside Kids: Bubble Wonders, Tuesday, July 8: Join us for another exciting summer season of Lakeside Kids! – a free, interactive series featuring science, culture, arts and entertainment. Designed for kids ages 4+, this event provides hands on fun and learning in an engaging and dynamic setting.
• Darbo-Worthington Neighborhood Sculpture Unveiling, Tuesday, July 8: The City of Madison Arts Commission is inviting the community to attend the unveiling of "Mother and Child," a new sculpture by Detroit-based artist Austen Brantley, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 4:30pm. 
• Parks Alive, Tuesday, July 8: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share fun, family-friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer.
• Learn to Standup Paddleboard, Tuesday, July 8: Learn to Standup Paddleboard with Madison Boats! Register online for this free class offered at Marshall Park. Beginners will learn basic information about equipment and proper technique. After a few demonstrations, participants will learn how to balance with a chance to practice their new skills!
• Visit RoundTrip & the MPO @ a Free Bike Repair Event!, Wednesday, July 9: Join us at the Kennedy Heights Community Center in Madison for a free bike repair event(link is external)—open to all!
• Live @ Lake Vista: Bear in the Forest - Alberto Kanost (Singer/Songwriter), Wednesday, July 9: Join us at Lake Vista Café on the rooftop overlooking lovely Lake Monona for live music in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Parks Alive, Wednesday, July 9: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share fun, family-friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer.
• Conservation Park Tour, Wednesday, July 9: Conservation Park Tours are educational staff-guided walks held at various conservation parks on the 2nd Wednesday, May - October. Topics vary and include highlights of the past, present and future of the land.
• Movie in the Park | Air Bud, Wednesday, July 9: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park!
• Parks Alive at Penn Park, Thursday, July 10: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share fun, family-friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer.
• Learn to Nordic Walk, Thursday, July 10: Turn your walk into a full-body workout with Nordic walking!  We've partnered with Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki) for a free class.  Participants of all ages are welcome and will explore the park and learn how to use walking poles for a cardio and strength-building workout.  
• Movie in the Park | Racing Stripes, Thursday, July 10: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park!
• Concerts on the Rooftop: Eddie Butts Band (Pop/Funk/Top 40), Thursday, July 10: Enjoy the unparalleled experience of sensational bands and breathtaking views at Concerts on the Rooftop! Dance the night away or just relax with family and friends, A truly unique Madison event.
• Live at The Glen | Feestet, Friday, July 11: Madison Parks Foundation is proud to present Live at The Glen! Enjoy live music on the patio at The Glen Golf Park. Feestet (link is external)(pronounced “Feest-tet”) is a Madison-based, post-pandemic jazz ensemble fronted by vocalist Helen Feest.
• Adapted Open Swim, Friday, July 11: Join MSCR for Adapted Open Swim, a free and inclusive event at the Goodman Pool! These swim sessions are designed for individuals of all abilities, their caregivers and families to enjoy the water all together in a supportive space.
• Mobile Vaccination Clinic - Leopold Elementary School, Saturday, July 12: All vaccines are free to children six months and older who do not have insurance, are under 19, and are Alaskan Native or American Indian, have BadgerCare, or have most other types of insurance.
• Inspired by Wright: Tour & Art Making Experience, Saturday, July 12: Enjoy a double dose of artistic inspiration when you follow up your visit to Art Fair On the Square with our Inspired by Wright event at Monona Terrace.

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