Week of January 19, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you are staying safe and warm as we continue to experience winter weather across Madison. Below you’ll find important City updates, including snow plowing operations, holiday service changes, upcoming meetings, and community events happening this week.

❄️ Snow Plowing Update (as of January 18, 2026 – 9:21 a.m.)

The City’s Streets Division continues active snow response operations as another round of winter weather moves through our area.

Bottom Line

• More snow is expected this afternoon.
• Snowplow operations will continue.
• Snow-covered and slippery roads remain likely.

Current Operations

Streets Division crews worked through the night continuing cleanup from the previous snowfall. Plows focused on clearing streets and applying sand where needed. Overnight temperatures were too cold for salt to be effective, so sand was also applied on main thoroughfares. Cleanup efforts continue through the morning.

Weather Outlook

Another round of snow is expected to begin later this afternoon and may continue into the evening or overnight hours. Temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-teens before falling again overnight, with increasing winds. Snow totals remain uncertain, but up to an additional inch of snow is possible.

Today’s Snowstorm Response

• Crews will remain in snow response mode throughout the afternoon.
• Plows will cycle through main thoroughfares when the storm begins.
• Pavement temperatures may reach around 20°F, allowing for limited salt application initially.
• Due to cold conditions, salt will work slowly, and snow-covered roads are likely.
• As temperatures continue to fall, crews will shift back to applying sand to improve traction.

What to Expect on the Roads

• Main thoroughfares are in fair winter driving condition but are not curb-to-curb bare pavement.
• Residential streets remain snow covered, which is normal during sustained winter conditions.
• Travel will become slower and snowier once snowfall resumes later today.
• Snow-covered roads are likely to remain after the storm ends.

Please use caution when traveling: allow extra time, drive slowly and predictably, and stay focused.

📅 Updates and Notices

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 19

City of Madison offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

• All emergency services will remain open.
• In case of emergency, call 911.
• For non-emergency contacts, please visit the City’s website.

Trash & Recycling:
There will be no trash, recycling, or large item pickup on Monday, January 19. Drop-off sites and Streets Division offices will also be closed.

Metro Transit:
Metro will operate on Saturday schedules on Monday, January 19.

🏛️ Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

This is not a complete list. All meetings and agendas are available on the City’s Meeting Schedule page.

• Finance Committee
  Tuesday, January 20 – 4:30 p.m. (Virtual)
  Agenda items include executing a cost-sharing agreement for construction of the Madison LakeWay Community Causeway improvements.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online - Options available to register for public comment or watch online.

If you are interested in serving on a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the City’s boards and commissions webpage for more information.

🗣️ Public Information Meetings

Virginia Terrace, Norwood Place, Rugby Row, Hillington Way, Wednesday, January 21:

Wednesday, January 21 – 5:30 p.m. (Zoom)

 The City is planning a construction project on Virginia Terr (Virginia Terr cul-de-sac to Regent St), Norwood Pl (Virginia Ter to Hillington Way), Rugby Row (Virginia Terr to Hillington Way), and Hillington Way (Norwood Pl to Southwest Commuter Path). A public information meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Jan. 21, 2026, via Zoom. Registration prior is required.

📰 Announcements and News

• City of Madison Strengthens Commitment to Sustainable Building Standards : The City of Madison has raised its green building requirements for all City-owned facilityies. [posted January 15, 2026]
• MPD seeking to learn lessons from ALCS shooting response: MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department has requested a formal review of its response to the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.  The request comes with the utmost respect for the victims, survivors, their families and all… [posted January 12, 2026]
• Enjoy a Free Fun Weekend in Madison's Parks: Madison Parks, in partnership with Dane County Parks, is offering a permit-free weekend on Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18, 2026. Activities typically requiring a permit are free to use this weekend! Dogs in Parks In addition to the… [posted January 14, 2026]
• No Trash & Recycling Collection or Drop-off Sites on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 19, 2026):There will be no trash, recycling, large item pickup by the Streets Division on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday. The drop-off sites and Streets Division offices will also be closed. [posted January 13, 2026]
• Prevent Lung Cancer by Testing Your Home for Radon(link is external): A cancer-causing element known as radon can be found at high levels in roughly half of the homes tested over the past five years in Dane County. [posted January 12, 2026]
• The Office of the Common Council Launches Its First Resident Newsletter: The "Common Council in Focus" newsletter, a new initiative from the Office of the Common Council, will launch on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This publication aims to keep you informed about topics being considered by the Common Council… [posted January 12, 2026]

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day Service: Due to the holiday, Metro will operate Saturday schedules on Monday, January 19. [posted January 12, 2026]

   

  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

• Groove & Glide | Rennebohm, Friday, January 23: Experience the fun and beauty of ice skating under the stars and lights with music and games.  All ages and experience levels are welcome. Groove & Glide events are free to attend and no registration is needed.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, January 24: Critter Tracks ~ Join Naturalist Paul Noeldner for a free, fun, family and kid friendly guided walk to explore Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park.  We will look for bird and animal tracks and signs!  
• Door Creek Park Ribbon Cutting & Winter Celebration, Saturday, January 24: Join City leaders, partners, and friends for a ribbon-cutting and winter celebration at Door Creek Park!
• Learn to Cross-Country Ski, Saturday, January 24: Join us for a free cross-country ski workshop at Door Creek Park, hosted by Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki)! This requires advanced registration, is free to attend and part of the Ribbon-Cutting and Winter Celebration. 
• Kiddie Basketball Clinic, Saturday, January 24 (This event occurs on multiple dates): This basketball clinic is designed for boys and girls in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Kids will learn the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing and game-play. 

• Sound and Sense Immersion, Sunday, January 25: Sound and Sense Immersion is a 2-hour gentle and restorative meditation, light, aromatherapy and sound bath journey through the elements.

   

  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 if you have questions, concerns, or ideas you’d like to share.

Wishing you a safe and productive week,

Best regards,
Badri Lankella
Alder – District 7