Week of August 31, 2026
postedLooking Ahead to September
Dear Neighbors,
As we head into the final days of August and prepare for September, our community is transitioning into a new season. School is back in session, fall activities are beginning, and many of us are settling back into busier routines.
Before we get too far into fall, I hope everyone had an opportunity to enjoy some of Madison's many summer community events and spend time with family, friends, and neighbors. These opportunities to connect with one another are especially important during challenging and sometimes divisive times.
As always, I encourage District 7 residents to stay engaged, attend neighborhood and city meetings, and reach out to me with questions or concerns about our community.
🌳 Opening Date Set for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park
There is exciting news for Madison's northeast side! The Imagination Center at Reindahl Park will officially open on Friday, September 25.
The new facility is a unique collaboration between Madison Public Library, City of Madison Engineering, Madison Parks, and the Madison Public Library Foundation. It will combine a library with a four-season parks pavilion and provide a multifunctional indoor-outdoor space for residents of all ages.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place from 3:00–4:00 p.m. on September 25, followed by an opening weekend filled with activities, including building tours, nature walks, food trucks, a how-to corner, a movie in the park, and more.
This is a great example of how libraries, parks, and community spaces can come together to create places where residents can learn, gather, and build connections.
Save the date and learn more:
Imagination Center at Reindahl Park
🚲 The Smart Trips Challenge Is Almost Here!
September is a great time to try a different way of getting around Madison.
The 2026 Smart Trips Challenge encourages residents to consider alternatives to driving alone. Whether it is biking to school with your children, taking the bus to meet friends, carpooling with coworkers, or walking or rolling for a nearby errand, small changes can make a difference.
These choices can help save money, add activity to your day, reduce traffic, and lower our community's carbon footprint.
The challenge is free and open to anyone 18 or older who lives or works in Dane County. Participants can create a free RoundTrip account and log eligible trips for opportunities to win weekly and grand prizes.
Consider giving it a try this September:
Join the 2026 Smart Trips Challenge
🏛️ Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of August 31, 2026
Here are some city meetings, public information meetings, announcements, and events coming up this week.
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.
- Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, August 31, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing the Economic Development Division to administer a Williamson Street Business Stabilization Support Program, as well as transferring $28,500 from the contingent reserve to the Office of the Independent Monitor for additional staffing and services costs.
- Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, August 31, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests in Districts 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 15, and 20.
If you would like more information about becoming a member of the City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.
🚧 Public Information Meeting – Stoughton Road Redesign
Thursday, September 3
Alder Derek Field of District 3 and Alder Sean O'Brien of District 16 are hosting an in-person public information meeting about the Stoughton Road Redesign.
City Planning and Transportation staff will provide information about the project, followed by a question-and-answer session.
This is a good opportunity for residents who use Stoughton Road or are interested in the future of transportation on Madison's east side to learn more and ask questions.
🚦 Transportation and Construction Updates
Several transportation and construction changes are taking place as we move into September. Please plan ahead and allow additional time for your commute.
John Nolen Drive Traffic Pattern Changes
Beginning at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, the left turn from southbound Broom Street onto John Nolen Drive will close as construction continues.
The traffic pattern change is expected to remain in place through spring 2027. Please pay attention to posted signs and allow extra time when traveling through the area.
East Washington Avenue Sewer Construction
Starting Monday, August 31, sewer construction associated with the private development project at 720 E. Washington Avenue will begin.
The work is expected to continue through approximately October 9 and will result in traffic impacts and delays in the area.
If you are traveling through East Washington Avenue, please plan accordingly and consider alternate routes when practical.
UW-Madison Housing Move-In
The annual UW-Madison housing move-in period continues to affect downtown traffic. Multiple streets are scheduled for closures from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. August 29–31.
Residents traveling downtown should expect increased congestion and plan additional travel time.
🏙️ Other City News and Announcements
A few additional announcements caught my attention this week:
State Street Campus Garage is officially open. The newly completed State Street Campus redevelopment brings public parking, student housing, and regional bus service to downtown Madison.
Free Imagination Center yard signs will be available beginning September 1. Residents on Madison's northeast side can pick up an artist-designed yard sign from three Madison Public Library locations to celebrate the upcoming opening of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park.
Madison youth recognized in WE READ writing contest. Three young Madison writers were recognized as winners of the fifth annual WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest, a partnership between Madison Public Library and Forward Madison FC.
Congratulations to these young writers for sharing their voices and creativity with our community!
For additional announcements and city news, visit the City of Madison News page.
💜 International Overdose Awareness Day
Today, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day.
This day provides an opportunity to remember those we have lost, support people and families affected by overdose, and strengthen our commitment to compassion, connection, prevention, and recovery.
I encourage everyone to take a moment today to recognize the individuals, families, and community members whose lives have been affected.
International Overdose Awareness Day information
🎶 Enjoy One More Summer Evening
As we move toward fall, there are still opportunities to enjoy Madison's vibrant music and community events.
Louka & Co. will perform on Friday, September 4 on the Glen Patio. The group is known for an eclectic blend of bluegrass and beyond.
You can also find more community activities and upcoming events on the City of Madison Events Calendar.
🤝 Stay Connected
As your District 7 Alder, I appreciate hearing from residents about the issues that matter to you, from transportation and housing to public safety, parks, city services, and neighborhood concerns.
Please continue to reach out with your questions, ideas, and concerns. Your input helps me better understand what is happening in our neighborhoods and how I can represent District 7 at City Hall.
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable transition into September. Let's continue to look for opportunities to connect with our neighbors, support our local community, and make Madison a welcoming place for everyone.
Have a great week, District 7!
Badri Lankella
Alder – District 7
Madison Common Council
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