Community Connection Week of June 1st 2026

Hello District 18,

Here is your weekly roundup of what is happening at City Hall and in our community. As always, there are chances to weigh in, show up, and stay connected this week.

Body-Worn Cameras and Police Accountability

This week I want to share something important with you. The Office of the Independent Police Monitor (OIPM) released its 2025-2026 Annual Report, and it includes a clear, urgent call for Madison to finally move forward with body-worn cameras (BWC) for all Madison Police Department officers -- paired with a strong community-informed ordinance to make sure those cameras actually serve accountability.

Right now, Madison remains one of a small number of cities of our size in the country without department-wide body-worn cameras. That is not where we want to be. Every day without cameras means that when a resident comes forward with a complaint about a police encounter -- something that takes real courage -- there may be no footage to review. It comes down to one person's word against another's. That is not a fair system for residents, and it is not a fair system for officers who act with professionalism and want a record that shows it.

But cameras alone are not enough. The OIPM report is explicit: cameras without strong policy can cause harm. We have seen in other cities what happens when footage gets used for surveillance, when officers review footage before writing reports, or when cameras are muted at the moments that matter most. That is why the path forward requires both -- full BWC deployment and a comprehensive public ordinance developed with real community input. The ordinance needs to include independent OIPM access to footage, clear rules about retention and public transparency, equity safeguards, and real consequences for non-compliance.

As your Alder, I am committed to making both happen. Our residents deserve a system where accountability does not depend on luck. 

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Below are a few meetings taking place this week. This is not a complete list -- visit the 

Full meeting details are always available on the City Meeting Schedule page.

• Finance Committee: Monday, June 1, 4:30 p.m., virtual. Agenda includes a 2027 budget outlook update. 
• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment
• Watch Online
• Plan Commission: Monday, June 1, 5:30 p.m., virtual. Agenda includes development requests in Districts 12 and 14.
• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment
• Watch Online

Interested in serving on a City board or commission? Learn more here.

Public Input Opportunities This Week

There are several chances to share your voice with the City this week:

• Community Conversation - Midtown District, Monday, June 1: Officers serving the Midtown District and Police Chief John Patterson will be on hand to answer questions directly from community members.
• City Budget Engagement | Justice & Public Safety, Tuesday, June 2: Share your ideas for Madison's future at this budget engagement session focused on Justice and Public Safety.
• Public Information Meeting: John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Phase 2, Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 p.m. (Olin to Lakeside, via Zoom -- 
• John Nolen Drive Reconstruction Phase 2 Meeting, Tuesday June 2, 6:30 p.m. (Olin to Lakeside, Zoom). Registration is required.
• Public Information Meeting: Data Center Moratorium, Wednesday, June 3, 5:30 p.m.: Hear an update on the City's data center moratorium, the research underway, and potential policy options. Registration required.
• Community Conversation - North District, Wednesday, June 3: North District officers and Chief Patterson invite community members to a town hall conversation.
• Open House - Cypress Spray Park, Thursday, June 4: Madison Parks is sharing proposed redesign plans and wants to hear what the community -- especially kids -- thinks sounds fun.

Everyone belongs here.

Alder, District 18