Week of September 1, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you well. I was out of the country last week visiting India, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, and I’m excited to be back in Madison, reconnecting with our community and resuming city work. Traveling abroad always gives me perspective, and I look forward to sharing ideas that may inspire us here at home.

Highlights from Last Week ("Week of August 25, 2025")

• Parks Alive Series: Galaxy Park, Sandburg Park, and Hammersley Park each hosted wonderful evenings of food, fun, and connection.
• Wilson Street Corridor Ribbon-Cutting: On August 27, we celebrated upgrades to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
• Community Events: From Monday Mornings at The Glen to Bird & Nature Adventures at Edna Taylor, neighbors came together to enjoy Madison’s natural spaces.
• Goodman Pool Closure: The season wrapped up on August 31.
• Construction Notices: Road closures and repairs across the city continued—thank you for your patience during these important upgrades.

Read last week’s full blog here »

Upcoming This Week

Connecting with Our Westside Districts: Alder Meet & Greet

Join us on Wednesday, September 10, from 6–8 p.m. at the Wisconsin Neighborhood Center (Vel Phillips Memorial High School). This casual meet-and-greet will give you the chance to connect with your Westside Alders about neighborhood priorities. Light refreshments will be served.
More details »

Common Council Meetings

You can attend in person at the City-County Building (Room 201) or virtually, and all meetings are broadcast on Madison City Channel.

Register for public comment or watch online at the Common Council page ».

Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of September 1, 2025

Updates and Notices

• City offices closed Monday, September 1 for Labor Day (emergency services remain open).
  • Water Emergency: Call Madison Water Utility at 608-266-4665 (24/7).
  • Sanitary Sewer Backup: Call 608-266-4430.
  • Report a Problem: Non-emergencies can be reported online.

Boards, Commissions, and Committees

• Finance Committee – Tuesday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m. (hybrid). Key item: modifying Police Civilian Oversight Board appointment process.
• Board of Public Works – Wednesday, September 3 at 4:30 p.m. (virtual). Key item: enhancing street tree protection.
• Community Development Block Grant Committee – Thursday, September 4 at 5:30 p.m. (virtual). Key item: allocating $3.5M in City and Federal funds for homeless services and housing starting 2026.

Meeting schedules, agendas, and registration »

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

• Canter & Woods Farm Parks Master Plan – Thursday, September 4. Planning for two new 5-acre parks on the northeast side.

Announcements and News Releases

• Westside Alder Meet & Greet (Sept. 10)
• Street closures (E Main & S Hancock – Sept. 2)
• Public Art for Bartillon Men’s Shelter – community meeting
• Road closures for Taste of Madison (Labor Day weekend)
• Rockin’ Brews Marathon (Aug. 30)
• Smart Trips Challenge – sustainable transportation rewards
• Back to School – drive safely in school zones
• Two new AED SaveStations downtown
• New Metro Transit General Manager – Jamie Acton
• Madison Public Library’s 150th Anniversary card
• Half-price Youth Fast Fare
• No Streets Division services on Labor Day

Community Events

• From Council to Community: Meet Your Eastside & Northside Alders – Wednesday, September 3, at Madison College.
• Live at The Glen: Mike Schneider Polka Band – Friday, September 5.
• 5th Annual Madison Good Neighbor Gathering – Sunday, September 7, noon–4 p.m., Brittingham Park.

See the full City calendar for more events »

Looking Ahead

As we begin September, I look forward to engaging with residents at community gatherings, continuing Council work, and hearing your ideas. Please reach out with your questions or concerns, your input shapes how we build a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Madison.

Thank You
Badri Lankella
Alder - District 7