PD rezoning and budget engagement meetings; Check out public art options for the LakeWay; Lots of summer concerts and park happenings!

Hello neighbors,

I'd like to wish a hearty Happy Father's Day to all those who are fathers, whether that be of children, pets, plants, ideas or otherwise exemplify fatherhood. May you have a wonderful day!

I often reflect on my career and wonder if I had to do it all over again if I might become an engineer. I'm so fascinated by the ability to make things that work for people, including our infrastructure! So, I was really captivated by the presentation from City Engineering on the project they'll be doing to replace the sanitary sewer behind 131-143 Glenway St. Briefly, rather than running a trench through these four backyards, they'll put a tool in the access cover on the adjacent street, and use it to burst the existing sewer pipe, while bringing in new pipe right behind it. You'll probably see me out there observing at least some of the work when the time comes because I'm so intrigued!

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

• Public Information Meeting: Rezoning Planned Development Zones, Monday, June 22: The City of Madison is exploring the rezoning of several single- and two-family Planned Development Zones (PDs) into conventional zoning districts. Rezoning PDs into conventional single- and two-family zoning districts will make zoning rules clearer and more consistent for homeowners and ensure that everyone has the same opportunity to make changes to their property. This is the first of two virtual Public Information Meetings the City of Madison is hosting on its PD Rezoning project. Note: There is one PD in District 5 that is relevant for this discussion.
• Madison LakeWay Public Art Project Finalist Meet & Greet, Wednesday, June 24: The LakeWay Partners will host a community meet and greet with the finalists on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Join to hear 5-minute presentations about their artistic practice and learn more about the project site and design process. Read our press release to learn more about this event. 
• City Budget Engagement | Planning & Transportation, Wednesday, June 24: 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 Planning & Transportation. From 6-7pm you'll have an opportunity to stop by different tables and chat with representatives from the following City agencies: Building Inspection, Community Development Authority, Community Development Division, Economic Development Division, Metro, Planning, Parking, and Traffic Engineering. After the open house, Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke will do a short presentation about the City of Madison budget process for 2027, followed by a Q&A with alders. The goal of these public meetings is to provide an opportunity for you to speak directly with City staff about your ideas, concerns, and priorities for Madison's future.
• Public Information Meeting: Rezoning Planned Development Zones, Thursday, June 25: The City of Madison is exploring the rezoning of several single- and two-family Planned Development Zones (PDs) into conventional zoning districts. Rezoning PDs into conventional single- and two-family zoning districts will make zoning rules clearer and more consistent for homeowners and ensure that everyone has the same opportunity to make changes to their property. This is the second of two virtual Public Information Meetings the City of Madison is hosting on its PD Rezoning project.

Announcements and News Releases

• Street Closures for Concerts on the Square Start Next Week: Multiple streets around the Capitol Square will close on Wednesday, June 24 for the start of the annual Concerts on the Square event series. 
• Capitol Square North Parking Garage: Temporary Access Changes in Effect During Maintenance Project: Major construction activity is underway at the Capitol Square North Parking Garage, located at 218 E. Mifflin Street, as part of the City's 2026 parking facility improvement program. 
• Press Briefing - OIPM releases findings in the in-custody death of R.L. Johnson - OIPM Case No. OIPM2025-0009:  The Office of the Independent Police Monitor (OIPM) of the City of Madison publicly released its investigative findings in the in-custody death of Richard Lee Johnson. 
  • MPD Response to June 15 Report from Interim Independent Police Monitor: Statement from Madison Police Department Chief John Patterson
  • Statement from Common Council President Sabrina Madison on the Death of Richard Lee Johnson

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

• Monday Mornings at The Glen, Monday, June 22 (This Event Occurs on Multiple Dates): Enjoy The Glen for a stroll, nature, workout or leashed dog walk from sunrise to 8:00 am. Tee times resume at hole #1 at 8:00am. Visitors should be alert for golf balls and golfers while exiting the course.
• Parks Alive | Elver Park, Monday, June 22: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share in fun, family friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer.
• Learn to Kayak, Tuesday, June 23: Learn to Kayak with Madison Boats! Register online for this free class offered at Wingra Park. Beginners will learn basic information about equipment and proper technique. After a few demonstrations, participants practice their new skills in the water! 
• Parks Alive | Aldo Leopold Park, Tuesday, June 23: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share in fun, family friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer.
• Parks Alive | Hammersley Park, Wednesday, June 24: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share in fun, family friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer.
• Concerts on the Square, Wednesday, June 24: The 2026 Season kickoff features a no-holds-barred celebration of two piano-rock legends. Jeans 'n Classics joins the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for a hit-packed night of Billy Joel and Elton John favorites.
• Capitol City Band Concerts - 58th Season, Thursday, June 25 (This Event Occurs on Multiple Dates): The Capitol City Band's 58th season begins June 18 at the Rennebohm Park Shelter. Bring a chair and enjoy live music on Thursdays at 7:00 PM through August 20.
• Concerts on the Rooftop: La Combi (Latin Band), Thursday, June 25: 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! La Combi is an eclectic Latin Band that gets its name from the “Combi'" buses of Peru which are the main public transportation. Free ticket required for admission. Secure ticket through Eventbrite.
• Northside Food Cart Fest, Friday, June 26: Join us for Northside Food Cart Fest, in partnership with FEED Kitchen, outside Warner Park Community Recreation Center! We'll have a bounce house, balloon twister, face painters, music and of course, food carts! No registration is required for this family-friendly event. Food tickets will be available for purchase. 
• Live at The Glen | Little Priest Singers, Friday, June 26: Madison Parks Foundation is proud to present Live at The Glen! Enjoy live music on the patio at The Glen Golf Park. The Little Priest Singers are a Southern/Ho-Chunk family drum group based in Wisconsin Dells, WI, specializing in traditional Native American music. Known for performing at cultural events and educational festivals, they promote and preserve Indigenous culture, traditions, and music.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, June 27: 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, 10:00 - 11:30 AM of each month

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

Boards, Commissions, and 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, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include adopting the Southeast and Southwest Area Plans.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Housing Policy Committee: The Housing Policy Committee meeting will take place on Thursday, June 25, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a presentation from the Tenant Resource Center on evictions in Dane County.
  • 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.

Take care,

Regina Vidaver