Week of July 27, 2026

💙 Standing Together as a Community

Hello District 7 neighbors,

I hope you are staying safe and finding ways to enjoy the remainder of summer despite the recent heat, occasional poor air quality, and severe weather. Please continue to check on your neighbors, especially older adults and those who may be more vulnerable during extreme weather conditions.

This past week has been one of the most difficult our city has experienced in recent memory.

Like many of you, I was deeply saddened and disturbed by Wednesday's officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a community member. My heart goes out to the individual's family, loved ones, everyone directly impacted by this tragedy, and all those in our community who are grieving, hurting, or searching for answers. Events like this affect our entire city and remind us that behind every headline are real people whose lives have been forever changed.

Since the incident occurred, I have received hundreds of emails from constituents expressing grief, frustration, concern, and disappointment. Many have raised questions about police accountability, transparency, body-worn cameras, independent oversight, racial equity, and the resources available to the Office of the Independent Police Monitor. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to write, share their perspective, and engage respectfully during such a difficult time.

I want you to know that I hear those concerns.

As your Alder, I believe our community deserves both safe policing and meaningful accountability. These are not competing priorities, they must exist together. Madison has made progress over the years, but recent events have demonstrated that there is still important work ahead to strengthen public trust and ensure transparency whenever critical incidents occur.

Many residents have asked about body-worn cameras and previous Common Council votes. I wrote extensively last November explaining my vote regarding the 2025 body-worn camera proposal. My vote was never against body-worn cameras themselves. Rather, I believed then, as I do now, that if Madison implements a body-worn camera program, it must be done thoughtfully, with sustainable funding, clear policies governing privacy and public access, robust community engagement, and sufficient staffing to properly manage the technology and evidence.

Today, I continue to support the implementation of body-worn cameras as part of a broader approach to improving transparency and public confidence. At the same time, I believe body cameras alone are not enough. They should complement, not replace, strong independent oversight, effective training, constitutional policing practices, and meaningful community engagement.

I have also heard many requests regarding additional resources for the Office of the Independent Police Monitor. The Independent Police Monitor plays an important role in strengthening accountability and public trust. As budget discussions continue, I will carefully evaluate proposals that help ensure the office has the resources necessary to fulfill its mission effectively while remaining fiscally responsible.

The weeks ahead will undoubtedly involve difficult conversations. I remain committed to listening respectfully, reviewing facts carefully as they become available, and working collaboratively with my Common Council colleagues, Mayor Rhodes-Conway, Police Chief Patterson, the Independent Police Monitor, community organizations, and residents as we determine the best path forward for Madison.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with compassion, thoughtful questions, and a genuine desire to help our city move forward. Even in difficult moments, I continue to believe that Madison is strongest when we listen to one another, engage respectfully, and work together toward meaningful solutions.

🏛️ Southwest Area Plan Officially Adopted

One piece of positive news for District 7 is that the Common Council officially adopted the Southwest Area Plan on June 23, alongside the Southeast Area Plan.

As many of you know, this planning effort has been years in the making and involved thousands of comments from residents, neighborhood associations, businesses, developers, City staff, and community organizations.

As your District 7 Alder, I spent considerable time throughout this process listening to residents and advocating for balanced growth that protects our established neighborhoods while planning responsibly for Madison's future. I also worked to ensure that infrastructure, including transportation, utilities, parks, schools, and public services remains an important consideration as our west side continues to grow.

The adopted plan provides a long-term vision for:

• Housing opportunities
• Transportation improvements
• Parks and open space
• Environmental sustainability
• Economic development
• Neighborhood character
• Future infrastructure investments

Thank you to everyone who participated throughout this extensive planning process. Your feedback truly helped shape the final plan, and I appreciate the many thoughtful conversations we had over the past several years.

Implementation of the plan will occur over many years as future budgets, development proposals, and capital improvement projects are considered.

🚍 Metro Transit Public Hearing – Service Standards

Metro Transit and the Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding proposed service standards and future transit planning.

Wednesday, July 29
6:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting

Topics include:

• Updated Metro service standards
• Bus stop placement policies
• Shelter and bench guidelines
• Service change processes
• Transit accessibility improvements

If you regularly use Metro or would like to in the future, I encourage you to participate and share your feedback.

🎥 Movies in the Park

Looking for a fun family activity this weekend?

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy free outdoor movies.

Friday, July 24

6:30–8:30 p.m.
Allied Park
2370 Revival Ridge

Saturday, July 25

8:30–10:45 p.m.
Peace (Elizabeth Link) Park
452 State Street

These free events are a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors while enjoying Madison's beautiful parks.

🌳 Parks Alive Returns

Parks Alive continues to bring free family-friendly activities, music, games, food, and community building to neighborhoods across Madison.

Upcoming events include:

• Monday, August 3 – Elver Park (District 7)
• Tuesday, August 4 – Worthington Park
• Wednesday, August 5 – Meadowood Park
• Thursday, August 6 – Penn Park

I'm especially excited to see Parks Alive returning to Elver Park, one of District 7's premier community gathering spaces. I hope many of you will stop by.

🎨 Celebrate Thurber Park's Artist-in-Residence

The Madison Arts Commission and The Bubbler at Madison Public Library invite residents to celebrate Jennifer Bastian's completion of her Artist-in-Residence program.

Saturday, August 8
9:30–11:30 a.m.

Thurber Park Outdoor Pavilion

The event is free, family friendly, and refreshments will be provided.

👮 Community Listening Session Following Officer-Involved Shooting

Common Council President Sabrina Madison has announced that a community listening session will be held to provide residents an opportunity to hear directly from City leadership, including Police Chief Patterson, regarding the recent officer-involved shooting.

The session was postponed to avoid conflicting with a community vigil. A new date and time will be announced on the City's website and through Alder Madison's communications.

I encourage anyone interested to participate once the meeting is rescheduled.

🚓 National Night Out – August 4

National Night Out returns on:

Tuesday, August 4
4:00–7:00 p.m.

Penn Park
2101 Fisher Street

This annual event brings together neighborhood organizations, City agencies, first responders, and residents for an evening focused on community building, public safety, and family-friendly activities.

I encourage families from District 7 to attend if you're able.

🚛 Streets Division Updates

The Streets Division has several important reminders for residents:

Large Item Work Orders Temporarily Unavailable

The large item collection system will undergo scheduled maintenance beginning 5:00 p.m. on July 23 through approximately 6:00 a.m. on July 27. New work orders cannot be submitted during this period.

Report-a-Problem Maintenance

Some online Report-a-Problem forms will also be temporarily unavailable during the same maintenance window.

💻 Free Electronics Recycling

Remember that televisions, computers, printers, and other electronic devices cannot be placed at the curb. Madison residents may recycle personal electronics free of charge at City drop-off sites.

⚠️ Pressurized Tank Disposal

Following a recent sanitation truck explosion elsewhere in Wisconsin, the Streets Division reminds residents never to place propane tanks, oxygen cylinders, fire extinguishers, or other pressurized containers into trash or recycling carts.

If you are unsure how to dispose of these items safely, please contact Dane County Clean Sweep.

🏛️ Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of July 27, 2026

📢 Updates and Notices

As we move into the final weeks of July and begin preparing for August, there are several important City meetings, public engagement opportunities, and community events taking place. Whether you're interested in City finances, neighborhood planning, transportation, elections, or simply looking for family-friendly activities, I encourage you to stay engaged and participate whenever possible.

📦 August Moving Days Are Fast Approaching

If you or someone you know will be moving during Madison's annual August moving season, now is the time to prepare. The City has published guidance covering large item disposal, donation opportunities, recycling, and neighborhood responsibilities during this busy period.

Planning ahead helps reduce illegal dumping, keeps neighborhoods clean, and allows more reusable items to find a second home instead of ending up in the landfill.

🏛️ Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Please note this is not a complete list of City meetings. You can always find the full schedule on the City's Meeting Schedule webpage.

💰 Finance Committee

Monday, July 27
4:30 p.m. (Virtual)

The Finance Committee will consider several items, including approval of a revised 2026 Resource Recovery Special Charge of $5.40 per month beginning September 1 through the remainder of 2026, along with additional budget and financial matters.

Residents interested in City finances are encouraged to attend:

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment
• Watch Online

🏗️ Plan Commission

Monday, July 27
5:30 p.m. (Virtual)

The Plan Commission will review several development proposals throughout Madison, including projects located within Districts 2, 10, 14, and 15.

Planning decisions made by the Commission help shape Madison's future growth, housing opportunities, transportation network, and neighborhood character.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment
• Watch Online

🙋 Serve on a City Board or Commission

One of the best ways to become involved in local government is by serving on one of Madison's many boards, commissions, or committees.

Residents from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Your experience and perspective help make better decisions for our community.

🚍 Public Information Meetings

Metro Transit Public Hearing

Wednesday, July 29
6:00 p.m. (Virtual)

Metro Transit and the Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding:

• Updated Metro service standards
• Future service changes
• Bus stop placement
• Shelter and bench guidelines
• Transit accessibility improvements

If public transportation is important to you, I encourage you to participate and share your feedback.

🚧 Milwaukee Street Reconstruction

Thursday, July 30
6:00 p.m. (Virtual)

The City is planning to reconstruct Milwaukee Street between Starweather Creek and West Corporate Drive.

Residents interested in the project are encouraged to register for this Zoom public information meeting to learn more about construction timing and project details.

🌳 Warner Park Recreation Area Improvements

Thursday, July 30

City staff will also host a public information meeting regarding improvements planned for the southeast recreation area of Warner Park, including athletic field reconfiguration and future park enhancements.

📰 City News and Announcements

Several important announcements were released by the City this week.

🚧 Williamson Street Closure

Williamson Street and South Baldwin Street remain closed until further notice to ensure public safety due to ongoing community gatherings in the area.

Please continue to monitor City updates before traveling through the area.

🚧 W. Johnson Street Sewer Construction

Beginning Tuesday, July 28, sanitary sewer work associated with private development at 306 N. Brooks Street will begin along W. Johnson Street and is expected to continue into late August.

Drivers should expect traffic impacts and consider allowing extra travel time.

🛏️ Mooveapalooza! Coming August 14

The Streets Division and Dane County are launching the first-ever Mooveapalooza!, a one-day donation and mattress recycling event at the Alliant Energy Center.

Instead of sending usable household goods to the landfill, residents will have an opportunity to donate reusable items while responsibly recycling mattresses.

🏠 New Men's Shelter Opening September 1

The City's new men's shelter is scheduled to open on September 1.

The new facility will significantly improve shelter operations while providing expanded services and a more dignified environment for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Addressing homelessness requires collaboration across many organizations and levels of government. While there is no single solution, investments in housing, supportive services, and emergency shelter all play important roles in helping our most vulnerable neighbors.

🗳️ Secure Ballot Drop Boxes Now Open

Secure ballot drop boxes are now available for the August 11, 2026 election.

If you plan to vote absentee, please remember that you have several convenient options to safely return your ballot.

Voting is one of the most important ways to make your voice heard in our community.

🏛️ District 1 Alder Vacancy

Applications continue to be accepted from District 1 residents interested in serving the remainder of the current alder term.

Serving on the Common Council is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your neighborhood and throughout Madison.

🎉 Community Events

Madison continues to offer outstanding opportunities for residents to connect, learn, and enjoy the summer.

🚣 Learn to Kayak

Monday, July 27

Free kayaking instruction at Wingra Park for ages 10 and older (guardian required for minors).

🥋 Lakeside Kids! – Madison Capoeira

Tuesday, July 28

A free family program featuring culture, movement, music, and interactive learning designed for children ages four and older.

🎶 Grateful Dead Night

Wednesday, July 29

Enjoy an evening of live music, food, beverages, and community celebrating one of America's most iconic bands.

🏊 Goodman Pool 20th Anniversary Celebration

Friday, July 31

Join the celebration featuring:

• Music
• Games
• Food carts
• Prizes
• Family activities

The first 500 attendees will receive a commemorative Goodman Pool yellow duck while supplies last.

🎺 Live at The Glen – Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Band

Friday, July 31

Enjoy an evening of award-winning Latin Jazz performed by one of Wisconsin's premier jazz ensembles.

🏊 Adapted Swim

Saturday, August 1

A welcoming swim event for individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families. No registration is required.

📬 Stay Connected

Thank you for taking the time to read this week's District 7 update.

This has been a difficult week for our community, but I continue to believe that Madison is strongest when we come together with compassion, listen to one another, and work toward meaningful solutions. I remain committed to representing District 7 with transparency, thoughtfulness, and a willingness to engage in even the most challenging conversations.

Whether your interests are public safety, housing, transportation, neighborhood improvements, parks, sustainability, or local government, your voice matters. Please continue to reach out with your ideas, questions, and concerns. I value hearing from you and appreciate the opportunity to serve as your representative on the Common Council.

I hope you and your families have a safe and peaceful week, and I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming meetings and community events.

In solidarity,

Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7
Madison Common Council