Week of June 29, 2026
postedDistrict Niners,
Our 250th birthday is almost here, and we are still looking good despite our years. For sure, aging (as a country) has a way of revealing our struggles, our triumphs, as well as our ability to reinvent ourselves. Showing the best version of these United States, from sea to shining sea, remains a work in progress. So, as the celebrations take place across the nation, Madison, and the 9th District, take some time to revel in diverse cuisines and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, races and histories that make up America's identity on July 4th and as we move forward to our next milestone.
Updates & Notices
- Ballots for the August 11, 2026 election. Absentee Ballots Are in the Mail: The City of Madison Clerk's Office has begun mailing absentee ballots for the August 11, 2026, election. If you plan to vote by mail, you can request your ballot by visiting the MyVote WI website to request your ballot.
- Payment Systems Scheduled Maintenance: Municipal Services Bill, Property Taxes, and General Billing Invoice payments will be down for maintenance beginning 9pm on Wednesday, July 8 through 8am on Monday, July 13.
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.
- Finance Committee: Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, June 29, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a staff presentation on the 2027 Operating Budget outlook and request guidance.
Public Information Meetings (PIMs)
- Public Input Meeting - Odana Hills Golf Course and Park, Tuesday, June 30: The Parks Division is continuing to refine the Master Plan conceptual Clubhouse and Odana Hills East Park Master Plan. Since the April 30 Public Information Meeting and June 2 site tours, staff have further investigated implications of utility easements within the park and have determined that adjustments are necessary from the preferred conceptual design.
Announcements & News Releases
- Community Celebration & Ribbon Cutting Set for the Expanded WPCRC: The community is invited to join Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, alders, neighborhood leaders, project partners and community members to officially open the expanded Warner Park Community Recreation Center on Wednesday, July 8 beginning at 10:00am.
- Christine Knapp Appointed General Manager of the Madison Water Utility: Christine Knapp has served with the City of Cedar Rapids Water Division for the past nine years, the last five as Plant Manager.
- Common Council Approves Southwest, Southeast Area Plans: The City of Madison Common Council voted to adopt the Southwest and Southeast Area Plans
Events
- Monday Mornings at The Glen, Mondays from June 1 through August 31): 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 8:00 am. Visitors should be alert for golf balls and golfers as they exit the course.
- Fourth of July Fireworks workshop - Child + Adult, Monday, June 29: Young artists use the "wax resist" technique of using watercolors to paint over designs made in crayons to reveal a 4th of July night sky.
- Movie in the Park | Elio, Monday, June 29: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park!
- Lakeside Kids!: Black Star Drum Line, Tuesday, June 30: Join us for another exiting summer season of Lakeside Kids! – a free interactive series featuring science, culture, arts and entertainment. Designed for kids ages 4 and up. Lakeside Kids! provides hands-on fun and learning in an engaging and dynamic setting.
- Learn to Standup Paddleboard Yoga, Tuesday, June 30: Learn to Standup Paddleboard Yoga with Madison Boats! This free class is open to beginners who want to learn how to stand up on a paddleboard and yoga stretches while on the water.
- Movie in the Park | Zootopia 2, Tuesday, June 30: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park!
- WPGA Jr. Tournament | Par 3 | Monona Golf Course, Thursday, July 2: City of Madison Golf will host a WPGA Jr. tournament at Monona Golf Course on July 2, 2026.
- Capitol City Band Concerts - 58th Season, Thursday, July 2 (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.
- Summer Nights, Friday, July 3 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Summer Nights at Westmorland Park features an exciting family friendly line-up of entertainers and musical performers.
- WPCRC Madison Pro-Am Basketball League, Friday, July 3 (This event occurs on multiple dates): The Madison Adult Pro-Am League is set to tip off this summer, bringing high-level competition to Friday nights at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. This 8-week league is designed for elite talent only, featuring current and former college players, professional athletes, and other top-tier competitors.
Parks Alive Dates!
Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city and throughout the summer. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Events start at 5:00 p.m. Consider stepping outside your comfort zone and visit:
Your well-being
As the 250th USA birthday party gets underway, safety must be placed on the front burner. The days leading up to and following July 4th continues to be the most dangerous holiday in the USA ranging from automobile accidents, traumatic injuries sustained from
improper handling of fireworks (burns from sparklers, igniting fireworks, etc.), cookouts and improper food handling and much more. I have seen it all, and it's not pretty. Be safe and let the experts handle the fireworks, buckle those seat belts, don't drink and drive, know your limitations in lakes and pools, protect your pets, etc., and have a safe holiday celebration.
Until next time,
Joann
