Week of May 18, 2026

District Niners,

Concerns about street safety of children is among the top issues for our school age population throughout the city including the 9th district.  Although the end of the academic school year is near, draft plans are underway to make travel to and from school safer for all children regardless of their mode of transport. 

The City of Madison is developing a Safe Routes to School Strategic Plan in conjunction with the Madison Metropolitan School District and the Wisconsin Bike Fed. The plan will provide policy and programmatic recommendations to improve the safety, comfort, and accessibility for children walking and biking to school in Madison. Learn more about the draft plan on the Safe Routes to School webpage

On Thursday May 21, 2026 (from 6:00 PM-7:00 PM), the city is hosting a virtual Public Information Meeting to provide an overview of the planning process, key recommendations in the plan, a description of how the public can comment on the plan, and time for questions and answers. The draft plan document and a comment form are currently posted on the Safe Routes to School Plan website. The meeting is Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm on Zoom. Registration is required for the meeting.  Register for the virtual Public Information Meeting.

On another note, the ribbon cutting opening of the Junction Ridge Farmer's Market on Friday (May 15th) went off without a hitch and with more to come as the spring growing season kicks into high gear.  It's a great time to renew (in-person) friendships with neighbors while at the same time supporting our wonderful vendors and sponsors. 

Don't forget, if it's Friday, it's the Farmers Market at Junction Ridge Park from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM.

Updates and Notices

• Spring Yard Waste Pickup is Very Nearly Over:  Check the website before putting out yard waste for pickup.  
• Recycling Tip – Black Plastic Plant Pots Go Into the Trash: It's the season to start your garden, so you will start getting plants in those little crinkly black plastic pots from garden centers.  For more information about recycling (recyclables and non-recyclables in the City of Madison, visit: cityofmadison.com/streets/trash-recycling/guidelines/recycling

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, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Madison and Dane County regarding the operations of the men's homeless shelter located at 1904 Bartillon Drive. Additionally, the agenda will cover the Office of the Independent Police Monitor Annual Report for 2025, the Police Civilian Oversight Board Annual Report for 2025-2026, and the Chief of Police's 1st Quarter Report and 2025 Annual Report.

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.

• N Lake Street Closure Starting Monday, May 18: Starting at 7:00am on Monday, May 18th, R.G Huston will be performing sanitary replacement and pavement restoration work on N. Lake Street, between University Avenue and State Street. 
• Food Scraps Recycling Drop-off Returns to South Madison Farmers' Market on Tuesday, May 19, 2026: Free food scraps recycling drop-off returns to the South Madison Farmers' Market for the 2026 season! The first date food scraps will be accepted is Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Look for the free food scraps drop-off to drop off your coffee grounds.
• Register Now for City Budget Engagement Sessions: Madison residents are encouraged to attend three Budget Engagement Sessions this June.
• 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 is the department's first-ever therapy dog. “Frost" will soon begin his tenure alongside a newly created peer support officer.
• 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.  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

• Olbrich Gardens Public Workshop (12:00pm – 1:00pm & 6:00pm – 7:00 pm), Wednesday, May 20: Have you heard the news? Olbrich Botanical Gardens is undergoing its first comprehensive master planning process in more than 20 years.  In this public workshop we'll Celebrate the Plans as we present the final comprehensive plan framework. There are two different times to join on Wednesday.
• 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. 

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

Your well-being

I agree with this statement made by Mae West years ago:  "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."  It's not all doom and gloom if you take some time to exercise those facial muscles that make you smile.

Until next time,

Joann