Week of January 5, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

Happy New Year! I hope you and your loved ones had a safe and joyful holiday season. As we begin the first full workweek of 2026, I’d like to share important updates, upcoming meetings, and community events happening in and around District 7.

🚧 Updates and Notices

John Nolen Drive Project

Work continues on the John Nolen Drive project. Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay informed about current road closures, lane reductions, and construction updates as work progresses.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the City’s John Nolen Drive project page.

🏛️ Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for the week. A full schedule, including agendas and participation details, is available on the City’s Meeting Schedule page.

• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, January 5, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing the Madison Police Department to accept training grants on an ongoing basis without requiring separate resolutions to accept individual grants.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Transportation Commission: The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 7, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing the application and acceptance of a Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant, which would fund planned safety improvements and identify additional needs at at-grade railroad crossings that support the proposed extension of the Amtrak Hiawatha service to Madison.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • 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.

🛝 Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

Playground Workshop – Tuesday, January 6

Madison Parks has identified six playgrounds for replacement in 2026. Neighbors are invited to attend a virtual playground workshop to learn more about the project and provide input on design and accessibility. Community feedback plays an important role in shaping these neighborhood spaces.

📰 Announcements and News

• Happy New Year from Mayor Rhodes-Conway: As 2025 draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the dedicated employees of the City, and to our whole community. [posted December 31, 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.

🎉 Community Events

• Holiday Fantasy in Lights, Saturday, November 15, through Monday, January 5, 2026: Lighted holiday-themed displays set in beautiful Olin Park. Drive through from dusk until 10:00pm to enjoy this magical light show for free, brought to you by The Electric Group.
• Girls' Mentorship Group, Tuesday, January 6: Join Keena Atkinson of R'oujie Wellness on Tuesday evenings at Warner Park Community Recreation Center! This free series is designed for females aged 11 to 18. Pre-registration is requested but not required.
• Vaccine Clinic at Meadowood Health Partnership, Friday, January 9: In partnership with Meadowood Health Partnership, we're offering a variety of vaccines on January 9, 2026, from 1pm-3pm.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Owen, Saturday, January 10: Critter Tracks ~ Join Naturalist Paul Noeldner for a free, fun, family and kid friendly guided walk to explore Owen Conservation Park.  We will look for bird and animal tracks and signs!  
• Candlelight Hike, Saturday, January 10: In partnership, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Madison Parks presents this wonderful hiking event! Hundreds of softly glowing lights illuminate the trails through Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park.

• Bird & Nature Adventures | Turville Point, Sunday, January 11: Snowflakes and Subnivean ~ Join Naturalist Andria Blattner with Friends of Olin Turville (FOOT) on a guided walk to discover the magic of winter at Turville Point.  Learn how snowflakes form and why snow is important to plants and animals over winter.

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

As always, thank you for staying engaged and informed. Please feel free to reach out to my office with questions, concerns, or ideas. I look forward to working with you throughout the year ahead.

Wishing you a safe and productive week,

Best Regards,
Badri Lankella
Alder – District 7