Week of September 14, 2026

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Dear District 7 Neighbors,

I hope everyone had a good weekend. As we move further into September, there is a lot happening across Madison, from important City budget discussions and transportation planning to community conversations, neighborhood events, and opportunities to stay engaged.

As always, my goal is to keep District 7 residents informed about what is happening at City Hall and in our neighborhoods. I encourage you to attend meetings, share your perspectives, and reach out to me whenever you have questions or concerns.

🏘️ District 7 Updates

Reservoir 20 Construction Update

I continue to follow up with Madison Water Utility regarding the ongoing work at Reservoir 20 and the concerns raised by nearby residents following recent contractor blasting and debris.

City staff have been working with the contractor to understand the impacts on affected properties and determine appropriate cleanup and remedies. The City has also been communicating with residents who reported debris and property impacts.

I appreciate the patience of the residents who have reached out and shared information. I will continue to stay engaged with City staff and the contractor until the outstanding concerns are addressed.

🚶 Pedestrian Safety & Safe Routes to School

Pedestrian and school travel safety remain important priorities for District 7 and for me personally.

This week, the Transportation Commission is scheduled to consider both the City of Madison Pedestrian Plan and the Safe Routes to School Strategic Plan. These plans are important because they help establish longer-term priorities for sidewalks, crossings, pedestrian safety, and making it safer for children to walk, bike, or take the bus to school.

I have been involved in discussions around Safe Routes to School and am pleased to see this work moving toward implementation. I look forward to continuing to advocate for investments that improve safety for students, families, pedestrians, and people biking throughout our community.

🏛️ City Meetings This Week

This is not a complete list of City meetings. You can find additional meetings, agendas, public-comment information, and livestreams through the City's meeting schedule.

💰 Finance Committee — 2027 Capital Budget

The Finance Committee will meet Monday, September 14, and Tuesday, September 15, at 4:30 p.m., both in virtual format.

These meetings will include agency briefings on the 2027 Executive Capital Budget and five-year Capital Improvement Plan. Here are the agencies that will present their portion of the 2027 Capital Budget and five-year Capital Improvement Plan for 2028-2032:

  • Agencies presenting Monday, by category: 
    • Administration: Finance, Information Technology, Mayor's Office, Zoo
    • Public Spaces: Madison Public Library and Monona Terrace
    • Planning and Economic Development Department: City Planning
    • Public Safety & Health: Madison Fire and Madison Police
    • The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, September 14, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include 2027 Executive Capital Budget briefings.
  • Agencies presenting Tuesday, by category: 
    • Planning and Economic Development, part 2: Community Development Authority (public housing), Community Development Division, Economic Development Division
    • Transportation: Metro Transit, Parking Division, Traffic Engineering, Transportation Director's Office
    • Public Works: Fleet Services, Madison Parks Division, Streets Division, Water Utility
    • Public Works-Engineering: Bicycle & Ped, Facilities, Major Streets, Other Projects, Sewer utility, Stormwater Utility
    • The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 15, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include 2027 Executive Capital Budget briefings.

The Capital Budget is one of the most important ways the City plans for our future. I will be paying particular attention to investments that affect basic infrastructure, transportation safety, parks, water, public services, and the long-term needs of District 7.

🚲 Transportation Commission — Pedestrian Plan & Safe Routes to School

The Transportation Commission will meet Wednesday, September 16, at 5:00 p.m., in virtual format. Agenda items include adopting the City of Madison Pedestrian Plan.

Two important plans are on the agenda:

City of Madison Pedestrian Plan

The plan identifies opportunities to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility throughout Madison, including sidewalk gaps, crossing improvements, and areas where people walking experience greater levels of stress or risk.

Safe Routes to School Strategic Plan

The Safe Routes to School plan provides a framework for improving the safety and accessibility of walking, biking, and transit trips to and from Madison schools. The plan was developed collaboratively with City staff, MMSD, the Wisconsin Bike Fed, students, families, school staff, and community members.

I believe these long-term plans are important tools for making our streets safer and ensuring that transportation investments serve residents of all ages and abilities.

Residents interested in sharing comments with the Transportation Commission are encouraged to participate in the meeting or submit comments to the Commission.

📣 Public Information Meeting

Breese Stevens Field Improvements

On Wednesday, September 16, the City will host a Public Information Meeting regarding proposed improvements at Breese Stevens Field.

Big Top Events, LLC is proposing a significant privately funded investment in the facility. Upon completion, the improvements would be owned by the City.

Public information meetings provide an opportunity to learn more about proposed projects and understand how they may affect the community.

🗳️ Voting & Civic Engagement

National Voter Registration Day — September 15

September 15 is National Voter Registration Day, and the Madison City Clerk's Office is celebrating with voter registration drives throughout the week.

With the November 3 election approaching, this is a good time to make sure your voter registration information is current and that you understand your voting options.

Secure ballot drop boxes are also now open for the November 3, 2026 election.

Civic participation is an important part of a healthy democracy, and I encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to make a plan to participate.

📰 Other City Updates

A few other City announcements that caught my attention this week include:

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

There are many opportunities to get outside and connect with the Madison community this week:

The City calendar has additional events and activities happening throughout Madison.

🤝 Staying Connected

One of my priorities as your Alder is to make sure District 7 residents have opportunities to learn together, share concerns, and help shape the future of our community.

Whether the issue is pedestrian safety, neighborhood infrastructure, housing, parks, public safety, City services, or the budget, your feedback matters. I may not always be able to solve an issue immediately, but I will do my best to listen, connect you with the right City staff, and follow up.

Please continue to reach out with your questions, concerns, and ideas.

Thank you to all the residents, neighborhood leaders, community organizations, City staff, and volunteers who continue to make District 7 such a strong and connected community.

In solidarity,

Badri Lankella
Alder – District 7
City of Madison

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