Week of January 26, 2026
postedDistrict Niners,
The deep freeze is causing some of you to hunker down, and many others are in a state of complete hibernation. For those of you who have a mild case of cabin fever or the need to just get out, do so but with extreme caution. I have been out and about with essentials for short periods of time with heated gloves, heated socks, layers and a balaclava face covering. To prevent boredom, consider reading that book that you've wanted to read for some time, try jig-saw puzzling, write anonymous note cards to someone in a residential facility with a message that says something like "here's hoping that today is a good day," call (do not text) someone that you have forgotten what their voice sounds like and anything else that has the potential to bring you joy. Remember, this is Wisconsin and this type of weather happens! However, there are things that you can do to make it better.
Updates and Notices
Know Your Rights: Resources and information regarding federal immigration enforcement.
Boards, Commissions & 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.
- Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 27, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include executing a cost sharing agreement for the construction of the Madison LakeWay Community Causeway Improvements.
- Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 28, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include approving plans and specifications for the Capital City Path extension.
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)
- Regent Street Reconstruction, Monday, January 26: The City is planning to reconstruct Regent Street (Randall Avenue to S. Park Street). A public information meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Jan. 26, 2026, via Zoom. Registration prior is required.
Announcements & News Releases
- Don’t Miss 2026 Wisconsin Salt Week Livestreams, Videos and More: The City of Madison Engineering Division is proud to take part in Wisconsin Salt Week, Jan. 26-30, 2026, and invites the community to join in on the community educational opportunities to learn how to responsibly use salt and minimize salt use.
- Statement on Law Forward Case: The City of Madison believes that all forms of voting — including absentee voting — should be encouraged, promoted and protected. That commitment to Madison voters and absentee voters in particular has been longstanding and will continue.
- Application period opens for 2026 Arts Grants: The Madison Arts Commission (MAC) invites individual artists and non-profit organizations to apply for its annual grant program.
- Crews Cleanup Overflow on South Side, Do Not Flush Rags, Wipes. Despite what is written on the label, "disposable (wipes)" products should not be placed in toilet bowls and flushed.
- Mayor, community partners celebrate completion of ‘missing middle’ affordable homeownership project: Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Ald. Sean O’Brien, and representatives from the Madison Area Community Land Trust celebrated the completion of new affordable homes in the Owl Creek neighborhood.
- Prepare Your Home for Freezing Temperatures: Frigid temperatures are a good reminder for home and business owners to make sure their water pipes are protected from freezing or bursting. For pipes located near outside walls in your basement, consider using styrofoam pipe wraps. Cover that outside faucet with a styrofoam faucet cover. Both can be obtained from your local DYI store
- 2026 SEED Grants Cycle Now Open: The City of Madison Food Policy Council is opening the 2026 SEED Grants cycle to address food access issues in our community.
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
- Groove & Glide | Olbrich, Friday, January 30: Experience the fun and beauty of ice skating under the stars and lights with music and games. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Groove & Glide events are free to attend and no registration is needed. C
- Skate Cinema | Norm of the North, Saturday, January 31: Join us for an evening of ice skating and a movie at Skate Cinema! Bring a lawn chair and a blanket, and make it an evening to remember. This event is free to attend, and no registration is required. Ice skating is allowed while the movie is playing. Warm up by the fire pit. Bring your own skates or rent a pair from inside the staffed warming pavilion.
- Door Creek Park Ribbon Cutting & Winter Celebration, Sunday, February 1: Join City leaders, partners, and friends for a ribbon-cutting and winter celebration at Door Creek Park!
- Learn to Cross-Country Ski, Sunday, February 1: Join us for a free cross-country ski workshop at Door Creek Park, hosted by Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki)! This requires advanced registration, is free to attend and part of the Ribbon-Cutting and Winter Celebration.
- Learn to Snowshoe, Sunday, February 1: Join us for a free snowshoeing workshop at Door Creek Park, hosted by Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki)! Advanced registration is greatly appreciated. This is a free event and part of the Ribbon-Cutting and Winter Celebration.
- Coming soon: The UW-Madison Winter Carnival (with the Statue of Liberty partially buried) on Lake Mendota along with games and activities for all ages.
Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.
Your well-being
Niners,
I know and understand how the weather (especially winter) can wreak havoc on one's mental health. Reach out to friends and neighbors to stay engaged. In the meantime, be safe and be well.
Joann
