Week of May 4, 2026
postedDistrict Niners,
- Welcome to the JRNA Farmer's Market, located in Junction Ridge Park (8502 Elderberry Rd. and 1 ½ blocks off Junction Rd.) and just in time for those looking for ways to conserve gas from trips to the downtown farmer's market. JRNA Farmer's Market will have its Grand Opening on Friday, May 15th at 9 AM. The menu from a variety of vendors including a food truck) and ranging from in-season produce, honey, eggs, cheese, beef, etc. awaits you and your continuing support!
- West Towne Detention Basin Improvements, May 5: Although not in district nine, do you have bad memories, flashbacks or recurring memories of the 2019 flooding that occurred on Gammon, Mineral Pt and Odana Rd, whenever it rains continuously like the month of April, 2026? If so, and for your information, the problem is about to be addressed with opportunities for you to provide input. The project consists of improvements to the existing West Towne Detention Basin on Madison's west side. The primary goal of these improvements is to increase the stormwater storage capacity of the detention pond, thereby reducing future peak stormwater flood elevations in the area. This will be achieved by connecting and expanding the two larger wet cells on site and excavating approximately 204,000 cubic yards of material from the area. Other added benefits to this property will include the addition gravel access paths to provide easier access and improve maintenance to the area. Wet forebay settling areas will be added to the northwest and southeast side of the site to collect sediment before it enters the main pond wet area. The area will be seeded with native species, which will enhance ecological diversity of the area and be beneficial to pollinators and urban wildlife.
- A public information meeting is scheduled for 12 p.m., May 5, 2026, via Zoom.
Updates and Notices
- Spring Yard Waste Collection Ending Soon: Don't miss out on your yard waste pickup chance. Get the date when you should put out yard waste for pickup on the Streets Division's website.
- Recycle Better: Last call to sign up for the Recycle Better class with Sustain Dane. Help yourself and your neighbors be better recyclers! Classes start next week. More details are on the Sustain Dane website.
Boards, Commissions, and 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, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Meeting Details
- Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 6, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing engineering services for the Wingra Proper Watershed Study.
If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.
- MPD Community Conversation - Central District, Monday, May 4: Meet the officers serving the downtown area of Madison during this town hall discussion. Central District Captain Kipp Hartman and Madison Police Chief John Patterson will be available to answer questions and address community concerns about public safety.
Announcements and News Releases
- 2026 Property Tax Base of the City of Madison: The City Assessor is responsible for the assessment process including… [posted May 1, 2026]
- MPD releases Annual Report: MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Police Department is pleased to present its 2025 Annual Report. The report highlights MPD's commitment to community outreach while providing high-quality police services.
- Madison Fire Seeks Community Input During Hiring Process: The Madison Fire Department is hiring the next class of Firefighter/EMT recruits, and community involvement is an important part of the process! Sign up to be a part of our Combined Oral Board interview panels.
Events
- Open House - Odana Hills Golf Course and Park, Wednesday, May 6 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm and Thursday, May 7 - 11:00am - 1:00pm: The City of Madison Parks Division is excited for the new partnership with Michael and Jocelyn Keiser and the Madison Parks Foundation. Through the Keisers' philanthropic vision and generous donation, we have an opportunity to reimagine, redesign and reconstruct Odana Hills Golf Course.
- Free Homebuyer Education Class (in person), Saturday, May 9: Take the first step to owning a home and join us in this Home Buyer Education Workshop. This FREE Homebuyer Education workshop takes place in-person at the Hub ( 2352 Park St.) on Saturday, May 9, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm! Lunch will be provided. Our first-time home buying workshops will cover the home buying process from start to finish, understanding financing options and mortgage types available, tips on improving your credit score and more.
- Let's Get Growing, Saturday, May 9: Join the Dane County Cancer Coalition for Let's Get Growing, supporting cancer prevention and care programs.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Owen, Saturday, May 9: World Migratory Bird Day for Kids ~ Join Rebecca Gilman for a Kid-friendly Bird and Nature Walk as we look for migratory birds and learn about ways to help them during migration.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Turville Point, Sunday, May 10: Month of Maying ~ Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it, let's do it, let's fall in love! Join Naturalist Kathlean Wolf for a free fun family friendly outing to enjoy Spring birds, bugs, flowers, and the burst of life occurring around you.
Your well-being (from Joann's “onion" page)
After five long months, many trees in the Madison area declared victory by again wearing leaves and stopping the tree nudity protest for now. They pledge to do it again in the fall if terms are not agreed to. What a display! Now get out there and see for yourself what it looks like.
Until next time, be safe and be well
Joann
