Week of April 13, 2026

District Niners,

Now that the Farmers Market on the Square has begun, you too, (District Niners), can begin to look forward to the grand opening of the Junction Ridge Neighborhood Farmers Market beginning on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 9:00AM-1:00PM at Junction Ridge Park.

Updates and Notices

Call for Nominations - Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award: The City of Madison Equal Opportunities Division (EOD) and the Equal Opportunities Commission present the Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award annually. The award honors the late Reverend James C. Wright, who served as the Executive Director of the Equal Opportunities Commission from its inception in 1968 until his retirement in 1992.  Consider nominating a person who best exemplifies the human rights work of Reverend James C. Wright. The deadline for receipt of nominations has been extended to April 30, 2026. 

Boards, Commissions & Committee Meetings

• Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, April 13, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format.  Specific to District 9, item 6, Legistar # 92237: the Commission will consider a project at 7401 Ganser Way (sandwiched between High Point Rd. and Randolph Dr.).  The proposed project: a six-story 134 unit multi-family  dwelling and approval for an outdoor recreation pool. For District Niners who received post cards related to this proposed project and have concerns, do consider registering for public comment.
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Meeting Agenda
• Virtual Open House | District 20, Tuesday, April 14 (This event occurs on multiple dates): You're invited! Madison Parks is holding a series of virtual public input sessions to prepare Park Development Plans for the neighborhood parks within the Southwest Plan Area. This represents a golden opportunity to gather ideas and intelligence for parks in the 9th District.

Announcements & News Releases

• MPD seeking participants for the Black Youth Academy: MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Police Department will once again host a summer camp to help foster trust between law enforcement and youth. The Black Youth Academy is designed for middle school students from the Madison area. In addition, this free week-long camp offers opportunities to explore career paths in law enforcement.
• Urban Forestry Planting 1,400 Trees in Spring 2026: Urban Forestry's annual spring planting season begins on Monday, April 13, 2026. Crews will be planting approximately 1,400 trees along City of Madison streets. There will be 35 different tree species planted.
• Celebrate National Library Week April 19-25 at Madison Public Library: MADISON, WI – From April 19-25, Madison Public Library is celebrating National Library Week, an annual celebration that highlights the important role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.
• Madison police offer free training to prepare people for active shooter events:  MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department is offering a training designed to save lives in an active shooter situation. The next session of the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) will be the morning of April 15th from 8:30-10:30 AM at the MPD Training Center located at 5702 Femrite Dr.

Events

• Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, April 19: Looking for Spring Ephemerals ~ Join Naturalist Mary Binkley for a free family friendly walk at Warner Park to celebrate the return of Spring!  Ephemerals are flowers that bloom in woodlands while trees are still bare and sunlight reaches the ground. Warner Woods is reportedly the oldest uncut woods in Madison.  Recent removal of invasive early-greening buckthorn has resulted in a surprising variety of beautiful native wildflowers and more are being restored.

Your well-being

Take note… spring has arrived and you have noticed the budding of trees and shrubbery and for allergy sufferers, allergens that accompany budding.  And, we welcome the return of birds that winter in warmer climates from September through early March.  Now that's enough to make you activate your smile!

Until next time,

Joann