City Meetings and Updates Week of May 18
posted- City Meetings: Common Council 5/19
- East District Coffee With A Cop Monday 5/18
- Olbrich Comprehensive Plan Public Workshop Wednesday 5/20
- Safe Routes to School Strategic Plan Public Meeting 5/21
- Events & Announcements
City Meetings: Common Council 5/19
The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include:
- Item 1: An honoring resolution recognizing May as mental awareness month
- Item 2: An honoring resolution recognizing May as Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month
- Item 4: A resolution changing Planned Development zoning related to a project in District 3: the Capitol View at Oak Park apartments at 5817 Halley Way in Grandview Commons. This proposal is a 97-unit building that the applicant calls “age-restricted" and “marketed toward older adults". A previous version of this project was approved in 2022 and was delayed due to Covid-era economic disruptions. Here's the applicant's letter of intent. Here's the Planning staff memo which recommends approval.
- Item 43: A resolution authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Dane County related to their allocation of $1,148,000 in County funds for operations at the permanent men's shelter. This is one-time money from the County for 2026. Dane County has not yet made a standing financial commitment to shelter operations for future years.
- Item 45: Presentation of the Office of Independent Police Monitor Annual Report 2025-2026 (revised). Here's a link to the report.
- Item 47: Presentation of the Police Civilian Oversight Board Annual Report 2025. Here's a link to the report.
- Item 48: Chief of Police 1st Quarter 2026 Report and 2025 Annual Report by MPD Chief John Patterson. Here's a link to the quarterly report and to the annual report.
- Item 52: A resolution authorizing an application to U.S. Department of Transportation for another Safe Streets and Roads for All grant (I'm a cosponsor), which helps the City of Madison fund more traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements.
Meeting info:
East District Coffee With A Cop Monday
From East District Madison Police Department:
“Mercie's Coffee is hosting us for Coffee With A Cop this coming Monday, May 18th, at 9AM. Address is 1748 Eagan Rd.
I suspect that homelessness and development of the East Towne area will be hot topics. I also plan to discuss traffic enforcement going into the summer."
- When: Monday, May 18th at 9am
- Where: Mercie's Coffee, 1748 Eagan Road
Olbrich Comprehensive Plan Public Workshop Wednesday
Have you heard the news? Olbrich Botanical Gardens is undergoing its first comprehensive master planning process in more than 20 years.
You're invited to attend this last public meetings, both on Wednesday the 20th, to see the final plan. The meetings will consist of a presentation by the design team highlighting the process and showcasing elements from the final design. There will also be an open period for the public to view the designs up close and ask questions.
There are two different times to join on Wednesday:
- When: Tuesday, May 20th at 12pm-1pm and 6pm-7pm
- Where: Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- Registration is preferred but not required. Register online
More information is available on the event webpage for Wednesday and the Comprehensive Plan project webpage.
Safe Routes to School Strategic Plan Public Meeting Thursday
The City of Madison has released a Draft Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Strategic Plan for public review and comment. Developed in partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District and the Wisconsin Bike Fed, the plan provides recommendations for a sustainable and equitable program focused on safe streets, safe campuses, safe behaviors, and providing a supportive culture for walking, biking, and taking the bus to school.
A virtual public meeting will be held at 6:00pm on Thursday, May 21 to provide an overview of the plan. Register for the public meeting and review the draft plan at the SRTS Plan webpage: https://www.cityofmadison.com/traffic-engineering/biking-walking/programs-and-projects/safe-routes-to-school/safe-routes-to
Events & Announcements
- Proposed Changes at The Edgewater: Virtual Meeting of May 18, 2026: The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Avenue, proposes to make changes to their property in a phased plan over the next five to seven years. Phase 1 of the plan includes exterior shade structures and improvements to the sky bar roof deck as well as shade structures added to the first and seventh floor dining terraces, upgrades to restaurants and dining space, and adding a neighborhood grab-and-go market and coffee shop.
- Envision Downtown Madison Open House (Virtual), Monday, May 18: If you missed the Envision Downtown Madison Open House that was held on April 30, 2026, this virtual event is another chance to learn more about some of the Big Moves and the Shared Vision being proposed as part of the City of Madison's Downtown Area Plan and Downtown Madison, Inc.'s Greater Downtown Economic Investment Strategy.
- Register Now for City Budget Engagement Sessions: Madison residents are encouraged to attend three Budget Engagement Sessions this June. [posted May 13, 2026]
- MPD welcomes its first-ever therapy dog: MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department is excited to introduce its newest family member — a Golden Retriever named Frost. He's the department's first-ever therapy dog. Frost will work alongside our new peer support officer, a position created… [posted May 11, 2026]
- Madison Public Library's WE READ Summer Reading Program Begins June 1 with a Kick-Off Event in Reindahl Park: Pick up the new WE READ Map, get your WE READ bag, and connect to books, literacy tips, prizes and more this summer at your local library. [posted May 11, 2026]
- FOOT Dairyland Cowboys & Cowgirls, Wednesday, May 20: Change of tune! Looks like we'll have a little more time to enjoy the wonderful dance floor in historic Normal Hall (the building we've incorrectly been calling the Olin Park Pavilion). Madison's Parks Division has delayed its renovations projects for a while, so we now can have a spring FOOT-Loose Dance Series.
- Vaccine Clinic at Kennedy Elementary School, Saturday, May 23: In partnership with Kennedy Elementary School, Public Health is offering a variety of free vaccines on May 23, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. All vaccines are free for eligible individuals. Children six months and older who lack insurance, are under 19, and are either Alaskan Native or American Indian, as well as those with BadgerCare or most other types of insurance, can receive vaccinations at no cost.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, May 23: Signs of Spring ~ Join Naturalist Mary Binkley for a free fun fascinating family friendly guided walk on beautiful walking trails at Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park.
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. Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.
