Week of May 12th Updates

Dear Neighbors,

As I wrap up my third week as your Alder, I continue to be inspired by the energy and ideas of our community. Whether in meetings with city partners or conversations with neighbors, I’m reminded daily of the potential we have when we work collaboratively toward a common vision. Your input remains invaluable, and I encourage you to continue reaching out to me at district7@cityofmadison.com.

Highlights from the Past Week

Monday, May 5, 2025 – 5:00 PM: I had a productive meeting with Westside MPD Captain Tim Patton to discuss community policing, response times, traffic enforcement and strategies to strengthen trust and transparency between law enforcement and residents. We’re exploring options for more neighborhood-based engagement and data sharing.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – 6:00 PM: Attended the Common Council meeting, where we discussed continue to advocate for responsible spending that meets the needs of District 7 residents. You can view the full agenda here.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – 4:00 PM: Participated in the Board of Public Works meeting. The agenda included public infrastructure projects, engineering reports, and updates on ongoing construction efforts across the city. You can view the full agenda here.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – 5:00 PM: I was honored to attend the AAPI Heritage Month Reception with Governor Tony Evers. It was an uplifting celebration of culture, resilience, and the many contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make to Wisconsin communities, including right here in Madison.

Image credit: Badri Lankella

Image credit: Badri Lankella

Thursday, May 8, 2025 – 8:00 AM: Joined a plant tour with the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District. It was an eye-opening look at the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that protects our waterways and public health. We discussed ways to integrate sustainable practices and improve stormwater management in our neighborhoods.

Saturday, May 10, 2025 – 2:00 PM: I was honored to be part of the General Body Meeting and heritage celebration hosted by the Association of Indians in America – Madison Chapter. It was a joy to connect with community members and celebrate the rich cultural traditions that strengthen the fabric of our city.

Image credit: Badri Lankella

Neighborhood Spotlight: Southwest Area Plan

Last week, I continued my engagement with the Southwest Area Plan Team. We are gathering community feedback on how best to support future development while preserving what makes our neighborhoods unique. Housing, transportation, green space, and accessibility remain top priorities. If you’d like to get involved or offer feedback, please reach out, I’d love to bring your voice into the planning process.

Supporting Our Local Economy

I’m still energized from the kickoff of Small Business Week and am committed to following up with the entrepreneurs I met. If you're a small business owner in District 7 or aspire to become one, please let me know how the city can better support you. From licensing guidance to economic development resources, my office is here to help.

Seasonal Updates

Low Mow May Continues: Thanks to all who are participating in Low Mow May! The increased visibility of pollinator-friendly yards is already having an impact. If you haven’t yet, consider letting your grass grow just a little longer to help local ecosystems thrive.

Farmers Market Season: This week, I had the chance to stop by the West Side Community Market again. It’s wonderful to see neighbors gathering, supporting local growers, and taking part in the food scrap drop-off program. Let’s continue to build a more sustainable and connected community.

Looking Ahead

Here are a few meetings and events on my calendar for the coming week:

• Monday, May 12, 2025 – 3:00 PM: Meeting with City Engineering Division to discuss pedestrian and traffic safety enhancements.
• Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – 6:30 PM: Listening Session with District neighbors at Elver Park Shelter (all are welcome!)
• Thursday, May 15, 2025 – 8:00 AM: Attending the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Commission meeting and swearing-in as commissioner. I'm honored to serve on this commission and look forward to contributing to critical conversations about wastewater management and environmental sustainability.
• Friday, May 16, 2025 – 10:00 AM: Roundtable with city economic development staff to review grant opportunities for local businesses.

Please contact me if you’d like me to bring any specific concerns or questions to these meetings.

Thank you for continuing to stay informed and involved. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more sustainable District 7.

Warmly,
Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7

Updates and Notices

Farmers' Markets: Find the locations and schedules for farmers' markets near you!

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 Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, May 12, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing the submission of an application for a $150,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to fund a portion of the City's cost of site assessment and demolition at 1810 S Park St, 1901 S Park St, 814 North Ave, and 826 North Ave.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests in Districts 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 13.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Police and Fire Commission: The Police and Fire Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 14, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a discussion of the Police Chief hiring process.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Watch Online

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

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

• Metro Transit North/South BRT Public Information Meeting (In-Person)Tuesday, May 13: Come learn more about a proposed second Bus Rapid Transit route proposed to run north to south through the community. South Park St. will also be reconstructed in conjunction with North-South BRT.
• Stricker Forebay Dredge (Virtual), Tuesday, May 13: A public information meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., May 13, 2025, via Zoom. Registration is required.
• Metro Transit North/South BRT Public Information Meeting (In-Person), Thursday, May 15: Come learn more about a proposed second Bus Rapid Transit route proposed to run north to south through the community.

Announcements and News Releases

• New “Colorful Characters” Mural Honors Legacies of South Madison Leaders: The City of Madison is pleased to announce the completion and installation of a new public art piece by renowned artist Michael Ford at the Village on Park. [posted May 9, 2025]
• South Bedford Street Closure at North Shore Drive: As part of the North Shore Drive Path project, S Bedford Street will be closing at North Shore Drive starting Monday, May 12th to construct the raised crossing for the path across S Bedford Street. [posted May 8, 2025]
• Madison Public Libraries Closed for Staff In-Service Day on May 15; Other Upcoming Hours Changes : MADISON, WI -- There are multiple closures and hours changes taking place during the month of May at Madison Public Library. Please see below for details... [posted May 8, 2025]
• Section of North Randall Avenue Closes Monday, May 12: Starting Monday, May 12, North Randall Avenue will be fully closed to traffic, between Campus Drive and West Dayton Street, for a UW chilled water underground utility replacement project.  The closure is scheduled to remain in place until late…[posted May 7, 2025]
• Westbound Campus Drive Off-Ramp Closure at Highland Avenue: Starting Monday, May 12, the westbound Campus Drive off-ramp to Highland Avenue will close as part of the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District’s (MMSD’s) sewer pipe replacement project.  The right travel lane of westbound Campus Drive will…[posted May 6, 2025]
• Help Shape the Future of Biking, Walking and Rolling in Dane County: The Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is inviting Dane County residents to complete a short survey that will help guide the region’s active transportation future. [posted May 6, 2025]

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.

Events

• Garlic Mustard Pull - Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, Mendota Unit, Tuesday, May 13: Help protect native wildflowers and restore woodland health by volunteering for a garlic mustard pull.  This hands-on conservation effort focuses on removing garlic mustard, an aggressive invasive plant. Volunteers will work off-trail alongside expert volunteers from Friends of Cherokee Marsh, contributing to meaningful habitat restoration.
• FOOT - Free Concerts in Olin Pavilion, Wednesday, May 14 (this event occurs on multiple dates): FREE concerts return to the Olin Park pavilion on Wednesdays in May from 6 to 8 PM. Ramblin' Kind - a western swing band on Wednesday, May 14.
• Conservation Park Tour, Wednesday, May 14: Conservation Park Tours are educational staff-guided walks held at various conservation parks on the 2nd Wednesday, May - October. Topics vary and include highlights of the past, present and future of the land.
• Madison Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 16: Bike to Work Day celebrates riding to work, to the grocery store, to a park, to the library—or biking just to have fun. Biking to work is a fun, inexpensive, sustainable mode of transportation; and you get your exercise in!
• Walk for Dyslexia, Saturday, May 17: Families and community members can gather in beautiful spring weather to make strides against dyslexia or participate with a virtual option.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Starkweather Creek Area, Saturday, May 17: Explore the Creek. Join Friends of Starkweather Creek for a free fun family friendly canoe outing along Starkweather Creek!  Some canoes will be provided, bring your own canoe or kayak and vest and paddles if you have them.
• Community Science: Monarch Monitor Training, Saturday, May 17: Join us for a two-hour training session on Saturday, May 17 from 10am to 12pm to become a community science monitor for the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project!
• Picnic in the Park, Saturday, May 17: Celebrate for a cause with the Madison Parks Foundation. This highly anticipated event helps sustain and enhance our local parks and green spaces by improving accessibility…
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, May 18: Nature Journalling.  Join Naturalist Steve Mansorge for a free guided walk to enjoy the natural areas at Warner Park.  Bring pen and paper.  Pretend you are an explorer making a journal about what you see to send back home!  We will take time to stop along the way to contemplate things.  Write down a few notes about what you see, how you feel, and the beauty around you.
• Movie at The Glen | Raiders of the Lost Ark, Sunday, May 18: Join us for a fun-filled evening at The Glen Golf Park featuring Raiders of the Lost Ark(link is external). The excitement kicks off at 4:00pm with yard games and free 3-hole golf for kids—perfect for some pre-movie fun. Then settle in as the movie begins at 5:00pm. It’s a night of adventure, games, and great food the whole family will enjoy!

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