City-County Building
Common Council

Week of July 6, 2026

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Dear neighbors,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Independence Day weekend!

This year is especially meaningful as our nation begins celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Over the coming year, communities across the country will commemorate the founding of our nation and reflect on the ideals of democracy, civic participation, and service that continue to shape our communities today. As we celebrate this historic milestone, I encourage everyone to take part in local events, spend time with family and neighbors, and continue working together to make Madison an even stronger and more welcoming community.

Thank you to everyone who continues to stay engaged in District 7. Your emails, phone calls, neighborhood conversations, and participation at public meetings help shape the decisions we make at City Hall.

🚸Westside Alder Meet & Greet

Please join the westside alders for a Westside Alder Meet & Greet on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Vel Phillips Memorial High School.

This informal event is an opportunity to meet your westside alders, ask questions, share ideas, and discuss issues affecting your neighborhood. Whether you have a specific concern or simply want to introduce yourself, we look forward to connecting with you.

Westside Alder Meet and Greet
Image credit: City of Madison

🚸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.

🌿 Free Electronics Recycling Donation Drive

Next Saturday, participating Goodwill locations will host a Free Electronics Recycling Donation Drive. This is an excellent opportunity to safely recycle unwanted electronics while supporting Goodwill's mission of job training and workforce development.

Free Electronics Recycling Donation Drive
Image credit: Goodwill of SC Wisconsin

Drive up to any Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin location between 9am and 8pm on Saturday, July 11th and drop off unwanted electronics. They will accept a wide range of electronics in both working and non-working condition, keeping valuable materials out of landfills.

What can I donate? Review  this webpage to find out. The first thing I checked is if they take batteries, and they do!

Do I Need to Remove Personal Data from My Devices? No, all electronics are handled by trained professionals who securely erase any data as part of the recycling process.

Here's Goodwill's event page with more information. 

🌱 Common Council Preview

The Common Council will meet on Tuesday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m.

Item 3 – 2027 Operating Budget Outlook

One of the most significant items on this week's agenda is a presentation from Finance staff regarding the outlook for the 2027 City Operating Budget and a request for policy guidance from the Common Council.

Finance staff estimates that maintaining current service levels in 2027 would exceed Madison's State Expenditure Restraint Incentive Program limit by approximately $7.2 million. If the City exceeds that spending limit by even one dollar, Madison would lose approximately $9 million in State aid in 2027.

To remain within the State expenditure limits, reductions to agency operating budgets will be necessary. As part of the budget development process, the Mayor has directed City agencies to prepare 2% budget reduction scenarios for consideration while developing the 2027 Executive Operating Budget.

The City's budget process will continue through mid-November with additional opportunities for public engagement and input. I will continue sharing updates throughout the budget season and encourage residents to participate as we work through these important decisions together.

🌱 Updates and Notices

  • Payment Systems Scheduled Maintenance: Please note that Municipal Services Bill, Property Tax, and General Billing Invoice payment systems will be unavailable beginning 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, through 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, due to scheduled maintenance. Please plan accordingly if you need to make online payments during this period.

🏛️ 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.

  • Finance Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include a presentation on the 2027 Operating Budget outlook. 
  • Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 8, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include Authorizing a jurisdictional transfer agreement between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the City of Madison for portions of S. Park Street, W. Washington Avenue, Proudfit Street, North Shore Drive, John Nolen Drive, and S. Blair Street.
  • Board of Park Commissioners: The Board of Park Commissioners meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include adopting the Comprehensive Master Plan for Olbrich Botanical Gardens. 

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

📰 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

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.

Interested in volunteering for Parks Alive? Volunteers Welcome! Learn more and register online!

Movie in the Park Dates!

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

💬 Looking Ahead

As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve District 7. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don't hesitate to contact me. I appreciate hearing from you and hope to see many of you at upcoming meetings, community events, and especially the Westside Alder Meet & Greet on July 14.

Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July week.

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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