Week of June 1, 2026

District Niners,

It's Budget time in Madison and a full plate of information, decisions and opportunities await you, if interested, have concerns or want to know more this week about what's going on in Madison as well as how you can shape plans for years to come.

• This week: Justice & Public Safety Budget Engagement June 2 from 6-8 PM at the Central Library:  201 Mifflin St. More in (PIM's) Public Information Meetings below.
• Transportation is a “biggie" for many, if not most, in Madison.  Consider completing the 10-minute survey by visiting the Pathways to 2050 website being conducted by the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization that is designed to shape transportation priorities across Madison over the next 20-30 years.  Why?  As Madison and Dane County continues to grow, decisions related to roads, public transit, walking and biking infrastructure accessibility and safety will guide future decisions and help inform how federal transportation funding is prioritized in this region.
• Attend a Public Involvement Meeting
• The MPO will also host a series of public involvement meetings throughout the planning process, beginning in June. The first meeting will be offered on two dates and times for scheduling flexibility:
• Monday, June 15, from 6-7 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 17, from noon-1 p.m.
• Both meetings will be held virtually and include an overview of the planning process, regional transportation trends and data, draft goals, and opportunities for public feedback.  For more information, visit the Pathways to 2050 webpage
•   Engagement is necessary and your input is a must!  Take the survey. 

Boards, Commissions & Committee Meetings

The Finance Committee (Legistar 93167) will consider approving an extension of the interim OIM's ( Aeiramique Glass) appointment from June 8, 2026, until such time as the position of Independent Police Monitor is filled on a permanent basis or March 31, 2027. 

1. Register for Public Comment
2. Register in support or opposition (with or without speaking)
3. Watch the meeting by visiting http://www.cityofmadison.com/watchmeetings

Meeting Details

• Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, June 1, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests in Districts 12 and 14.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

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)

• City Budget Engagement | Justice & Public Safety, Tuesday, June 2, 2026: The goal of these public meetings is to provide an opportunity to share your ideas for Madison's future. Learn more about the City of Madison budget process and get your questions answered during budget engagement sessions planned across Madison. This session focuses on Justice & Public Safety.
• Public Information Meeting: John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Phase 2 (Olin to Lakeside), Tuesday, June 2, 2026: A public information meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., June 2, 2026, via Zoom. Registration prior is required.
• Public Information Meeting: Data Center Moratorium, Wednesday, June 3, 2026: The City of Madison is holding a virtual public information meeting on its data center moratorium at 5:30pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. This meeting is being held to provide an update on the authority and tools the City has to regulate data centers, the research being done by City staff, the potential impacts of data centers the City is considering in its analysis, and a timeline for a draft policy proposal. City officials will take questions and seek input from the public after an informational presentation. Registration is required for this free virtual meeting.

Announcements & News Releases

• Food Scraps Recycling Begins at the Streets Division Drop-off Sites on June 1, 2026:  Free food scraps recycling drop-off begins at all three Streets Division drop-off sites starting on June 1, 2026. When visiting a Streets Division drop-off site, look for the orange food scraps carts. 
• John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Traffic Closure Update: South Broom Street is scheduled to reopen by 4:00pm on Tuesday, June 2. Following the reopening, North Shore Drive will close beginning at 5:00am on Wednesday, June 3.
• New Pilot Study Expands Beach Monitoring Efforts in Dane County: This summer, Public Health Madison & Dane County and Clean Lakes Alliance are teaming up on a new pilot study to better understand what causes E.coli levels to increase across the Yahara chain of lakes. 
• City of Madison Commissions Artist Nate Page to Create Public Art for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park: The Wisconsin-born-and-raised artist will create a two-sided interactive sculpture that represents the connection between recreation and learning. 
• Madison Writing Assistance to Celebrate Writing through Storytelling at Madison Public Library: MADISON, WI –      Madison Writing Assistance invites community members to participate in storytelling workshops and a summer story slam as part of their annual Celebration of Writing at Goodman South Madison Library in June.“
• Goodman Pool Introduces New Pool Waiver Process Ahead of 2026 Season: The City of Madison Parks Division is introducing a new Pool Waiver process for the 2026 Goodman Pool season. All guests and visitors – including lap swimmers and tot time users, must complete the Pool Waiver before entering the Goodman Pool. 
• Madison Water Utility Releases Latest Annual Drinking Water Quality Report: The report provides an overview of the tens of thousands of drinking water quality tests conducted in 2025. 

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

• Madison Bike Week, Monday, June 1 Through Friday, June 5 (This Event Occurs on Multiple Dates): Bike Week celebrates riding to work, the grocery store, a park, the library—or simply biking to enjoy the warm wind through your hair. Events will take place throughout the week across the city. Bike Week stations will be located at various points along the city's bike paths. For more information, visit the Madison Bikes website.
• RoundTrip Commuter Station — Bikes, Buses, and Treats! Thursday, June 4, 2026: Celebrate Madison Bike Week with an afternoon stop along the Cap City Trail! Join RoundTrip Greater Madison, the Greater Madison MPO, Metro Transit, City of Madison Traffic Engineering, Wisconsin Bike Fed, and Madison BCycle for a free commuter station filled with bike and bus resources, giveaways, treats, and hands-on activities.
• Concerts on the Rooftop: Nauti-Nauti (Yacht Rock), Thursday, June 4, 2026: A truly unique Madison experience! Experience the unparalleled magic of sensational bands and breathtaking views at Concerts on the Rooftop! Dance the night away or just relax with family and friends, Concerts on the Rooftop provides a fun and free experience for all! A free ticket is required for admission.
• Live at The Glen | Sparetime Bluegrass Band, Friday, June 5, 2026: Sparetime Bluegrass Band is a long-standing Madison, Wisconsin-based band formed in 1994, specializing in traditional bluegrass and first-generation style performances. Led by Bob Batyko, this five-member group features strong, traditional instrumentation (guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass) and has been a staple in the Midwest music scene for over 30 years. They will perform at the Glen Golf Park on Friday, June 5 at 6:00 PM.
• Wear Orange 2026, Saturday, June 6, 2026: Join Public Health Madison & Dane County for this year's Wear Orange event honoring violence survivors and building community together. There will be music, food, activities for kids, resources, and speakers. There is no cost to attend. Don't forget to Wear Orange!
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Tenney Park, Saturday, June 6, 2026: Join Naturalist Robin Kling for a free welcoming family-friendly guided walk to look for and learn about native trees and plants at Tenney Park. The Tenney Lagoon borders and other areas are being restored with more native plants for pollinators, birds and wildlife. 
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Turville Point, Sunday, June 7, 2026: Join Naturalist David Wood for a free fun welcoming outing for all ages to explore the beautiful woodland nature trails, the restored prairie, old pine groves, and shoreline views of Lake Monona.  See areas cleared of invasive brush by Madison Parks and volunteers with the help of a managed herd of goats.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, Sunday, June 7, 2026: Marsh Canoe Tour ~ Take a free family friendly paddle with Naturalists Lynn Persson, Linda Malkin and Sheila Leary to find out what's happening in the marsh as Spring turns to Summer! Some canoes provided first come first served, bring your own canoe or kayak if you have one. The marsh, wetlands and Yahara River are alive with new growth, fish, dragonflies, turtles, and birds.

Still looking for something of interest?  Visit the City events calendar.

Your well-being

Today, stress has increased the rate of wear and tear on our bodies caused by life and other man-made created problems.  Sitting back and thinking that the problem(s) will just go away is not the answer. For starters, try getting informed, getting engaged by speaking up, speaking out, and offering suggestions and solutions.  We have the answers! We just need the courage to get up, get out and just do it!

Until next time,

Joann