Week of January 26, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you are staying safe and warm as we move through another cold winter week in Madison. Below are updates, resources, and upcoming meetings and events that may be of interest to you in District 7 and across the city.

❄️ Winter Weather & City Operations

With winter conditions continuing, the Streets Division remains active with snow and ice operations. Crews prioritize major roads first and then move into residential streets as conditions allow. You may see multiple passes in some areas depending on drifting, refreeze risk, parked vehicles, and safety needs.

Please continue to drive cautiously, allow extra travel time, and watch for plows and other city vehicles on neighborhood streets. Thank you for your patience and understanding during challenging winter conditions.

Wisconsin Winter Salt Week: January 26–30

The City of Madison Engineering Division is proud to participate in Wisconsin Winter Salt Week, taking place January 26–30, 2026, and invites residents to learn how we can all reduce salt use while still staying safe during winter weather.

Excess salt has long-term impacts on our drinking water and freshwater ecosystems, and small changes in winter maintenance practices can make a big difference. Winter Salt Week focuses on education around:

• How salt affects lakes, streams, and groundwater
• Winter maintenance practices that dramatically reduce salt use
• Engineering solutions and smart salting strategies
• Tips for residents, businesses, and snow-removal contractors

Local Digital Education
Throughout the week, the Engineering Division will share short educational videos on social media as part of a series called “Less Salty with Phil Gaebler.” These daily tips feature Phil Gaebler, the City’s stormwater and water quality engineer, and offer practical guidance for responsible salt use.

Statewide Livestreams & Virtual Events
Educational sessions will be livestreamed from 12:30–1:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Thursday, with virtual conversation tables on Friday.

Livestream topics include:

• Monday, Jan. 26: Freshwater Salinization
• Tuesday, Jan. 27: Salt Wise Stories
• Wednesday, Jan. 28: Smart Salting Contracts
• Thursday, Jan. 29: Engineering Solutions

🛑 Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement Resources

Many residents have reached out with questions about federal immigration enforcement. Madison cherishes every resident and remains committed to following the law while ensuring people understand and can exercise their rights.

The Office of the Mayor has launched a “Know Your Rights” webpage, which includes:

• Madison Police Department policies on immigration enforcement and demonstrations
• Legal assistance and emergency hotlines
• Volunteer opportunities
• Private property signage
• Additional vetted resources, with translations to be added

Key points:

• Madison Police do not detain, arrest, or investigate individuals solely based on suspected immigration status.
• City staff are coordinating with community organizations and emergency partners.
• The City continues to evaluate lawful ways to protect residents and has joined litigation challenging certain federal actions.

I remain available to engage with constituents and neighborhood associations on this topic.

📋 Boards, Commissions & Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list. Full agendas and participation details are available on the City’s Meeting Schedule page.

• Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 27, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include executing a cost sharing agreement for the construction of the Madison LakeWay Community Causeway Improvements.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 28, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include approving plans and specifications for the Capital City Path extension.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

If you are interested in serving on a City board, commission, or committee, I encourage you to explore current openings and apply.

🏗️ Public Information Meetings

Regent Street Reconstruction
📅 Monday, January 26 | ⏰ 6:30 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
The City is planning to reconstruct Regent Street from Randall Avenue to S. Park Street. Advance registration is required.

📰 Announcements & News Releases

• Don’t Miss 2026 Wisconsin Salt Week Livestreams, Videos and More: The City of Madison Engineering Division is proud to take part in Wisconsin Salt Week, Jan. 26-30, 2026, and invites the community to join in on the community educational opportunities to learn how to responsibly use salt and minimize salt use. [posted January 23, 2026]
• Statement on Law Forward Case: The City of Madison believes that all forms of voting — including absentee voting — should be encouraged, promoted and protected. That commitment to Madison voters and absentee voters in particular has been longstanding and will continue. [posted January 23, 2026]
• Application period opens for 2026 Arts Grants: The Madison Arts Commission (MAC) invites individual artists and non-profit organizations to apply for its annual grant program. [posted January 23, 2026]
• Crews Cleanup Overflow on South Side, Do Not Flush Rags, Wipes [posted January 22, 2026]
• Mayor, community partners celebrate completion of ‘missing middle’ affordable homeownership project: Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Ald. Sean O’Brien, and representatives from the Madison Area Community Land Trust celebrated the completion of new affordable homes in the Owl Creek neighborhood. [posted January 21, 2026]
• Extreme Cold Temperatures On the Way(link is external): As temperatures drop, take steps to stay warm. [posted January 21, 2026]
• Prepare Your Home for Freezing Temperatures: Frigid temperatures are a good reminder for home and business owners to make sure their water pipes are protected from freezing or bursting. [posted January 20, 2026]

• 2026 SEED Grants Cycle Now Open: The City of Madison Food Policy Council is opening the 2026 SEED Grants cycle to address food access issues in our community. [posted January 20, 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.

🎉 Events & Community Activities

• Groove & Glide | Olbrich, Friday, January 30: 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. 
• 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. 
• Skate Cinema | Norm of the North, Saturday, January 31: Join us for an evening of ice skating and a movie at Skate Cinema! Bring a lawn chair and a blanket, and make it an evening to remember. This event is free to attend, and no registration is required. Ice skating is allowed while the movie is playing. Warm up by the fire pit. Bring your own skates or rent a pair from inside the staffed warming pavilion. 
• Door Creek Park Ribbon Cutting & Winter Celebration, Sunday, February 1: Join City leaders, partners, and friends for a ribbon-cutting and winter celebration at Door Creek Park!
• Learn to Cross-Country Ski, Sunday, February 1: 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.
• Learn to Snowshoe, Sunday, February 1: Join us for a free snowshoeing workshop at Door Creek Park, hosted by Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki)! Advanced registration is greatly appreciated. This is a free event and part of the Ribbon-Cutting and Winter Celebration.

Additional events can be found on the City of Madison events calendar.

Stay Connected

Thank you for staying engaged and for being part of the District 7 community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas.

Warm regards,

Badri Lankella
Alder – District 7