Week of September 29, 2026

posted 

District Niners,

 

The rug is finally being lifted to expose a long-standing problem that should have been dealt with decades ago.  My concern is whether a band-aid approach, tiptoeing around the problem versus digging deep to get to the bottom of the problem will surface and lead to definitive changes. I do know that it will be uncomfortable.  I also know that James Baldwin's words “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced" is true.  So, as the work of the workgroup continues, here's hoping that we will not shy away from addressing the painful and uncomfortable work that must be done. 

Updates and Notices

  • Brush and Yard Waste Pickup has been extended into the fall of 2026.  Know your dates for setting out your yard waste and brush and don't forget to separate yard waste from brush when you put it on the curb.
  • The series of Workgroup on Madison Police Department Use of Deadly Force, De-Escalation and Body-Worn Cameras Policies and Procedures continues Wednesday, September 30, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include Madison Police Department's draft body-worn camera policy.

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

  • The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 29, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 215 of the Madison Municipal Building at 215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.  For those interested, the data center moratorium is on the agenda. 

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

  • Madison Lake Way Public Art Project Design Presentations, Thursday, October 1st: The City of Madison and the Madison Lake Way Public Art Ad Hoc Selection Committee are holding a public meeting for the finalists to present their design proposals.

 

Announcements and News Releases       

  • Grant from Madison Community Foundation to Accelerate Police Body-Cam Deployment: Madison Community Foundation will award the City a $350,000 grant to cover the software and civilian personnel costs associated with implementing the program.
  • "Unload, Lock, and Separate": Public Health Launches Awareness Campaign for Safe Gun Storage(external): urging gun owners in Dane County to practice safe gun storage at home.         
  • MPD to create new section focused on organizational accountability and professional development: The Madison Police Department is creating a new section that will focus on use of force, professional development, accountability, and transparency. The Service Excellence and Outreach Section will be added early next year.

Events

  • Are you interested in what downtown alders are up to?  Consider attending Framing Our Future: Downtown Alders Meet & Greet, on Tuesday, September 29: Join them in person for a casual and fun Meet & Greet. This is your chance to chat, share ideas, and get to know the folks shaping the downtown community's future.
  • Volunteer Workday | Owen Conservation Park, Wednesday, September 30: Join the Friends of Owen Conservation Park for a hands-on stewardship opportunity focused on removing invasive Porcelain berry. Porcelain berry is an aggressive vine that grows quickly and smothers other vegetation, severely decreasing diversity and number of native plants. 
  • Envision Downtown Madison Open House #3, Thursday, October 1: Join us Thursday, October 1, 2026, for Envision Downtown Madison's third public open house. Learn about potential public and private sector initiatives and ideas that could advance Big Moves and keep downtown Madison a thriving place, as well as 

Your well-being

 Is there a mor glorious time of the year than autumn?  The weather finally breaks, and you can go outside without melting into a pool of your own sweat.  Plus, the leaves on the trees turn fabulous fiery shades of yellow, red and orange.  The coffee shop (name starts with (S)brings back their signature pumpkin spice latte and of course, the football season is in high gear.  Yep, it's about time to go and pick out a pumpkin to carve and a new Halloween costume for yourself and the kids plus candies for Trick or Treat.  Does that bring a smile to your face?   

Until next time,

Joann

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