Week of August 17, 2026

🌻 Making the Most of the Remaining Summer Days

As we head into another week of August, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of community, connection, and gratitude.

The past several weeks have brought difficult and challenging moments for our city. During times like these, it is especially important that we remember the things that bring us together. There is a lot in life to be thankful for our families, our friends, our neighbors, our community, and the opportunity to share meaningful moments with one another.

This past weekend was a wonderful reminder of that.

🇮🇳 Celebrating India Day at the Capitol Square

Yesterday, I was honored to join the community for India Day celebrations at Capitol Square. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate India's rich history, culture, traditions, and the many contributions of Indian Americans to Wisconsin and our community.

Events like India Day remind us that our community is strengthened by the many cultures, traditions, and experiences that make Madison such a welcoming and diverse city.

Thank you to everyone who helped organize the celebration and to all who came out to participate, celebrate, and share in the festivities.

Image credit: Badri Lankella

🎉 Celebrating Arohana's 20th Anniversary

I also had the opportunity to join the Arohana anniversary celebration. Congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this milestone!

Organizations such as Arohana play an important role in bringing people together, preserving culture and traditions, supporting families, and creating opportunities for community members to connect.

It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate this achievement.

Image credit: Badri Lankella

🏡 Toribrooke Lane Block Party

Another great example of community spirit was the Toribrooke Lane Block Party. Thank you to the residents who organized the gathering and to everyone who came out to enjoy time with neighbors.

Neighborhood gatherings may seem simple, but they are an important part of building stronger communities. Getting to know the people who live around us creates connections that can make our neighborhoods safer, friendlier, and more supportive.

As we approach the end of summer, I encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities. Spend some time outside, visit a neighborhood event, invite a neighbor over, or simply take a walk and say hello to someone you haven't met yet.

Before we know it, the busy school and college schedules will be back in full swing. Let's make the most of these remaining summer days and enjoy time with our families, friends, and neighbors.

🤝 Staying Connected During Difficult Times

We may not always agree on every issue facing our city, and there will certainly be difficult conversations ahead. But we can continue to treat one another with respect, listen to different perspectives, and look for ways to work together.

Community doesn't mean that we agree on everything. It means that we continue to care about one another even when we disagree.

I hope the celebrations and neighborhood gatherings of this weekend remind us that there is much more that connects us than divides us. Let's continue building those connections, one conversation, one gathering, and one neighbor at a time.

🧹 Brush Collection Season Is Ending Soon

A reminder from the City of Madison Streets Division: the 2026 brush collection season is coming to an end soon.

Every Madison neighborhood has at least one remaining scheduled brush collection opportunity for 2026. Once your neighborhood's final collection opportunity has passed, scheduled curbside brush pickup will not resume until 2027.

Residents should check their address on the City's brush collection schedule to find their remaining set-out date. Brush should be placed at the curb or terrace according to the City's collection rules. Brush should not be placed in the street or sidewalk, and it should be kept separate from yard waste.

If you miss your final collection date, the City's three brush drop-off sites remain open year-round and accept brush.

Read the City of Madison's full 2026 Brush Collection announcement

🏛️ Meetings & City Updates This Week

A few items to keep on your radar this week:

Capital Avenue Reconstruction Public Information Meeting – Tuesday, August 18
The City is planning reconstruction of Capital Avenue from University Avenue to Lake Mendota Drive. A virtual public information meeting will be held Tuesday, August 18, at 5:00 p.m. Registration is required.

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.

• Urban Design Commission: The Urban Design Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 19, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include informational presentations on mixed-use buildings in District 14 and District 19.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

If you would like more information about becoming a member of the City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Fish Hatchery Road Lane Closures
Beginning Monday, August 17, motorists traveling on Fish Hatchery Road should expect lane closures as construction begins on the Cannonball Path extension project.

Virginia Terrace Closure
Virginia Terrace between Regent Street and Rowley Avenue is closed for underground utility work as part of the Virginia Terrace, Norwood Place, Rugby Row and Hillington Way construction project.

🌳 Parks Alive – Connect With Your Neighbors

If you're looking for a fun way to get outside and connect with neighbors, Madison's Parks Alive program continues this week.

Parks Alive events feature family-friendly activities, music, and free food while bringing neighbors together in their local parks.

This week's events include:

• Parks Alive | Sandburg Park, Tuesday, August 18
• Parks Alive | Hammersley Park, Wednesday, August 19
• Parks Alive | Owl Creek Park, Thursday, August 20

Events begin at 5:00 p.m.

There are also several other community activities this week, including Live at The Glen, a volunteer opportunity at The Glen, and a family-friendly Bird & Nature Adventure at Edna Taylor Park on Saturday.

🎬 Movie in the Park

Don't forget that Movie in the Park | Hamilton is scheduled for Saturday, August 22.

It's another great opportunity to get outside, bring the family, and enjoy Madison's summer evenings together.

📚 August Student Move-Out

For residents and neighborhoods preparing for the August student move-out period, the City has information available regarding the student move-out area map and the student move-out timeframe.

Please be patient and courteous as students move in and out of our neighborhoods. A little extra patience and communication can go a long way in keeping our community welcoming for everyone.

💬 A Final Thought

As your Alder, I remain committed to listening to our community, working collaboratively, and finding practical solutions to the challenges facing Madison.

But this week, I also want to encourage all of us to pause from the difficult issues and appreciate the good around us.

There is a lot to be thankful for.

Let's enjoy these final weeks of summer. Spend time with your family. Check on a neighbor. Attend a community event. Support a local organization. Take the kids to a park. Share a meal. Have a conversation.

The school buses will soon be back on the roads, college students will return, calendars will fill up, and our routines will become busy again.

Before that happens, let's make time for one another.

Our neighborhoods are strongest when we know and care about the people who live next door.

Thank you for being part of District 7 and for continuing to make our community a place where neighbors look out for one another.

In solidarity,

Badri Lankella
Alder – District 7, 
Madison Common Council