City-County Building
Common Council

Week of August 3, 2026

posted 

District Niners,

 

  • The situation on Williamson at the Baldwin St. intersection continues to unfold with questions raised by residents and business owners pleading for immediate relief from those mourning the loss of Corey Ruiz, those asking for justice, some creating mischief, while others congregate because they have no place else to go. The City of Madison has published a FAQ page to address common inquiries and the Chief of Police provides timely updates (when available) from the Wisconsin Department of Criminal. In addition, see the update below published by the Mayor on August 1, 2026.

Community Update from Mayor Rhodes-Conway

For Immediate Release

August 1, 2026

"The City of Madison is preparing for a respectful transition at Williamson Street and Baldwin Street. Many in the community are asking for artwork and memorial items at the site to be preserved, and the City intends to honor those requests while working with Corey's family and the broader community on a long-term plan for a memorial. 

The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Criminal Division Investigation (DCI) is independently investigating the death of Corey Ruiz. The Madison Police Department is fully cooperating but not in charge of the investigation. It cannot make any arrest decisions pertaining to this investigation and cannot make recommendations for any charges. That authority rests with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Dane County District Attorney. 

There will be many opportunities — involving multiple government entities — in the days and weeks ahead for people to engage in and advocate for change in our criminal justice system. The City remains committed to creating opportunities to talk about and make changes to policies and programs that are under the City's jurisdiction. There are opportunities to make change at the state level as well. There are many existing nonprofits, faith groups, and networks working to advocate for criminal justice, policing reform, and alternative emergency response systems. We encourage people to engage with them. 

The group gathering at the intersection is increasingly made up of people who are experiencing homelessness. The grassroots energy to support our unhoused community is also present, but it needs to be directed toward bolstering existing services — not undermining those efforts. The City and the County have worked hard for years to improve services to those experiencing homelessness. There are many nonprofits and groups that support the unhoused community, provide substance abuse and mental health treatment, and advocate for better services and more housing. Our entire community should be rallying around the soon-to-be-opened Bartillon men's shelter with our people-power and pocketbooks. This first-of-its-kind, purpose-built shelter is currently a partnership between Dane County, the City of Madison, Porchlight, and Friends of Dane County Shelter. It can be an anchor for services for the unhoused community, with your support. 

What remains true is that the occupation of the intersection is neither a safe nor a sustainable solution for the unhoused or the surrounding community. It cannot make the independent investigation move faster or change state law. At this point, it is distracting rather than supporting the dialogue and organizing that need to happen to make lasting change. And it is deeply harming the Marquette neighborhood. The barricades must come down; people need to be able to access their homes and jobs so they don't lose them; and businesses need to be able to open. 

The City's goal of a respectful transition can be accomplished right now if the folks on the ground take action. The barricades need to be deconstructed. The vehicles obstructing the right-of-way need to be moved. The vigil site and other memorial items need to be preserved and/or situated in a manner that allows for a newly thought-out traffic pattern. The tents need to come down. The City can help with all of that, and stands ready to work with anyone on the site willing to act now to move in that direction. We need community support and action to move productively forward." 

— Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway

 

 

  • August 11, 2026 Wisconsin Primary Election voting is in full swing.  Are you registered to vote?   Do you have a plan for voting?  Did you know that ballot drop boxes are open?  Will you vote in person?  Do you know your polling place?  If you answered “yes" to any of the above questions…GREAT! Remember, voting is NOT a spectator sport and complaining afterwards (if you did not vote) is not acceptable, especially in District 9).

 

Boards, Commissions & Committees

  • The Common Council will take place on Tuesday, August 4, at 6:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a presentation by Council President Sabrina Madison on next steps regarding the Police Civilian Oversight Board and Office of the Independent Monitor.
    • Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 5, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing a contract for planning, public engagement, and engineering  
  • Community Development Block Grant Committee: The Community Development Block Grant Committee meeting will take place on Thursday, August 6, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a staff update regarding the purpose-built men's shelter.

 

Announcements & News Releases

 

Events

  • Brat Fry Friday, Friday, August 7, 2026:  Come join us for lunch at the links!  The grill will be fired up from 11am-3pm for a delicious afternoon treat.
  • Live at The Glen | Vince Sweeney, Friday, August 7: Heavily influenced by the songs and songwriters of the 1970s, Sweeney performs an impressive blend of folk, rock, and country songs - some are familiar, others are hidden gems.
  • Dane Dance, Friday, August 7, 2026: Dane Dances is a free, family-friendly event held every Friday evening in August on the beautiful Monona Terrace rooftop.
  • Free Homebuyer Education Class (in person), Saturday, August 8: Take the first step to owning a home and join us in this Home Buyer Education Workshop. This FREE Homebuyer Education workshop takes place in-person at Sunshine Place, 1610 W. Main, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 on Saturday, August 8, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm!
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Owen, Saturday, August 8: Being in Nature ~ Join Naturalist Sheila Knerr for a wander about Owen Park as we use all of our senses to explore the land and share what we find. 
  • Ride the Drive 2026, Sunday, August 9:  Since its inauguration in 2009, Ride the Drive has continued to celebrate Madison's commitment to healthy living by focusing on the environmental and economic impacts and the importance of social integration. Imagine thousands of happy, healthy people coming together to experience parks and open streets in a single, one-day, free, community event.
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Turville Point, Sunday, August 9: Summer Birds ~ Join Master Naturalist Jeff Nesta for a free fun family friendly outing for all ages and abilities.  We will follow cool shady woodland paths to look for bright yellow Goldfinches in the flowers, Woodpeckers in the trees, Owls in the pines, waterfowl on the lake and other birds that nest and raise young in Madison in the summer.

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.

Parks Alive | Elver Park, Monday, August 3

Parks Alive | Worthington Park, Tuesday, August 4

Parks Alive | Meadowood Park, Wednesday, August 5

Parks Alive | Penn Park, Thursday, August 6

 

Your well being

I have learned over the years that grief will be experienced by all of us at some point during our lives and, truth be told, it is painful and sometimes it's difficult to see a path forward, especially when it is unexpected.  For those going through the process of grieving, coping and managing their emotions, please know that in the days to follow there is a path forward that honors your sadness and your loss.  Hold fast and remember that no two people experience grief and loss the same way or at the same time.

Until next time,

Be safe and be well.

Joann

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Portrait of Alder Joann Pritchett

Alder Joann Pritchett

District 9
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