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Week of October 13, 2025

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Dear Neighbors,

I hope you all had a restful and reflective Indigenous Peoples’ Day. As we honor the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous communities, it’s also a good time to reflect on how our city’s work through collaboration, stewardship, and equity, connects us to this land and to one another.

Although Public Health Madison & Dane County offices were closed today in observance of the holiday, most City offices remained open, and City operations continue as usual this week.

Budget Season in Full Swing

Budget discussions are underway across City committees.
The Finance Committee meets Monday, October 13, at 4:30 p.m. (virtual) to review the 2026 Executive Operating Budget and consider several grant applications. A second Finance Committee meeting will follow on Tuesday, October 14, focused on the detailed budget hearing (public comment will not be taken at that meeting).

The Mayor’s 2026 Executive Operating Budget, released last week, prioritizes maintaining high-quality services and investing in public safety, affordable housing, sustainability, and community well-being. I encourage residents to review the proposal and share your thoughts as we move into the next stage of deliberations.

City Boards and Commissions

Later this week, the Plan Commission meets Thursday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. in the Madison Municipal Building (Room 215). Discussion items include updates on the Curb Management Framework and Urban Design Commission Code, important components of how we balance growth, mobility, and design across our neighborhoods.

Serving on a City board, commission, or committee is a great way to contribute to Madison’s future. If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved, please take a moment to explore the City’s committee membership opportunities.

News and Announcements Around Madison

There’s a lot happening across our city this week:

  • John Nolen Drive Reconstruction begins today, October 13. Expect traffic to narrow to one lane each way between Lakeside and Broom Streets. Please allow extra travel time and use caution in construction zones.

Reconstruction of John Nolen Drive will begin on Monday, October 13. During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Lakeside Street and Broom Street. North Shore Drive and Broom Street will also be reduced to one lane in each direction where they intersect with John Nolen Drive. The southbound left turn from Broom Street onto John Nolen Drive will be closed for the duration of the project.

Additionally, there will be several overnight full closures of northbound John Nolen Drive and the Capital City Trail—between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.—to allow for storm sewer installation.  Advance notification will be provided prior to those closures.

Drivers should expect significant travel delays, especially during weekday morning and afternoon peak travel times, and are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible.

The project contractor, Zenith Tech, will begin with preliminary median work, including the installation of temporary traffic signals and the construction of temporary median crossovers at both ends of the project. This first stage is expected to last approximately one month.

John Nolen Construction
Image credit: City of Madison

Future stages of construction

During the second stage, traffic in both directions will shift to the current northbound lanes while crews reconstruct the southbound lanes over the winter. This configuration will remain in place through summer 2026, with additional sub-stages during that time requiring temporary closures of Broom Street and North Shore Drive, at separate times, for intersection reconstruction.

The third stage, beginning in late summer 2026, will move traffic to the newly completed southbound lanes while work continues on the northbound side. During this stage, the Capital City Trail will be closed along the causeway and detoured around Monona Bay. This traffic pattern will remain in effect until project completion, currently anticipated in summer 2027.  Madison LakeWay (Lake Monona waterfront) construction is anticipated to begin immediately thereafter.

For project details and updates, including the recent pre-construction meeting recording, please visit the  John Nolen Drive project website.  

 

  • The City of Madison Common Council recently approved new Housing Forward changes to make it easier to build a variety of housing types throughout the city, an important step toward addressing affordability and housing access.
  • Art installations are beginning at the Madison Public Market, bringing local creativity to this long-anticipated project.
  • Public art is also transforming West Gilman Street, adding vibrancy and storytelling to our downtown corridor through the SafeGrowth Initiative.
  • October is Pedestrian Safety Month—a timely reminder to slow down, be alert, and help keep our community’s streets safe for everyone, especially as daylight hours shorten.

City Meetings and Engagement Opportunities

As always, there are several opportunities this week to stay engaged with city government and community planning.

Finance Committee

  • Monday, October 13 – 4:30 PM (Virtual)
    Agenda highlights include a briefing on the 2026 Executive Operating Budget and discussions on various grant applications from the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
    [Meeting Details] | [Agenda] | [Register for Public Comment] | [Watch Online]
  • Tuesday, October 14 – 4:30 PM (Virtual)
    The committee will hold a budget hearing on the 2026 Executive Operating Budget. Public comment will not be taken at this session.
    [Meeting Details] | [Agenda] | [Watch Online]

Plan Commission

  • Thursday, October 16 – 5:00 PM | Room 215, Madison Municipal Building (215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)
    Agenda items include updates on the Curb Management Framework and Urban Design Commission Code.
    [Meeting Details] | [Agenda] | [Register for Public Comment] | [Watch Online]

If you’ve ever considered serving on a City board, commission, or committee, now is a great time to get involved. Learn more and apply on the City’s Committee Membership page.

Public Information and Announcements

  • James Madison Park Improvement Project
    Public Information Meeting – Tuesday, October 14
    Madison Parks will host a meeting to discuss rebuilding the retaining wall around the Lincoln School Apartments. Advanced registration required.
  • John Nolen Drive Reconstruction begins Monday, October 13, reducing traffic to one lane in each direction between Lakeside Street and Broom Street. Expect delays and plan alternate routes when possible.
  • Common Council Adopts Housing Forward Reforms
    The Council unanimously approved the latest Housing Forward proposals, making it easier to build more types of housing across Madison, continuing our shared commitment to affordable and sustainable housing options.
  • Mayor Releases 2026 Executive Operating Budget
    This proposal supports services and staff essential to keeping Madison thriving and well-run. Learn more on the City’s Budget page.
  • New Chief of Police Sworn In
    Congratulations to John Patterson, the newly appointed Chief of Police. With 27 years of service to MPD, Chief Patterson brings extensive experience and leadership to our community.
  • Public Art in the Historic Downtown Corridor
    The SafeGrowth Initiative continues to enliven West Gilman Street with new art installations that reflect creativity and community identity.
  • Pedestrian Safety Month
    October is Pedestrian Safety Month—please be mindful while driving, walking, or biking. Shorter days and school commutes make this an important time for extra caution.

Community Events

Enjoy fall in Madison by joining one of these great community events this week:

  • Learn to Fish – Tuesday, October 14
    Join Madison Parks for a fun introduction to fishing. All gear provided by the Fishmobile.
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Starkweather Creek – Saturday, October 18
    Transitioning to Winter with Master Naturalist Sean Gere. A family-friendly walk exploring seasonal changes in local ecosystems.
  • Volunteer at The Glen – Saturday, October 18
    Give back to your community and enjoy the outdoors while helping maintain The Glen.
  • Rock ‘N’ The Well Open House – Saturday, October 18 | Noon–4 PM
    A free family event hosted by Madison Water Utility featuring interactive exhibits about rocks, water, and motion.
  • Hayrides & Hikes – Saturday, October 18
    Enjoy a fall hayride and outdoor fun at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park with cider, campfires, and marshmallows.
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park – Sunday, October 19
    Reflections and Changes walk with Master Naturalist Lynn Persson. Discover the wild side of Warner Park.

You can find more upcoming events on the City of Madison Events Calendar.

District 7 Notes

I continue to meet with residents and city staff about topics important to our community, including transportation safety, housing opportunities, and neighborhood sustainability.
Thank you to everyone who has been participating in recent Lunch & Learn sessions, your engagement helps build stronger connections between residents, staff, and city leadership.

If you have neighborhood concerns, ideas, or would like to learn more about participating in city processes, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wishing everyone a safe and reflective Indigenous Peoples’ Day and a productive week ahead.


Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7

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 Monday, October 13, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a briefing on the 2026 Executive Operating Budget, as well as authorizing various applications for grant funding from the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration.
  • Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 14, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. This is a budget hearing on the 2026 Executive Operating Budget. Public comment will not be taken at this meeting.
  • Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Thursday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 215 of the Madison Municipal Building at 215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Agenda items include updates on the Curb Management Framework and the Urban Design Commission Code.

If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

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

  • Learn to Fish, Tuesday, October 14: Learn to Fish with Madison Parks. Participants will learn the basics of fishing. The Fishmobile, courtesy of Warner Park Community Recreation Center, will be on site with all the fishing equipment needed to participate.
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Starkweather Creek Area, Saturday, October 18: Transitioning to Winter ~ Join Master Naturalist Sean Gere with Friends of Starkweather Creek for a free family friendly guided tour along Starkweather Creek.  Enjoy Fall outdoors and learn how plants, trees, birds, insects and other animals are enjoying the bounty of Summer and getting ready for Winter.
  • Volunteer at The Glen, Saturday, October 18 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Volunteering at The Glen offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to your community, learn new skills, grow personally and professionally, and connect with like-minded individuals.
  • Rock ‘N’ The Well Open House, Saturday, October 18: Rocks! Water! Motion! Welcome to Madison Water Utility’s Rock ‘N’ The Well Open House 2025! This event is FREE to all community members. Show up any time between Noon and 4 pm.
  • Hayrides & Hikes, Saturday, October 18: Tour Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit aboard a tractor-pulled hay wagon, enjoy nature activities, take a self-guided hike, participate in the scavenger hunt or do it all! Plus enjoy free hot cider, a campfire, and marshmallows to roast on the fire.
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, October 19: Reflections and Changes ~ Join Master Naturalist Lynn Persson for a free family friendly guided nature walk on easy paths along the Warner Lagoon, quiet trails through Warner Woods, and follow the bike path to Sled Hill for a beautiful view of the Wild Side of Warner Park!

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

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District 7 - Alder Lankella

Alder Badri Lankella

Alder Badri Lankella

District 7
Contact Alder Lankella

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