Week of November 9, 2026

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Hello District 7 Neighbors,

Welcome to another week of updates from around Madison and District 7!

As we move further into November, the Common Council will continue its work on the 2027 City budget, while several important conversations are taking place around public safety, police accountability, neighborhood planning, and transportation.

My focus remains on keeping District 7 residents informed, making sure neighborhood voices are heard, and working toward practical solutions that improve our quality of life.

Here are some of the meetings, updates, and community opportunities to know about this week.

🌿 Protecting Our Greenways & Stormwater Ponds: No Mow, No Dump, No Spray

Our District 7 greenways and stormwater ponds are more than just open green spaces. They play an important role in preventing flooding, protecting water quality, supporting native plants and wildlife, and creating healthier neighborhoods.

The City of Madison Engineering Division is installing “No Mow, No Dump, No Spray" signs along selected stormwater ponds and greenways in District 7 to help protect these environmentally important areas.

I appreciate the work of Maddie Dumas, Ecological Land Manager, and the Engineering Division in taking a proactive approach to protecting these natural resources and educating residents.

Two District 7 locations receiving signage

1. Muir Field & McKee Greenway

Located just south of Interlaken Pass, this greenway contains a diverse natural habitat with native sedges and rushes along the shoreline, as well as wildflowers and native grasses on the surrounding slopes.

The City has recently transitioned this area from routine annual mowing to targeted ecological restoration management. City staff report that they have not observed dumping, mowing, or spraying at this location.

Muir Field No Mow
Image credit: City of Madison Engineering Division - Maddie Dumas

2. High Point Confluence Pond

Located just north and west of the Muir Field & McKee Greenway, this is another diverse prairie and wetland habitat. It connects with Dane County Ice Age Trail land to the west and complements Prairie Ridge Conservation Park east of South High Point Road.

City staff have observed yard waste dumping, including grass clippings, excessive mowing near the shoreline, and suspected pesticide or fertilizer treatments in areas that have been excessively mowed. These activities can damage native vegetation and affect the health of the ecosystem.

Highpoint No Mow
Image credit: City of Madison Engineering Division - Maddie Dumas

Why does this matter?

Native plants are especially valuable in stormwater management. Unlike conventional turf grass, many native grasses, wildflowers, sedges, and rushes have deep root systems that:

  • Help absorb rainwater and improve stormwater infiltration.
  • Reduce soil erosion and stabilize pond shorelines.
  • Filter pollutants and reduce nutrient runoff into waterways.
  • Provide habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
  • Support biodiversity and healthier natural ecosystems.

The City uses targeted management techniques, including invasive species control, strategic mowing, prescribed burns, and supplemental native planting and seeding.

What can residents do?

NO MOW

Please do not mow native vegetation in posted areas, including vegetation along pond shorelines.

NO DUMP

Do not dump grass clippings, leaves, branches, Christmas trees, pumpkins, or other yard waste on public stormwater land.

NO SPRAY

Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers to posted stormwater areas.

These restrictions are supported by Madison General Ordinance Section 8.15, which regulates private use of greenways, park lands, and bike paths.

Let's be good neighbors and protect our shared green spaces

I encourage District 7 residents, especially those living near these greenways and ponds, to respect the new signage and help spread the word.

Protecting these natural areas is a shared responsibility. Small actions by individual residents can make a meaningful difference in preserving our neighborhood environment for future generations.

Thank you to the City Engineering Division for its continued work and for keeping me informed about these efforts.

Learn more:

Thank you for helping keep District 7 green, healthy, and connected!

🏛️ 2027 City Budget: Common Council Deliberations

The Common Council will meet Tuesday, November 10, at 5:30 p.m. in hybrid format to continue deliberations on the 2027 Executive Operating Budget.

Budget decisions affect the services residents rely on every day, including public safety, transportation, parks, housing, infrastructure, and neighborhood services.

I will continue advocating for thoughtful, transparent budget decisions that balance the City's financial responsibilities with the needs of our residents.

Meeting details:

  • Tuesday, November 10
  • 5:30 p.m.
  • Hybrid meeting

Additional Common Council meetings may be held Wednesday, November 11, and Thursday, November 12, at 5:30 p.m., if needed, to continue budget deliberations.

Residents can review the agenda, register for public comment, and watch the meetings online through the City's Common Council meeting webpage.

🚔 Police Accountability, Body-Worn Cameras & Independent Oversight

The President's Workgroup on Madison Police Department Use of Deadly Force, De-Escalation, and Body-Worn Cameras Policies and Procedures will meet Monday, November 9, at 5:00 p.m. virtually.

The agenda includes discussion of body-worn camera records release.

As one of the Common Council members serving on this workgroup, I believe it is important that Madison develop clear, transparent, and accountable body-worn camera policies.

Body-worn cameras are an important accountability tool, but their effectiveness depends on clear policies governing activation, retention, public access, records release, and independent oversight.

The recent events surrounding Corey Ruiz and the broader community conversations about police accountability reinforce why these policies matter.

I remain committed to working toward a police oversight system that is independent, effective, transparent, and trusted by the community.

Residents are encouraged to follow the workgroup's discussions and participate in the public process.

🛣️ Transportation Planning: Pathways to 2050

The Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is updating Pathways to 2050, the region's long-range transportation plan.

This plan will help guide transportation investments and priorities over the next 20–30 years, including:

  • Roads and roadway infrastructure
  • Public transportation
  • Walking and pedestrian safety
  • Bicycle infrastructure
  • Regional transportation connectivity

The MPO gathered community feedback over the summer and is now hosting virtual meetings to share what it heard and discuss what comes next.

Two upcoming opportunities:

  • Monday, November 9: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 12: Noon–1:00 p.m.

Transportation investments made today will shape how our communities grow and connect for decades. I encourage residents to participate and share their perspectives.

🏘️ Neighborhood Planning: Near West & North Area Plans

The City continues its neighborhood planning outreach through the Near West and North Area Plans.

These planning processes provide opportunities for residents to help shape future housing, transportation, land use, parks, and neighborhood development.

Near West Area Plan

  • Monday, November 9
  • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
  • Virtual meeting; registration required.

Residents can also review the Near West Area StoryMap and share feedback through the City's Your Ideas Map.

North Area Plan

  • Monday, November 9: Noon–1:00 p.m. (virtual)
  • Monday, November 16: 6:30–8:00 p.m. (in-person open house)
  • Location: Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Drive.
  • Tuesday, November 17: 6:00–7:00 p.m. (virtual)

These plans focus on different parts of Madison, but the lessons are relevant citywide. Good planning starts with listening to residents and understanding how development, transportation, infrastructure, and public services work together.

🍂 Fall Leaf Collection: November Reminders

Fall leaf collection is continuing, but scheduled collection ends in November.

Please check your property's scheduled set-out dates before placing leaves and yard waste at the curb.

You can find your collection schedule on the City's website or call:

  • 608-266-4681
  • 608-246-4532

Sign up for Brush & Yard Waste Schedule Update Emails to receive notifications if weather conditions change the collection schedule or allow an additional pickup.

Please help keep our streets, sidewalks, and storm drains clear as we head into winter.

🚶 Vision Zero: Remembering Road Traffic Victims

November 9–15 is the week of remembrance for road traffic victims.

The City of Madison's Vision Zero initiative will recognize World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, honoring those who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in traffic crashes.

This is an important reminder that traffic safety is about people, families, and neighborhoods.

In District 7, residents have raised concerns about speeding, pedestrian safety, crosswalks, sidewalks, and safe neighborhood connections. These are issues I continue working on with City staff and our transportation teams.

Our shared goal should be streets where everyone can travel safely, whether walking, biking, driving, or using public transportation.

📰 City Announcements & Notices

Veterans Day – November 11

Public Health Madison & Dane County offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

We also take this opportunity to recognize and thank all the veterans who have served our country.

Reclaimed Stone Available for Public Pickup

Natural stone façade material salvaged from the demolition of the facility and reservoir at Unit Well #12 is now available for public pickup. Residents interested in this material can review the City's announcement for details.

Black Film Festival – November 20–22

The Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development will host its fourth annual Black Film Festival, bringing together film, conversation, community, and celebration.

Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award

The City is accepting nominations for this year's award recognizing contributions to respectful and constructive public discourse. Consider nominating someone who helps strengthen our community through thoughtful dialogue and civic engagement.

🎉 Community Events Around Madison

Here are a few opportunities to connect, learn, and participate in community activities this week.

Monday, November 9

  • Parks Alive Fall at Elver Park.
  • Coffee with a Cop – East District.
  • Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events training, 1:00–3:30 p.m., MPD Training Center, 5702 Femrite Drive.
  • Public Health Madison & Dane County and Madison Public Library's Period Party series.

Tuesday, November 10

  • Understand and Maintain Your Furnace – a practical class on home heating systems, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Saturday, November 14

  • Free Homebuyer Education Class, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Location to be announced.
  • Bird & Nature Adventures at Owen Park: Nature Photography.

Sunday, November 15

  • Bird & Nature Adventures at Warner Park: Fat Bears and Chonky Squirrels.

Please check the City's Events Calendar for registration requirements and additional details.

🤝 Staying Connected: Your Voice Matters

One of my priorities as your District 7 Alder is making City government more accessible, responsive, and connected to the people it serves.

Whether it is a neighborhood traffic concern, sidewalk request, park improvement, public safety issue, housing question, or development proposal, I want to hear from you.

I continue working with City departments, neighborhood associations, residents, and fellow alders to identify practical solutions and make progress on the issues that matter to our community.

If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please reach out.

Contact:

Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7 – City of Madison
Email: district7@cityofmadison.com

Thank you for staying engaged, looking out for your neighbors, and helping make District 7 a stronger community.

In solidarity,

Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7

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