Week of February 9, 2026
posted
Dear Neighbors,
As we head into the second full week of February, there are several important City meetings, deadlines, community updates, and events to be aware of. Below is a snapshot of what’s happening this week and how you can stay engaged.
🗓️ Meeting & Event Highlights
Common Council – Tuesday, February 10
The Madison Common Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in a hybrid format (in person and online).
Agenda highlights include:
- A resolution recognizing and celebrating Black History Month
- A reaffirmation of the City’s commitment to supporting pollinator health, including the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge
- Amendments to the 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Capital Budget and plans for the Capital City Path Extension
- Additional legislative items and committee referrals
How to participate:
Board of Public Works – Wednesday, February 11
The Board of Public Works is scheduled to meet at 4:30 p.m. in a virtual format. This committee focuses on infrastructure and public works items like street maintenance, water systems, and other capital projects.
Agenda highlights include:
- Public hearing on assessments for upcoming street and infrastructure projects
- A City Engineer report on water resource impacts and permit needs for public works construction
- Assessment schedules and plans for improvements on Virginia Terrace, Norwood Place, Rugby Row, and Hillington Way
- Contract change orders including updates to the Well 15 PFAS treatment facility and the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park
- Traffic signal and infrastructure project plans, such as the Southwest Commuter Bike Path & West Washington Ave signal, and University Avenue & Babcock Drive railroad crossing improvements
- Projects advancing sidewalk repair, ADA upgrades, and Safe Streets Madison 2026 pedestrian and bike safety work
How to participate:
Board of Park Commissioners – Wednesday, February 11
The Board of Park Commissioners will meet at 6:30 p.m. in a virtual format.
Agenda highlights include:
- An informational presentation on public art proposals for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park
How to participate:
🔎 Looking to get more involved?
If you’re interested in serving on a City board, commission, or committee, information on open seats and the application process is available on the City’s Boards & Commissions webpage.
🏘️ Updates & Notices
Neighborhood Grants — Applications Due February 10
The Planning Division is accepting applications for the Neighborhood Grant Program, which supports:
Apply now for:
- Neighborhood Leadership and Capacity Building Projects
Community Enhancement Projects
Image credit: Arbor Hills Neighborhood Association
In 2025, Arbor Hills Neighborhood used their grant to expand newsletter distribution and encourage many more people, including renters and others, to a host of community events and activities.
Eligible applicants:
- Small groups of 5 or more residents
- Neighborhood organizations and planning councils
- Non-profits and centers of worship
- Business associations and organizations engaged in community building and/or civic engagement activities
The Neighborhood Grant Program guidelines and application are on the city's webpage. The application deadline is February 10, by 4:30 p.m. You can complete the fillable PDF, handwrite the application, use the online version, or create a short video to apply.
We encourage projects that:
Engage new and diverse communities • Create/build community • Increase community and neighborhood impact on public decisions and community life • Are ready to begin within 1-3 months from award • Are free and open to the public.
Also in 2025, the Allied Wellness Center created a learning garden plot at Marlborough Park Community Garden and hosted gardening workshops and planting days. In addition to growing fresh vegetables for themselves, the participants donated 300 lbs. to Allied Food Pantry, the Derby Apartments and other families!
Early In-Person Voting Locations for February 17th Spring Primary Election
Madison residents may vote early in person at many locations across the city. All City of Madison in-person absentee sites are open to any Madison voter you do not need to vote only at your home polling place.
Note: In-person absentee voting began Tuesday, February 3 and continues through Sunday, February 15 (state law prohibits voter registration the 3 days before Election Day).
Looking for a sample ballot? Visit the My Vote WI website.
Here are some of the convenient voting sites and their typical schedules:
Central Madison
- Alicia Ashman Library — 733 N High Point Rd: Weekdays Feb 3–13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays Feb 7 & 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Central Library — 201 W Mifflin St: Weekdays Feb 3–13, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays Feb 7 & 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sundays Feb 8 & 15, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Goodman South Madison Library — 2222 S Park St: Weekdays Feb 3–13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays Feb 7 & 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sundays Feb 8 & 15, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Hawthorne Library — 2707 E Washington Ave: Weekdays Feb 3–13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays Feb 7 & 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Meadowridge Library — 5726 Raymond Rd: Weekdays Feb 3–13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays Feb 7 & 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Pinney Library — 516 Cottage Grove Rd: Weekdays Feb 3–13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays Feb 7 & 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Sequoya Library — 4340 Tokay Blvd: Weekdays Feb 3–13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays Feb 7 & 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Warner Park Community Recreation Center — 1625 Northport Dr: Weekdays Feb 3–13, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays Feb 7 & 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays Feb 8 & 15, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
- East Madison Community Center — 8 Straubel Ct: Weekdays Feb 9–13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- UW–Madison Locations — Multiple campus sites open Feb 9–13 with varying weekday hours.
- Madison College (Goodman South & Truax) — Weekdays Feb 9–13.
And many additional community and appointment-only sites are listed on the Clerks In-Person Absentee Voting Locations page.
Are you registered to vote?
You can register online at MyVote WI or at the Clerks Office in the City County Building at 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Room 105. You can also register on Election Day at your polling place. Please see these important reminders about voter registration.
Measles Case in Dane County, Information from Public Health
Public Health Madison & Dane County continues to investigate the confirmed case of measles in Dane County.
- Community Exposure Locations for Confirmed Case of Measles in Dane County: Public Health Madison & Dane County continues to investigate the confirmed case of measles in Dane County. So far, the investigation has identified several community locations where people may have been exposed. [posted February 2, 2026]
- Additional Community Exposure Locations Identified for Measles Case : Public Health Madison & Dane County continues to investigate the confirmed case of measles in Dane County. The investigation has identified two additional community exposure locations where people have been exposed to measles. [posted February 3, 2026]
Measles can be prevented by the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunization. The MMR vaccine can protect you from serious illness. Most people got the measles vaccination since two doses are required for school entry. WI Department of Health Services considers people who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according to the U.S. vaccination schedule protected for life, and they do not ever need a booster dose.
Are you protected from measles? Wisconsin residents can look up their immunization records using the online Wisconsin Immunization Registry.
🚧 Public Information Meetings (PIMs)
- E. Rusk Ave Shared-Use Path, Monday, February 9: The E. Rusk Ave Shared-Use Path project will create a 10-ft wide and approximately 2,500-ft long, shared-use path along the northwest side of E. Rusk Ave between N. Rusk Ave and Rimrock Rd.
- Madison-McFarland Intergovernmental Agreement Meeting (McFarland residents), Monday, February 9: The City of Madison and the Village of McFarland are considering whether to enter into an intergovernmental agreement to address issues of mutual concern surrounding our shared border and to plan for how growth may occur in the future. The City and Village previously had an agreement in place that expired in 2018.
📰 City News & Announcements
- Madison Public Market Achieves LEED Gold Certification: The City of Madison Engineering Division is proud to announce the Madison Public Market Facility has achieved LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The Madison Public Market, which will be located at 202 N. First Street… [posted February 5, 2026]
- Madison Arts Commission and Monona Terrace Announce Call for Art for Rooftop and Olin Terrace: The Madison Arts Commission invites artists to apply to the 2026 Art on the Rooftop exhibition at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Art on the Rooftop is a free sculpture exhibition that showcases the rooftop gardens and the facility as another “must see” Madison destination. [posted February 4, 2026]
- Metro Transit Celebrates Transit Equity Day: On Wednesday, February 4, Metro Transit joins organizations around the country to celebrate Transit Equity Day. A national day that commemorates the birthday of the iconic civil rights leader, Rosa Parks, by declaring public transit a civil right. [posted February 4, 2026]
- Additional Community Exposure Locations Identified for Measles Case (link is external): Public Health Madison & Dane County continues to investigate the confirmed case of measles in Dane County. The investigation has identified two additional community exposure locations where people have been exposed to measles. [posted February 3, 2026]
- Community Exposure Locations for Confirmed Case of Measles in Dane County(link is external): Public Health Madison & Dane County continues to investigate the confirmed case of measles in Dane County. So far, the investigation has identified several community locations where people may have been exposed. [posted February 2, 2026]
- MPD sees drop in theft from autos; here are ways to help continue downward trend: MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department is sharing ways people can prevent having their property stolen from their vehicles. [posted February 2, 2026]
Confirmed Case of Measles in Dane County(link is external): Public Health Madison & Dane County reports that there is a confirmed case of measles in Dane County. [posted February 2, 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 This Week
- Lakeside Dance Lab: WERQ, Thursday, February 12: WERQ is a cardio dance fitness class that uses pop and hip-hop music to provide an intense and fun workout without the feeling of a traditional workout.
- Visit RoundTrip @ Winter Bike to Work Day, Friday, February 13: We’re joining Madison Bikes to celebrate International Winter Bike to Work Day! Stop by and say hi—we’ll be set up just off the Cap City Trail near Machinery Row for a commuter station.
- Warner Family Fun Night, Friday, February 13: Join us at WPCRC for Warner Family Fun Night! Families can create art projects, play in the game room or the gym, watch a movie or win some prizes playing bingo!
- Groove & Glide | Vilas, Friday, February 13: 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, February 7 (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.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Owen, Saturday, February 14: Birds & Animals in Winter ~ Join Naturalist Paul Noeldner on a free fun educational family friendly guided walk to look for and learn about birds and animals in winter when love is in the air! Try making some tracks and see who can guess what they are! Enjoy hot cocoa and smores around a campfire after the walk.
- Pour’n Yer Heart, Saturday, February 14: Pour’n Yer Heart ™ Out is more than just a spectator’s show; it’s a hands-on opportunity to access the art of metal casting. Workshops are open to all who are willing to try something new. Attendees can enjoy making a deeply unique, hand-crafted iron casting right from scratch!
Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, February 15: Tracks and Signs ~ Join Naturalist Kathlean Wolf for a free fun educational family friendly guided walk to explore the Wild Side of Warner Park. We'll look for the footprints, scat, and nests of our wild neighbors, and try to interpret the story of their lives during the coldest part of winter. We may have hot cocoa and a campfire with smores after the walk.
Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.
❄️ Winter Reminder
While snowfall has been lighter recently, winter conditions can change quickly. Please continue to:
- Travel with caution during freeze–thaw cycles
- Clear sidewalks adjacent to your property
- Give snowplows and salt trucks plenty of space
Stay Connected
Thank you for staying engaged and informed. Your participation, whether attending meetings, applying for grants, or joining community events helps strengthen District 7 and our city as a whole.
As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Warm regards,
Badri Lankella
Alder – District 7
City of Madison