Week of July 20, 2026

District Niners,

• Reminder: On Monday (July 20th) from 3:30- 5:30 PM, representatives from the Plan Commission, project developers and the community will meet at Vista West to learn and discuss their concerns about the merits of the proposed demolition of the 305 Westfield Rd structure and replacing it with five (5) separate apartment buildings totaling  570 units.
• Reminder: the August 11, 2026 primary election is around the corner.   By now, you should have received an absentee ballot if you requested one.  If not, and you plan to vote by mail, go to the myvote.wi.govwebsite to request your ballot. 

Updates and Notices

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, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include authorizing a jurisdictional transfer agreement between the City of Madison and the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation to allow the City of Madison to assume full responsibility for sections of US Highway 151 from the Beltline to Blair/ East Washington.
• Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 22, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include considering a report of the City Engineer regarding the results of a review of water resource impacts and the necessity of permits for public works construction projects.
• Housing Policy Committee: The Housing Policy Committee meeting will take place on Thursday, July 23, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a presentation from Building Inspection regarding minimum housing and property maintenance services.

If you would like more information about becoming a member of the City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Announcements & News Releases

• Sufficient rain has been hit and miss (so far) this summer.  To make up for the lack of rain, consider:
• Helping Your Trees: Urban Forestry Reminds Residents to Water Newly Planted Trees:  If a tree has been planted on the terrace in front of your home by Urban Forestry within the last five years, or if you had a tree planted on your private property, consider watering the tree as needed to increase its chance of taking root and surviving.

Events

Did you know that: “kayak" is a palindrome? That kayak's were invented by indigenous people north of the Arctic Circle? That the first kayaks were made from the skins of harvested animals (moose, elk, etc.)?  Well, now you know and we've come a long way!!

• Learn to Kayak, Monday, July 20: Learn to Kayak with Madison Boats! Register online for this free class offered at Marshall Park. All ages are welcome and most appropriate for ages 10 and older. Anyone under 18 must have a guardian present and may need to be in the kayak with child.

STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE and attend one or some of the events below to free your mind.

• Concerts on the Rooftop: Gold Dust Women (Fleetwood Mac/Heart Tribute), Thursday, July 23: Gold Dust Women isn't just a tribute band—it's a powerhouse of top-tier musicians, each a standout performer in their own right. When these dynamic personalities come together on stage, they create pure magic, bringing the music of Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and a few unexpected surprises to life with electrifying energy.
• Brat Fry Friday, Friday, July 24: Come join us for lunch at the links!  The grill will be fired up from 11am-3pm for a delicious afternoon treat.
• Live at The Glen | Louka & Co., Friday, July 24: Get ready for an unforgettable evening on the Glen Patio with Louka & Co(external), a dynamic group known for their eclectic blend of bluegrass and beyond. Rooted in tradition yet never confined by it, Louka & Co weave together high-energy picking, rich harmonies, and unexpected musical twists that keep audiences engaged from the first note to the last.
• Volunteer at The Glen, Saturday, July 25: We seek passionate individuals and groups committed to giving back to the community and connecting with the City of Madison golf courses. Gain experience, foster personal growth, and build relationships within the community.  
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, July 25: Join a naturalist for an easy, family-friendly walk from Aldo Leopold Nature Center into beautiful Edna Taylor Conservation Park and enjoy a bit of nature education along the way. Walks through the Edna Taylor Conservation Park are held on the 4th Saturday, 10-11:30am of each month.

Parks Alive Dates!

Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city and throughout the summer. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Events start at 5:00 p.m.

• Parks Alive | Galaxy Park, Monday, July 20
• Parks Alive | Sandburg Park, Tuesday, July 21
• Parks Alive | Hammersley Park, Wednesday, July 22

Interested in volunteering for Parks Alive? Volunteers Welcome! Learn more and register online!

Movie in the Park Dates!

• Movie in the Park | Lilo & Stitch, Friday, July 24 
• Movie in the Park | The Fifth Element, Saturday, July 25

Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.

Your well-being,

Round two of the wildfire smoke from Canada will begin to blow into Wisconsin again this week.  I have seen too, too many adults and children walking around without taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves. Inhaling smoke-filled air can be damaging, especially if you have other chronic health conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart diseases, etc.  Dig into your stash of N-95 masks, cover up (your nose and mouth) when you are outside and limit your time outdoors as well. Don't forget to limit your pet's time and outdoor exposure as well.  If you've noticed an increased amount of dust debris on parked vehicle hoods and windshields…just think about the accumulation of particulate matter in your lungs.  H-u-m-m.!! Still worried about being incapacitated by explosive number #2's?  Do WASH your hands thoroughly and triple wash leafy greens and other veggies and fruits before consuming.

Until next time,

Joann