Week of October 19, 2026

posted 

Hello District 7 Neighbors,

As we head into another week, there are important conversations underway about police oversight and accountability, housing affordability, transportation, public safety, and the future growth of Madison. This week's update also includes opportunities to participate in City meetings, prepare our homes for winter, and enjoy Madison's parks and community events.

My goal remains the same: to keep District 7 residents informed, listen to your concerns, and work together toward a safer, more connected, and more inclusive community.

Here are the updates and meetings to know about this week.

🏘️ Rezoning Notices: Questions About the Letters You Received?

Some District 7 residents received letters last week notifying them of proposed zoning changes affecting properties in or near their neighborhoods. I understand that receiving a rezoning notice can raise questions about what is being proposed, why the change is being considered, and whether it could affect nearby properties.

A rezoning notice is part of the City's planning and public hearing process. A proposed zoning change does not necessarily mean that a specific development project has been approved or that construction will begin immediately.

Have questions about a rezoning notice? Please reach out!

I encourage residents to contact me at district7@cityofmadison.com. I'm happy to help clarify the notice, understand the next steps, and identify the appropriate City staff to contact.

You can also reach out directly to the City of Madison Planning Division for questions about zoning changes and the development review process:

If you contact the City, consider including the property address listed in your letter so staff can direct your question appropriately.

I want District 7 residents to have clear information about proposed changes in their neighborhoods and meaningful opportunities to participate in the public process. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or the Planning Division if you have questions or need help understanding a notice you received.

🚔 Police Oversight and Accountability: Resolution Before the Common Council

One of the most significant items before the Common Council this week is a resolution to terminate the appointment of Interim Independent Police Monitor Ms. Aeiramique Glass.

Over the past several days, I have received many emails from District 7 residents sharing their perspectives on this matter. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reach out. I appreciate hearing from residents with differing viewpoints and take these concerns seriously.

The discussion centers on an important question: How do we ensure Madison has an effective, independent, and trusted civilian police oversight system?

The resolution identifies concerns about whether essential responsibilities under the interim appointment have been completed, including managing the recruitment and hiring process for a permanent Independent Police Monitor. It proposes ending Ms. Glass's interim appointment, placing the Office of the Independent Monitor's staff under the supervision of the Common Council Chief of Staff until a permanent monitor is hired or Council directs otherwise, and developing a scope of work with the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) to help support the City's civilian oversight efforts.

These proposed steps are intended to address concerns about the current arrangement while establishing a path forward for the office. At the same time, questions have been raised by other Council members and community voices about the independence of the office, the Police Civilian Oversight Board's role, and the process for making decisions about the interim monitor. Those concerns deserve serious consideration as Council deliberates.

I believe residents should be able to understand the specific issues before Council, the reasons behind the proposed resolution, and the steps being considered to sustain effective civilian oversight. The goal must remain a system that operates with transparency, accountability, professionalism, and public trust.

Perspectives from my Common Council colleagues

Several colleagues have shared their reasoning and perspectives on the resolution. I encourage residents to read these statements directly:

Colleagues supporting the resolution:

Colleagues raising concerns about the resolution:

I encourage residents to review the resolution and the available supporting materials, including the concerns and questions raised by different perspectives.

I want to hear from more District 7 residents. If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, please email me at district7@cityofmadison.com. Please share what you believe Council should consider as we work toward effective, independent, and trusted police oversight.

Common Council meeting: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Read the resolution and supporting materials

🚆 Transportation and Regional Connectivity: Passenger Rail Takes a Major Step Forward

Madison received encouraging news on Friday: more than $218 million in federal funding has been secured for the Hiawatha West passenger rail project.

The project would extend passenger rail service from Milwaukee to Madison, with proposed stops in Pewaukee and Watertown, connecting Madison with Milwaukee, Chicago, and destinations beyond.

The federal funding will support final design and construction, including track upgrades, crossing improvements, additional rail capacity, and station construction.

Passenger rail could offer residents another way to travel for work, education, family visits, and other activities while strengthening regional connections and improving freight rail infrastructure.

There are still important steps ahead. The state must commit its share of the design and construction costs, along with ongoing operating funds. I encourage residents who support bringing passenger rail to Madison to contact their state legislators and share their views.

This is an important development for Madison's long-term transportation future.

Read the City's passenger rail funding announcement

🏘️ Housing Update: Madison Surpasses 2025's Total

Madison continues to make progress on housing production. According to the City's latest Housing Tracker update, 2,424 net new homes were completed through September 30, 2026, surpassing the 2,328 net new homes completed during all of 2025.

Of those homes, 768 are subsidized affordable homes for households earning 60% or less of the area median income. This is the highest annual total of affordable homes completed since 2016.

The City has a goal of adding 15,000 new homes by 2030. Since the beginning of 2025, 4,750 new homes have been completed, and another 4,416 are under construction.

These numbers are encouraging, but adding housing is only part of the challenge. We must also pay attention to affordability, infrastructure, transportation, neighborhood services, and the needs of existing residents as Madison grows.

In District 7, I will continue to advocate for thoughtful planning that considers neighborhood character, safe streets, infrastructure capacity, and access to housing choices.

Read the City's housing update and explore the Housing Tracker

🖥️ Data Centers: Public Input Opportunity on October 27

Data center development has raised questions among Madison residents about electricity and water use, neighborhood impacts, property values, and how our community should plan for this type of development.

The City is developing a proposed zoning framework for data centers. The draft framework seeks to establish clearer definitions and regulations while addressing community concerns and recognizing the needs of organizations that rely on data centers and server rooms.

The City has scheduled a virtual public information meeting for Tuesday, October 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Staff will present the draft framework and provide an opportunity for questions and answers. Registration is required to receive the meeting link.

The framework is still being developed, and additional public participation opportunities will follow as proposed ordinance language moves through the City's review process.

I encourage residents who are interested in this issue to review the draft framework, attend the meeting, and share their perspectives. Public input is especially important when decisions could have long-term implications for land use, utilities, neighborhoods, and the City's growth.

Read the City's announcement and register for the October 27 meeting

📅 City Meetings and Opportunities to Participate

Here are several meetings and discussions to watch this week. Residents can review agendas, register for public comment, and find viewing information through the City's official meeting calendar.

Monday, October 19

  • Plan Commission — 5:30 p.m. The agenda includes a proposed zoning change for property at 301 South Westfield Road.
  • Sustainable Madison Committee: The draft data center regulation framework is scheduled for an informational discussion, according to the City's announcement.

Tuesday, October 20

Wednesday, October 21

  • Board of Public Works — 4:30 p.m. The agenda includes review of the City Engineer's report on water-resource impacts and permitting needs for public works construction projects.
  • Business and Economic Resources Committee: The draft data center regulation framework is also scheduled for an informational discussion.

Thursday, October 22

Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District — Thursday, October 22 at 8:00 AM

I will also be attending the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Commission meeting on Thursday. As an MMSD Commissioner, I continue to stay engaged on issues related to wastewater treatment, water quality, regional infrastructure, and the long-term health of our waterways.

  • Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 a.m.
  • Location: Maintenance Facility Training Room, 1610 Moorland Rd, Madison
  • Hybrid attendance options are available for the public.
  • Agenda materials and meeting details are available through the MMSD Commission meetings webpage:
    MMSD Commission Meeting Agenda & Information(external)

Friday, October 23

President's Workgroup on MPD Use of Deadly Force, De-Escalation and Body-Worn Cameras

The President's Workgroup continues its work reviewing police policies and practices, including body-worn cameras. This work is an important part of the broader conversation about public trust, accountability, and public safety.

The meeting schedule is not a complete list of City meetings. For the latest agendas, meeting formats, public-comment registration, and viewing links, visit the City of Madison Meeting Schedule.

🌳 Fall Tree Planting Begins October 19

Madison's fall tree-planting season begins this week. Urban Forestry crews plan to plant approximately 1,000 trees throughout the City.

If a new tree is planted in the public right-of-way in front of your home, please follow the City's tree-care guidance and keep it watered until the ground freezes. Helping young trees become established is a simple way residents can contribute to a healthier and greener Madison.

The City is also winding down its seasonal food-scraps drop-off program at neighborhood farmers' markets. If you have been using the program, check the City's food-scraps website for remaining drop-off opportunities and other composting information.

🚧 Road Closure Notice: South Stoughton Road Service Road

Beginning Wednesday, October 21, the southbound South Stoughton Road service road at Pflaum Road is scheduled to close for approximately two weeks.

The closure will allow concrete paving work and the necessary curing time before the road reopens. If your travel takes you through this area, please plan ahead and follow posted detours and traffic-control signs.

🩺 Community Health: Flu Season Is Starting Early

Public Health officials report that flu activity is increasing earlier than expected in Dane County. Residents ages six months and older are encouraged to get their annual flu vaccination.

Please consult your health care provider or local pharmacy for vaccination options, particularly if you have questions about timing or eligibility.

🎃 Weekend Activities Around Madison

Looking for something to do with family and friends? Consider these upcoming community activities:

  • Thursday, October 22 — Fall Home Maintenance: Learn practical ways to prepare your home for winter and help prevent problems such as frozen pipes and roof leaks.
  • Saturday, October 24 — Bird & Nature Adventures at Edna Taylor: Join a free, family-friendly guided walk with naturalist Doug Davis or explore the area on your own.
  • Saturday, October 24 — Bat Fest at Owen Conservation Park: Enjoy free, hands-on activities about bats and conservation for all ages.
  • Saturday, October 24 — Teejop Art: First Nations Cultural Landscape Tours: Explore the history of Ho-Chunk people in Teejop through guided tours and family-friendly activities at Olbrich and Hudson Parks, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Check the City of Madison Events Calendar for additional details and any registration requirements.

📰 Other City Updates

  • South Stoughton Road Service Road Closure at Pflaum Road Begins October 21: Beginning Wednesday, October 21, the southbound South Stoughton Road Service Road will be closed at its intersection with Pflaum Road for approximately two weeks to allow for concrete paving and the necessary curing time before reopening to traffic… [posted October 16, 2026]
  • Flu Season Off to Early Start in Dane County: Flu activity is increasing earlier than expected in Dane County, and Public Health is encouraging everyone ages 6 months and older to get their annual flu shot sooner than later. [posted October 16, 2026]
  • MPD to offer free active shooter response training: MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department is offering a training designed to save lives in an active shooter situation. The next session of the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) will be held on Nov. 9.  The training is free… [posted October 15, 2026]
  • White Cane Day 2026: October 15 is White Cane Safety Day, a nationally recognized day that supports and highlights the rights of those with visual impairments. Approximately one million Americans have blindness while another six million Americans suffer from vision loss… [posted October 15, 2026]
  • Public Art Installed at Men's Shelter Through Percent for Art Program: Unity, Spirit, Community is a collection of colorful mosaic panels made out of tile and mirror created by artist Laurel True. The mosaics were recently installed to the exterior of the shelter. [posted October 14, 2026]
  • Designing Safer Streets: 2026 Vision Zero and Speed Management Projects: Vision Zero Madison has been a safety initiative in Madison since 2020 and has implemented hundreds of safety improvements projects in those 6 years since the start. These projects focus on Proven Safety Countermeasures like high visibility… [posted October 12, 2026]

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 This Week


School Vaccination Clinic: Holzman Center (Madison), Saturday, October 17: All vaccines are free for eligible individuals. Children six months and older who lack insurance, are under 19, and are either Alaskan Native or American Indian, as well as those with BadgerCare or most other types of insurance, can receive vaccinations at no cost.

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

💬 Connecting with District 7

Whether it is a speeding concern on your street, a sidewalk or infrastructure issue, a neighborhood development proposal, or a question about City services, I want to hear from you.

Resident input helps me understand how City decisions affect people in their everyday lives. I may not always be able to resolve an issue immediately, but I will work to connect residents with the appropriate City staff, follow up on concerns, and keep you informed.

You can reach me at district7@cityofmadison.com. I receive a high volume of messages while balancing Council and committee responsibilities, so please allow approximately 48 hours for a response when possible.

Thank you for staying engaged and for everything you do to make District 7 a stronger community.

In solidarity,

Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7
City of Madison

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