City-County Building
Common Council

Week of June 22, 2026

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Dear neighbors,

As we begin another busy summer week in Madison, I want to extend my sincere wishes to all the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures in our community. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Father's Day weekend celebrating the important role fathers and mentors play in our families and neighborhoods.

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's Lunch & Learn featuring Interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass, this session generated thoughtful discussion and excellent questions from participants, demonstrating our community's continued interest in transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. 

I encourage residents to continue participating in the upcoming budget sessions to help shape our city's priorities and investments.

Summer activities are now in full swing across Madison. From Parks Alive programs and outdoor concerts to neighborhood events and recreational opportunities, there are many ways to connect with neighbors and enjoy our parks and public spaces.

🎥 Lunch & Learn: Conversation with the Independent Police Monitor

Thank you to everyone who joined our virtual Lunch & Learn on June 17 featuring Interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass. We had an excellent discussion with strong participation from residents and many thoughtful questions regarding civilian oversight, police accountability, transparency, and the role of the Office of the Independent Police Monitor.

These conversations provide valuable opportunities for residents to engage directly with City officials, learn about important community issues, and share their perspectives. I appreciate everyone who took time during the lunch hour to participate and contribute to a respectful and informative discussion.

If you were unable to attend, the recording will soon be available through the Madison City Channel and the City of Madison website. Participants who registered will also receive additional information and key takeaways from the session.

🚸City Budget Engagement Session – Planning & Transportation

The goal of these public meetings is to provide an opportunity for to share your ideas for Madison's future.

Learn more about the City of Madison budget process and get your questions answered during budget engagement sessions planned across Madison.

When: Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Warner Park Community Center 

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
  • 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.

To request interpretation, translation or a disability-related accommodation at no cost to you, contact dbrogan@cityofmadison.com.

🚸Rescheduled: City Budget Engagement Session – Public Facilities & Services

One of the most important opportunities for residents to help shape Madison's future is through the annual budget process.

The second of three City Budget Engagement Sessions will focus on Public Facilities & Services.

When: Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Vel Phillips Memorial High School

This session provides residents an opportunity to:

  • Learn about the City budget process
  • Speak directly with City staff during an open house
  • Hear a presentation from Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke
  • Participate in a Q&A session with Alders
  • Share priorities and feedback for future budget decisions

Featured departments include:

  • Assessor's Office
  • Clerk's Office
  • Engineering
  • Fleet Services
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Madison Public Library
  • Monona Terrace
  • Parks Division
  • Streets & Urban Forestry
  • Water Utility

I encourage District 7 residents to attend and help shape our community priorities.

🏡Citywide Brush Collection Following Storms

Following the recent storms, the Streets Division is conducting citywide brush collection to help residents dispose of storm-related tree debris.

Residents should place brush neatly on the terrace and follow collection guidelines. Crews will be working throughout the city to collect debris as quickly as possible.

For brush collection information, collection schedules, and preparation guidelines, visit the City's Brush Collection webpage.

🌿 Madison Police Summer Traffic Safety Initiative

Residents concerned about speeding and traffic safety in their neighborhoods can utilize the City's Speeds & Speeders Hotline.

In an effort to reduce speeding and dangerous driving, the Madison Police Department is once again launching a summer traffic safety initiative.

The proactive safety program will run now until Sept. 1, 2026. As in past years, officers will focus on speeding, reckless driving and violations at traffic lights and stop signs.

"When we looked at our data from last year to this year, we had a reduction in traffic crashes overall. But we've seen an increase in more serious injuries," said Madison Police Assistant Chief Matt Tye.

Drivers will see more speed enforcement waves as a result of this safety plan. Officers will concentrate enforcement in areas where crashes and dangerous driving are most common, such as the Beltline, East Washington Avenue, Mineral Point Road and the intersection of Gammon and Watts roads.

MPD leadership will also review crash data weekly and make any necessary enforcement changes based on that information. These newly identified areas would then receive extra patrols and additional enforcement.

“We've had an increase in community members reaching out concerned about traffic safety. This program was designed after hearing their concerns," Tye said. "We need everyone to do their part, make good decisions and slow down when you are behind the wheel."

Research consistently shows citations are more effective than warnings in improving driving behavior.

Community members are encouraged to share their traffic concerns with officers online at the Madison Police Department website(external).

View full news release(external)

🌱 Updates and Notices

🏛️ 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.

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

🗣️ Public Information Meetings

  • 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. 
  • 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.

đź“° Announcements and News Releases

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.

🎉 Community 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.
  • 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. La Combi has something for every Latin American taste, including Peruvian Salsa, Chicha (Peruvian Cumbia), Merengue, Festejo, Bachata and more! 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.

đź’¬ Get Involved

Serving on a City board, commission, or committee is one of the best ways to become involved in local government and help shape decisions affecting our community. Residents interested in serving are encouraged to explore current opportunities and apply.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, concerns, or ideas regarding District 7 or City services.

Have a wonderful week and enjoy the beginning of summer.

Sincerely,
Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7
City of Madison

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Portrait of Alder Badri Lankella

Alder Badri Lankella

District 7
Contact Alder Lankella

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