City-County Building
Common Council

Week of June 15, 2026

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Dear neighbors,

As we celebrate the end of another school year, I want to congratulate all students, teachers, staff, and families on a successful academic year. A special congratulations goes out to the graduating Class of 2026 as they reach this important milestone and begin the next chapter of their journeys. Whether you're graduating from high school, college, or another educational program, your hard work and dedication have paid off, and our community is proud of your accomplishments.

As we move into summer, there are several opportunities for residents to engage with City government, learn about important community issues, participate in community events, and help shape the future of Madison. Below are some highlights for the week ahead.

🚸Lunch & Learn: Independent Police Monitor

Join me for our next virtual Lunch & Learn session on Wednesday, June 17, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This month's guest is Aeiramique Glass, Interim Independent Police Monitor, who will discuss the role of the Independent Monitor's Office, civilian oversight of policing, community engagement efforts, and answer questions from participants.

Community engagement begins with open conversations and access to information. I encourage District 7 residents and all community members to join us for this Lunch and Learn to better understand the role of the Independent Police Monitor and how their office serves our community.

Register in advance to connect with the City of Madison's Independent Police Monitor and have your questions addressed. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link and login information to join us day-of. Your confirmation email will be sent from NeighborhoodMeeting1@cityofmadison.com. If you cannot find your confirmation email, or you have questions, concerns, or requests for accommodation, please contact Lorissa Banuelos, Community Engagement Strategist, at Lbanuelos@cityofmadison.com. She is happy to assist you.  

If you can't attend, you can find the recording on the Madison City Channel. Additionally, a link to the recording and key takeaways will be emailed to everyone who registered via Zoom. Participants are encouraged to send their questions to Alder Badri Lankella by email at district7@cityofmadison.com, using the subject line: Independent Police Monitor. 

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Virtual

A Conversation with the Independent Police Monitor
Image credit: City of Madison

🚸Rescheduled: City Budget Engagement Session – Public Facilities & Services

One of the most important opportunities for residents to help shape Madison's future is through the annual budget process.

The second of three City Budget Engagement Sessions will focus on Public Facilities & Services.

When: Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Vel Phillips Memorial High School

This session provides residents an opportunity to:

  • Learn about the City budget process
  • Speak directly with City staff during an open house
  • Hear a presentation from Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke
  • Participate in a Q&A session with Alders
  • Share priorities and feedback for future budget decisions

Featured departments include:

  • Assessor's Office
  • Clerk's Office
  • Engineering
  • Fleet Services
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Madison Public Library
  • Monona Terrace
  • Parks Division
  • Streets & Urban Forestry
  • Water Utility

I encourage District 7 residents to attend and help shape our community priorities.

🏡Citywide Brush Collection Following Storms

Following the recent storms, the Streets Division is conducting citywide brush collection to help residents dispose of storm-related tree debris.

Residents should place brush neatly on the terrace and follow collection guidelines. Crews will be working throughout the city to collect debris as quickly as possible.

For brush collection information, collection schedules, and preparation guidelines, visit the City's Brush Collection webpage.

🏛️ Help Shape the Future of Transportation in the Greater Madison Area

What should transportation in the Greater Madison region look like in 2050?

That's the question the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is asking residents as it launches Pathways to 2050, a long-range Regional Transportation Plan update that will help shape transportation priorities across the Greater Madison area over the next 20–30 years.

As Dane County continues to grow, the plan will guide future decisions related to roads, public transit, walking and biking infrastructure, accessibility, and safety and help inform how federal transportation funding is prioritized throughout the region.

Residents are encouraged to get involved throughout the planning process in several ways:

Take the Public Survey

Residents can complete a 10-minute survey, available in  English(external) and  Spanish(external), to share transportation needs, priorities, and challenges across the region. 

Participants can also use an  interactive comment map(external) to identify areas of concern, highlight transportation challenges, or suggest improvements in specific locations.

Residents who would like to take the survey in a language other than English or Spanish can complete the survey by phone at (608) 266-4336.

Attend a Public Involvement Meeting

The MPO will also host a series of public involvement meetings throughout the planning process, beginning in June. The first meeting will be offered on two dates and times for scheduling flexibility:

Both meetings will be held virtually and include an overview of the planning process, regional transportation trends and data, draft goals, and opportunities for public feedback.

🌿 Madison Police Summer Traffic Safety Initiative

Residents concerned about speeding and traffic safety in their neighborhoods can utilize the City's Speeds & Speeders Hotline.

In an effort to reduce speeding and dangerous driving, the Madison Police Department is once again launching a summer traffic safety initiative.

The proactive safety program will run now until Sept. 1, 2026. As in past years, officers will focus on speeding, reckless driving and violations at traffic lights and stop signs.

"When we looked at our data from last year to this year, we had a reduction in traffic crashes overall. But we've seen an increase in more serious injuries," said Madison Police Assistant Chief Matt Tye.

Drivers will see more speed enforcement waves as a result of this safety plan. Officers will concentrate enforcement in areas where crashes and dangerous driving are most common, such as the Beltline, East Washington Avenue, Mineral Point Road and the intersection of Gammon and Watts roads.

MPD leadership will also review crash data weekly and make any necessary enforcement changes based on that information. These newly identified areas would then receive extra patrols and additional enforcement.

“We've had an increase in community members reaching out concerned about traffic safety. This program was designed after hearing their concerns," Tye said. "We need everyone to do their part, make good decisions and slow down when you are behind the wheel."

Research consistently shows citations are more effective than warnings in improving driving behavior.

Community members are encouraged to share their traffic concerns with officers online at the Madison Police Department website.

View full news release

🌱 Updates and Notices

  • Juneteenth Holiday: The City of Madison administrative offices are closed for the Juneteenth holiday, on Friday, June 19. All emergency services will be open; please call 911.
    • Emergency Water Issue: Call Madison Water Utility at 608-266-4665, 24/7.
    • Sanitary Sewer Back-up: Call 608-266-4430. An emergency crew will respond to your call.
    • Report a Problem: Report non-emergencies that can wait until the next City working day.
  • Beach Water Quality: City Madison monitor water quality at beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check conditions before going in the water. As part of my regular job, I work with Beach Monitoring team at Wisconsin Department Natural Resources where you can also check the status of the beach health for the entire state of Wisconsin.

🏛️ 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.

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

đź“° 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.

🎉 Community Events

Parks Alive Dates!

Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city and throughout the summer. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Events start at 5:00 p.m.

Interested in volunteering for Parks Alive? Volunteers Welcome! Learn more and register online!

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

đź’¬ Looking Ahead

I appreciate everyone who continues to engage in city government, attend meetings, share concerns, and participate in community events. Your input helps guide decisions that affect our neighborhoods and strengthens District 7 and the City of Madison as a whole.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming meetings and community events.

Sincerely,
Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7
City of Madison

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Portrait of Alder Badri Lankella

Alder Badri Lankella

District 7
Contact Alder Lankella

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