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Common Council

Week of June 23, 2025

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Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’re enjoying the start of summer. Last week was graduation week for our high school students and what a joyful milestone it was for families across Madison, including right here in our own neighborhood. With a high school graduate in our residence, it was especially meaningful to celebrate alongside so many proud students and families.

Congratulations to all our graduates! Your hard work, resilience, and vision inspire us. We’re proud to see you represent the future of our District 7 community, and we’re excited to watch you lead, serve, and grow.

VPM Memorial Graduation 2
Image credit: Badri Lankella
VPM Memorial Graduation 1
Image credit: Badri Lankella

I continue to be encouraged by the incredible energy and civic involvement across District 7. From zoning updates to planning for our parks and schools, every conversation helps shape a more inclusive, resilient future for our community. Here's a roundup of recent highlights and what's coming up this week:

🔍 Zoning Updates – What’s Next?

Last week, several proposed zoning reforms were formally introduced to the Common Council. A virtual public information meeting will be held on July 2 from 6-7 pm on the three Housing Forward proposals that were announced last week. You can find more information and a link to register here: https://www.cityofmadison.com/dpced/planning/events/2025-07-02/public-information-meeting-housing-forward-proposals. To be clear: these items were introduced only public comment and Council deliberation will come later this summer.

I’ll make sure to keep you informed when these items return for discussion. These reforms are foundational to our broader housing and land use strategy, and your input will be vital.

👥 Meeting with MMSD Leadership

I’m looking forward to an upcoming meeting with MMSD Assistant Superintendent Cindy Green and Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard to discuss long-term planning on the southwest side. Their proactive outreach is a positive step in coordinating development with school capacity, equity priorities, and neighborhood services. This is exactly the kind of city–school collaboration our community needs.

🌳 Country Grove Park Shelter – Grand Opening Update

Many of you have asked about the new shelter at Country Grove Park. While the official ribbon-cutting ceremony date is still being finalized by Parks staff, reservations have already started. I’ll share confirmed details as soon as I have them, and I look forward to celebrating this exciting new amenity with you all.

🚧 Neighborhood Infrastructure & Safety

This week I followed up on concerns about sidewalk and bike path debris, especially near school routes. I’ve been in touch with city staff to prioritize cleanup and assess long-term fixes. If there’s a specific area you think we should evaluate, please reach out.

I also heard from city transportation staff regarding speed limit adjustments on streets with speed humps, especially on County Grove Dr. They are reviewing past actions and considering whether a 25mph speed limit would be more appropriate based on updated traffic calming designs. I’ll keep you updated as soon as I hear from staff on change schedule.

📆 Looking Ahead: Meetings & Engagement

🗓 Monday, June 24 – Sustainable Madison Committee
🕕 4:30 PM | 📍 Virtual or City-County Building
Agenda Highlights:

  • Clean Energy goal progress
  • Building decarbonization strategies
  • Draft recommendations on climate resiliency
    We’ll also hear updates from staff on implementation metrics and funding options. If you care about climate action, this is a great space to follow Madison’s sustainability journey.

🗓 Tuesday, June 25 – Budget Engagement: Community & Economic Development
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM | 📍 Urban League Hub
This is the final budget session in the current series. Focus on investments in job access, small business support, and community development. Your input is critical as we shape an equitable economic future for all Madisonians.

🗓 Wednesday, June 25 – Meeting with Mayor Rhodes-Conway
🕛 12:00 PM | 📍 Mayor’s Office
Agenda Topics:

  • District 7 infrastructure and safety priorities
  • Affordable housing implementation across the southwest
  • Strengthening coordination on school and transit planning
    I appreciate the Mayor’s willingness to meet directly on neighborhood concerns and alignment with our long-term goals.

🗓 Thursday, June 26 – Southwest Area Plan Update with Planning Staff
🕐 1:00 PM | 📍 City Offices
I'll be meeting with Principal Planner Urvashi Martin for an in-depth review of the Southwest Area Plan. We’ll go over current feedback, land use scenarios, and strategies to ensure equity and livability are central to the plan. I’ll report back next week with highlights.

🗓 TBD – Country Grove Park Shelter Ribbon Cutting
Stay tuned for an official date, which I’ll post as soon as it’s announced.

📰 In the Media: Southwest Area Plan Progress

You may have seen recent coverage of the Southwest Area Plan and community feedback efforts. I reiterated to reporters that District 7’s future must reflect local voices, current infrastructure realities, and our values of environmental sustainability and affordability. I’m committed to ensuring that growth happens with the community, not to it. Here is the captimes article.

🙏 Thank You

Whether you’ve attended a budget session, sent an email, or stopped by a local event, thank you. Your time, ideas, and feedback matter. We’re building a more connected and responsive southwest Madison, and I’m honored to be part of that journey with you.

Warmly,
Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7
Madison Common Council

Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of June 23, 2025

Updates and Notices

Beach Water Quality: We monitor water quality at beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check the conditions before going in the water.

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, June 23, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into an agreement with Dane County to provide Metro Transit with State 85.21 funding, approving the Ready for Reuse Loan Agreements, providing updates on the 2026 Operating Budget Outlook and Process, and an update on Federal Executive Orders and Directives regarding the suspension of Federal Grants and Loans.
  • Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, June 23, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include permitting the early acquisition of land and utility interests as set forth on the Relocation Order and Transportation Project Plat No. 5992-10-19 4.02.
  • Transportation Commission: The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 25, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a Planning Division staff update on the Southwest Area Plan and Southeast Area Plan and an update on Metro Transit Driver Assault Incidents.
  • Housing Policy Committee: The Housing Policy Committee meeting will take place on Thursday, June 26, at 4:30 p.m. in Room 215 of the Madison Municipal Building. Agenda items include permitting two-family twin and two-unit buildings in all districts where single-family dwellings are also allowed, as well as allowing more permitted uses within the Downtown and Urban Districts.

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)

  • Mifflin and Carroll Plaza Redesign Public Meeting, Monday, June 23: Join City of Madison staff to discuss the future of the Top of State pedestrian plaza areas on Mifflin and Carroll Streets at the Capital Square. Mifflin Plaza is being redesigned and rebuilt following the construction of the new Wisconsin History Center. Future plaza phases include the rest of the 100 blocks of both Mifflin and Carroll Streets.

  • 2026 Budget Engagement Meeting - Community & Economic Development, Tuesday, June 24: The meetings will feature an update of the 2026 budget process with Finance Director Dave Schmiedicke and presentations from the Director of Planning, Community & Economic Development, the Community Development Authority, and the Community Development Division. The goal of these public meetings is to provide an opportunity for you to speak directly with City staff about your ideas, concerns, and priorities for Madison’s future.

Announcements and News Releases

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

  • Monday Mornings at The Glen, Monday, June 23, 2025 (this event occurs on multiple dates): Enjoy The Glen for a stroll, nature, workout or leashed dog walk from sunrise to 8:00 am. This is your time to enjoy a peaceful, quiet morning at The Glen Golf Park before golfing gets underway for the day. Tee times resume at hole #1 at 8:00am. Visitors should be alert for golf balls and golfers while exiting the course. There is no registration and no programmed activity.
  • Parks Alive at Elver Park, Monday, June 23: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share fun, family-friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer. June 23 - Self-Care & Wellness
  • Movie in the Park | Raya The Last Dragon, Monday, June 23: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park! Movie: Raya and The Last Dragon(link is external) (2021) PG 1h 47m. Showtime: 6:30pm. This movie showing is part of the Parks Alive program. Parks Alive is 5 - 7pm.
  • Lakeside Kids: Super Awesome Yo-Yo Show (featuring Mark Hayward), Tuesday, June 24: Join us for another exciting summer season of Lakeside Kids! – a free, interactive series featuring science, culture, arts and entertainment. Designed for kids ages 4+, this event provides hands on fun and learning in an engaging and dynamic setting.
  • Parks Alive at Sandburg Park, Tuesday, June 24: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share fun, family-friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer.
  • Learn to Kayak, Tuesday, June 24: Learn to Kayak with Madison Boats! Register online for this free class offered at Marshall Park. All ages are welcome! Anyone under 18 must have a guardian present and anyone under the age of 7 must have their guardian in the kayak. If guardians are attending but not participating, they are welcome to hang out on the beach/pier during the instructional portion.
  • Movie in the Park | Inside Out 2, Tuesday, June 24: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park! Movie: Inside Out 2(link is external) (2024) PG 1h 36m, Showtime: 6:30pm. This movie showing is part of the Parks Alive program. Parks Alive is 5 - 7pm.
  • Barre3 Fitness Class at The Glen, Tuesday, June 24: Join Madison's barre3 and Madison Parks Foundation on fairway #1 at The Glen Golf Park for a heart-pumping, joy-filled workout.
  • Live @ Lake Vista: Shekinah King, Wednesday, June 25: Shekinah King is a talented singer, songwriter, and keyboardist who draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences. Shekinah’s voice is often likened to Pink, Kelly Clarkson, or Adele and she boasts an impressive repertoire of over 1,500 songs spanning multiple decades and genres, alongside her original compositions. Her debut EP “Heart 2 Heart” was released in September 2024. Free & Open to the Public.
  • Parks Alive at Hammersley Park, Wednesday, June 25: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share fun, family-friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer. June 25 - Self-Care & Wellness.
  • Movie in the Park | IF, Wednesday, June 25: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park! Movie: IF(link is external) (2024) PG 1h 44m, Showtime: 6:30pm. This movie showing is part of the Parks Alive program. Parks Alive is 5 - 7pm.
  • Open House: Park & Open Space Plan, Thursday, June 26: The City of Madison Parks Division invites the community to view the draft 2025-2030 Park & Open Space Plan. See the draft plan, explore the chapters and meet with staff at Parks Lakeside Offices!
  • Parks Alive at Owl Creek Park, Thursday, June 26: Parks Alive is back this year with more of what you love! Visit your local park and share fun, family-friendly activities while building connections with neighbors and creating memories with friends. As always, there will be free food, music and the occasional movie. Come out, get active and enjoy your local green space this summer. June 26 - Self-Care & Wellness.
  • Concerts on the Rooftop: Latin Pride Orquesta (12-piece Latin Band), Thursday, June 26: Enjoy the unparalleled experience of sensational bands and breathtaking views at Concerts on the Rooftop! Dance the night away or just relax with family and friends, A truly unique Madison event. Latin Pride Orquesta formed in early 2017 with 12 musicians from around the world – Puerto Rico, México, República Dominicana, Peru and Madison. Their exhilarating brand of salsa music and charged live shows have quickly earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from Madison’s Latin Salsa Music scene.
  • National HIV Testing Day, Friday, June 27: Join us for free HIV testing! No appointment is needed-- you can stop by any time between 10-6 pm. Can't make this date? Get tested any time through our sexual health clinic.
  • Live at The Glen | Sharona & Ray Ray, Friday, June 27: Madison Parks Foundation is proud to present Live at The Glen! Enjoy live music on the patio at The Glen Golf Park. Sharona & Ray Ray(link is external) are a lively duo that plays Pop Rock hits that get people dancing and singing along.  They are seasoned veterans of the music scene and have been playing together in various bands for over 12 years, including Charm School Rejects.
  • Volunteer at The Glen, Saturday, June 28 (this event occurs on multiple dates): Volunteering at The Glen offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to your community, learn new skills, grow personally and professionally, and connect with like-minded individuals.
  • Mobile Vaccination Clinic - Southside Elementary School, Saturday, June 28: FREE VACCINES For children six months and older who: • Do not have insurance • Are under 19 and are Alaskan Native or American Indian • Have BadgerCare • Have most other types of insurance.
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, June 28: Join a naturalist for an easy, family-friendly walk from Aldo Leopold Nature Center into beautiful Edna Taylor Conservation Park and enjoy a bit of nature education along the way. Walks through the Edna Taylor Conservation Park are held on the 4th Saturday, 10-11:30am of each month.
  • Movie at the Pool | Shark Tale, Saturday, June 28: Enjoy free evening admission and a movie at the Goodman Pool! The Pool will close at 4:30pm and then reopen at 5:15pm with free admission! See the movie starting at 5:30pm.
  • Movie in the Park | Mufasa The Lion King, Saturday, June 28: Join Downtown Madison's Business Improvement District (BID) and Madison Parks for a free movie in Peace Park! Movie: Mufasa: The Lion King(link is external) (2024) PG 1h 58m. Showtime: 8:45pm. Rain date: Sunday, June 29

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

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District 7 - Alder Lankella

Alder Badri Lankella

Alder Badri Lankella

District 7
Contact Alder Lankella

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