Week of November 2, 2026

posted 

Hello District 7 Neighbors,

Welcome to another week of community updates! As we move into November, there are several important opportunities to stay informed, participate in local government, and connect with our neighbors.

This week, Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. There are also opportunities to share feedback on neighborhood planning, learn more about the City's data center regulations, follow developments in police accountability, and participate in community events.

Here are this week's updates and highlights.

🗳️ Election Day – Tuesday, November 3

Make Your Voice Heard!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voting is one of the most important ways we participate in shaping our community and the decisions that affect our daily lives.

For Madison residents:

  • Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • You can check your registration, find your polling location, and review your ballot at MyVote Wisconsin.
  • Wisconsin allows same-day voter registration at your polling place. Be sure to bring the required documentation.

I encourage everyone who is eligible to make a plan to vote and encourage friends, family, and neighbors to participate.

Our democracy is stronger when more people take part.

🚔 District 7 Update – Public Safety and Community Information

MPD Activity Near Maple Grove Drive

On October 29, the Madison Police Department's West District informed me that officers safely executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 3800 block of Maple Grove Drive as part of a larger, ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

MPD indicated that there is no ongoing threat to the community.

I appreciate the communication from our West District officers and their efforts to keep residents informed. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and maintaining communication between residents, police, and neighborhood leadership is important.

Independent Review of MPD Use-of-Force Practices

The Madison Police Department has announced that it has requested an independent review of its use-of-force practices in response to community concerns.

Professors Ian Adams and Scott Mourtgos have been identified to conduct this review. Independent examination and transparency are important components of building public trust and ensuring accountability.

I will continue following this work through the Council's Use of Deadly Force and De-escalation workgroup.

Police Civilian Oversight – Continuing the Work

At the October 20 Common Council meeting, the resolution ending the former Interim Police Monitor's appointment extension passed 14–6. The resolution also authorized Council Office staff to work with the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) to help Madison move forward.

I supported this Council action. It is important that we move toward a constructive, effective, and independent civilian oversight structure that serves our community and strengthens public trust.

🏘️ Neighborhood Planning and Community Engagement

Near West Area Plan – Community Kickoff Meetings

Madison is beginning another important phase of community engagement for the Near West Area Plan.

Residents are invited to participate in the kickoff meetings and share their ideas about the future of their neighborhoods.

Upcoming opportunities include:

  • Wednesday, November 4 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. – Virtual meeting (registration required).
  • Thursday, November 5 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. – In-person open house at West High School Cafeteria, 30 Ash Street. A short presentation is planned for 6:15 p.m.
  • Monday, November 9 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. – Virtual meeting (registration required).

The virtual sessions will share the same information.

You can explore the Near West Area StoryMap and share your ideas through the City's Near West Area Plan Ideas Map.

For interpretation, translation, or disability-related accommodations at no cost, contact 608-266-4635 or NearWestPlan@cityofmadison.com.

Community participation matters. These planning efforts help shape future investments, development, transportation, parks, and neighborhood connections.

🏗️ Data Center Regulations – Recording and Continued Public Input

The City held a public information meeting on October 27 to discuss a draft framework for proposed zoning regulations governing data centers.

The discussion covered the City's approach to regulating data center development, community questions, and considerations that will help inform future policy decisions.

A few important points:

  • Madison currently has a temporary moratorium on zoning approvals for new data centers larger than 10,000 square feet.
  • There are no current proposals for new data centers in Madison.
  • The October 27 meeting recording and presentation slides are available for residents who want to learn more.
  • Community feedback will help inform policymakers before legislation is finalized or adopted.

Residents can watch the October 27 public information meeting and send feedback to the Plan Commission at pccomments@cityofmadison.com.

I encourage residents to stay engaged as the City works through this important policy discussion.

🍂 Fall Leaf Collection and Seasonal Reminders

It's Pumpkin Time!

As fall continues, remember that pumpkins and other compostable seasonal decorations can be placed with your leaves for City collection.

Accepted materials include:

  • Pumpkins and gourds
  • Corn stalks
  • Hay and other compostable plant decorations

Please remove wires, lights, candles, and other non-compostable materials before placing them with your leaves.

Fall Leaf Pickup

Leaf collection schedules vary by neighborhood. Residents should check their address-specific set-out dates through the City's Yard Waste and Leaves webpage.

A few reminders:

  • Place leaves on the terrace or grass at the edge of the street, not in the roadway.
  • Keep piles at least five feet away from trees, vehicles, utility poles, mailboxes, and fire hydrants.
  • Separate brush from leaves and other yard waste.

Winter Drop-off Site Hours

The City's drop-off sites will transition to winter hours beginning December 4, 2026. Saturday hours will end, and weekday hours will change.

Please check the City's drop-off site information before making a trip.

🏛️ 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.

Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District — Thursday, November 05 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, November 05, 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)(external)

President's Workgroup on MPD Use of Deadly Force, De-Escalation and Body-Worn Cameras - Friday, November 06 at 5:00 PM

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.

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

🌳 Parks, Recreation, and Community Events

Madison Parks continues to offer opportunities for families and neighbors to connect through fall programming.

Parks Alive – Fall Events

Parks Alive brings neighbors together through family-friendly activities, music, and free food.

Upcoming events include:

  • Monday, November 2 – Galaxy Park
  • Wednesday, November 4 – Warner Park
  • Thursday, November 5 – Allied

These events are a great opportunity to meet neighbors and enjoy community activities.

Bird & Nature Adventures – Tenney Park

  • Saturday, November 7
  • Waterfowl Wonders
  • Join naturalist Paul Noeldner for a free, family-friendly guided walk along Lake Mendota, Tenney Lagoon, and the Yahara Riverway.

Inspired by Wright

  • Sunday, November 8
  • Explore how geometric shapes influenced Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic architecture through a hands-on experience.

Bird & Nature Adventures – Turville Point

  • Sunday, November 8
  • Fat Bears and Chonky Squirrels
  • Join naturalist Kathlean Wolf for a guided nature walk exploring how wildlife prepares for winter.

Additional activities and details are available through the City's events calendar.

📰 Other City News and Announcements

A few additional updates worth highlighting:

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.

🚧 Looking Ahead – Regional Transportation

WisDOT I-39/90/94 Corridor Study – November 10

Looking beyond this week, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public information meeting about the I-39/90/94 Corridor Project.

  • Tuesday, November 10, 2026
  • 5:30 p.m.
  • Virtual meeting
  • Audio-only: 608-571-2209
  • Conference ID: 748 441 337#

The project includes reconstruction of the Interstate mainline between US 12/18 in Madison and US 12/WIS 16 in Wisconsin Dells, as well as a section of I-39 near Portage.

Residents interested in regional transportation planning can learn more and participate in the discussion.

🤝 Connecting D7: Learning Together

As your Alder, my commitment remains focused on listening to residents, working with City departments, and making sure District 7 concerns receive attention.

Whether it is neighborhood safety, sidewalks and transportation, parks, housing, development, public safety, or City services, I believe good local government starts with communication and meaningful community participation.

Please continue sharing your questions, concerns, and ideas. Your feedback helps me understand what is working, where improvements are needed, and how we can move our district forward together.

Stay connected:

Thank you for staying engaged and continuing to make District 7 a wonderful place to live.

In solidarity,

Badri Lankella
Alder – District 7
City of Madison

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