Week of October 13, 2025
postedDistrict Niners,
For those of you who missed the ceremony honoring of the 25th year of the Alisha Ashman library...you missed a treat. Those present learned about its history: selecting the site, groundbreaking, the grand opening and the opening of the "time capsule" from 25 years ago. If you visit the library in the coming days, take some time to look over the year 2000 contents that include documents, images, messages and memorabilia from youth and other civic leaders. Of course, it could not be a celebration without cake, activities for children and putting together the Alisha Ashman 25th anniversary year jig saw puzzle.
Public Health Offices Closed: Public Health Offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. The City of Madison Offices will remain open and operate regular office hours.
Boards Commissions & Committee Meetings
- Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 14, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. This is a budget hearing on the 2026 Executive Operating Budget. Public comment will not be taken at this meeting.
- Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Thursday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 215 of the Madison Municipal Building at 215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Agenda items include updates on the Curb Management Framework and the Urban Design Commission Code.
If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.
Public Information Meetings (PIMs)
- Public Information Meeting - James Madison Park, Tuesday, October 14: Madison Parks plans to rebuild the existing retaining wall around the Lincoln School Apartments in James Madison Park. Advanced registration is required.
Announcements & Releases
- SafeGrowth Initiative Brings New Public Art to Historic Downtown Corridor: West Gilman Street is being transformed by three distinctive public art projects, breathing new creative energy into the historic corridor.
- October is Pedestrian Safety Month: As the days grow shorter and more kids walk to and from school, fall is a great time for everyone in Madison to get outside for some fresh air, exercise, and exploration. It’s also the perfect moment to focus on pedestrian safety.
- Next Phase of Public Meetings for Southwest and Southeast Area Plans Scheduled: Residents, community organizations, businesses, and others are invited to join in the second phase of the planning for the Southwest and Southeast Area Plans with a series of public meetings in the coming weeks.
- Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award : The City of Madison invites you to submit nominations for its annual Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award.
- Common Council adopts latest changes to encourage more housing opportunities : City of Madison Alders unanimously approved the latest set of Housing Forward proposals designed to make it easier to build more housing of all types across Madison.
- Mayor Releases 2026 Executive Operating Budget : The 2026 Executive Operating Budget proposal funds the services, programs, and staff needed for a well-run and thriving city. More about that in the days to come.
- John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Begins Monday, October 13:
- If you are a John Nolen Drive "regular" (pedestrian, auto, cycler), the nightmare begins and will last for a long time. Prepare for single lanes, longer commute times, etc. Minimize your frustration by planning alternative routes. During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Lakeside Street and Broom Street as well as North Shore Drive and Broom Street.
- Update - Nakoma Road Sidewalk Project: The Nakoma Road Sidewalk Project, which began August 27, is progressing as anticipated. The closure of the impacted intersection of Cherokee Drive at Nakoma Road will continue until the week of October 27th.
- Announcement from the Office of the Independent Monitor: Robin Copley has informed the Police Civilian Oversight Board that she is resigning her position as Independent Police Monitor.
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.
Events
Time to put down that cell phone and get out. There's much to enjoy! For example:
- Learn to Fish with Madison Parks: Participants will learn the basics of fishing. The Fishmobile, courtesy of Warner Park Community Recreation Center, will be on site with all the fishing equipment needed to participate.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Starkweather Creek Area, Saturday, October 18: Transitioning to Winter ~ Join Master Naturalist Sean Gere with Friends of Starkweather Creek for a free family friendly guided tour along Starkweather Creek. Enjoy Fall outdoors and learn how plants, trees, birds, insects and other animals are enjoying the bounty of Summer and getting ready for Winter.
- Volunteer at The Glen, Saturday, October 18 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Volunteering at The Glen offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to your community, learn new skills, grow personally and professionally, and connect with like-minded individuals.
- Motion! Welcome to Madison Water Utility’s Rock ‘N’ The Well Open House 2025! This event is FREE to all community members. Show up any time between Noon and 4 pm.
- Hayrides & Hikes, Saturday, October 18: Tour Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit aboard a tractor-pulled hay wagon, enjoy nature activities, take a self-guided hike, participate in the scavenger hunt or do it all! Plus enjoy free hot cider, a campfire, and marshmallows to roast on the fire.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, October 19: Reflections and Changes ~ Join Master Naturalist Lynn Persson for a free family friendly guided nature walk on easy paths along the Warner Lagoon, quiet trails through Warner Woods, and follow the bike path to Sled Hill for a beautiful view of the Wild Side of Warner Park!
Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.
Just What You Are Looking For
A neighbor gave me a sample (dessert) from this Middle Eastern sweet shop, so I decided to check them out on one my walks; what a surprise! The nice thing about this place is, it's located in a strip mall with a diversity of eateries ranging from Italian to Asian to Mexican. As a coffee connoisseur, the expresso with the secret cardamon was a pleasant surprise. So, if you are in the vicinity of the Mineral Point Rd. and Grand Canyon Dr. BRT stop, get off the bus or park your car and check them out. It's a change of pace and it's Just What You Are Looking For!
Your Well- Being
Take some time to reestablish your relationship with the great outdoors before Wisconsin shows us how "cold" she can be. There is so much to do while you are still vertical.
Until next time,
Be safe and be well.
Joann
