City-County Building
Common Council

Week of July 14, 2025

posted 

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:

Intern Team Spotlight: Advancing Sustainability Initiatives

Last week, I had the pleasure of working with our new intern staff to promote the city's sustainability initiatives. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives are invaluable as we strive to make Madison a greener and more resilient city. Together, we're focusing on projects that aim to reduce our carbon footprint and enhance environmental awareness across District 7.

Art Fair on the Square: A Celebration of Creativity

Over the weekend, I attended the Art Fair on the Square, hosted by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA). The event showcased an impressive array of artworks from local and national artists, transforming our downtown into a vibrant hub of creativity. It was inspiring to see so many community members engaging with the arts and supporting our local artists.

Southwest Area Plan: Community Engagement Opportunities

The City of Madison is actively working on the Southwest Area Plan, which aims to guide the physical development of our community, including land use, housing, transit, streets, and bike paths. City of Madison, WI

An upcoming Art Workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 23, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Meadowood Neighborhood Center. This session invites artists and creatives to share their ideas and concerns about the area, contributing to the plan through a visual and expressive lens. City of Madison, WI

For more information and to stay updated on events and ways to participate, please visit the Southwest Area Plan page.City of Madison, WI

SWAP Art Workshop
Image credit: City of Madison DPCED Planning

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Monday, July 14: Meeting with MMSD Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard

I will be meeting with Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard to discuss collaborative efforts between the city and schools, focusing on infrastructure planning and educational initiatives.

Tuesday, July 15: Common Council Meeting

  • Time: 6:30 PM
  • Location: City-County Building, Room 201, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Madison, WI 53703
  • Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
  • Agenda Highlights: Discussion on three Housing Forward proposals aimed at expanding housing options and improving affordability.
  • Watch Online: City of Madison MeetingsCity of Madison, WI

Wednesday, July 16: Board of Public Works Meeting

Thursday, July 17: Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Commission Meeting

  • Time: 8:00 AM
  • Location: Maintenance Facility Training Room, 1610 Moorland Rd, Madison, WI 53713
  • Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
  • Agenda Highlights: Approval of June 26 meeting minutes, cash statement for the capital fund, and expedited boundary annexation for SSM Health Campus in Verona.
  • Watch Online: MMSD Commission Meeting
  • Meeting ID: 831 9509 9679
  • Phone Access: 1-312-626-6799

As always, I encourage you to participate in these meetings and share your thoughts. Your engagement is vital to our community's growth and well-being.

Warm regards,

Badri Lankella

Alder – District 7

Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of July 14, 2025

Updates and Notices

Farmers' Markets: Find the locations and schedules for farmers' markets near you!

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.

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

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

Parks Alive Dates!

Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city and throughout the summer. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Events start at 5:00 p.m.

Please find additional upcoming City of Madison Parks events listed on the City parks event calendar.

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

Was this page helpful to you?

District 7 - Alder Lankella

Alder Badri Lankella

Alder Badri Lankella

District 7
Contact Alder Lankella

Categories