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Common Council

Week of June 30, 2025

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Dear Neighbors,

As June comes to a close, I want to thank everyone who has participated in the many conversations, meetings, and events shaping the future of our southwest side. From celebrating our recent high school graduates to tackling neighborhood safety and sustainability, this past week was full of inspiring progress and connection.

This week’s update includes important takeaways from last week’s meetings, updates on park and planning efforts, and a look ahead to next week’s Housing Forward public meeting.

🏘️ Southwest Area Plan – Centering Equity in Growth

Last week, I met with Planning Division staff to review updates to the Southwest Area Plan, including resident feedback and revised land use scenarios. We discussed how to balance housing, transportation, school capacity, and green space in ways that reflect our values equity, resilience, and smart growth.

I reiterated the importance of investing in infrastructure before development, especially near schools and existing neighborhoods. These insights will shape the next draft of the plan. I’ll continue to advocate for community-led planning at every stage.

🌳 Country Grove Park Shelter – Grand Opening Date Coming Soon

Parks staff are finalizing the date for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at Country Grove Park. Many of you have already begun reserving the shelter, and I’ve heard from neighbors how excited you are about this new gathering space.

As soon as the ceremony date is confirmed, I’ll share it with you here and on social media. I look forward to celebrating this long-awaited community asset with all of you.

🚦 Speed Limit and Safety Updates

I followed up again with City Traffic Engineering regarding speed limits on County Grove Dr. and other neighborhood streets with speed humps. I’m pleased to share that City crews have officially installed 25 mph speed limit signs on Country Grove Drive this week! This change reflects our collective commitment to traffic safety and was driven by consistent resident feedback and data-informed planning.

A special thank you to Dave and Cindy Sieloff and all neighbors who advocated for safer speeds in our community. Your voices made a real difference.

Please continue to drive cautiously and remind others to respect the new limit. Safer streets start with all of us.

🏡 Zoning and Housing Forward – Join the July 2 Info Session

A reminder that the virtual public information meeting for the Housing Forward zoning proposals is scheduled for:

🗓️ Tuesday, July 2
🕕6:00–7:00 PM
📍Register Here

This is a chance to learn more about proposed changes to lot area minimums, lakefront setbacks, and permitted uses. Your voice matters as we shape Madison’s approach to affordability and density. These changes won’t move forward without your input.

🗓 Upcoming Meetings & Engagement Opportunities

 

Monday, June 30

6:00 PM – APM 3-5 Training: Prohibited Harassment & Discrimination Policy
📍Virtual (Zoom) | Hosted by the Department of Civil Rights
This training session is required for all Alders and city leadership. It covers the City’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace, aligned with APM 3-5 policies.

Full agenda and access info

Tuesday, July 1

4:30 PM – Common Council Executive Committee Meeting
📍 In-Person
Agenda Highlights (subject to change):

6:30 PM – Common Council Meeting
📍 Virtual / In-Person - Hybrid
Agenda Highlights:

  • Public hearings on zoning map amendments and liquor license renewals
  • Item #35: Procedural approval related to alcohol license for Pick’n Save #131 on Maple Grove Dr.
  • Item #18: Resolution amending ordinances related to geographic limitations on new alcohol licenses to regulate density of liquor stores
  • Resolutions on housing initiatives and amendments
    Full agenda and access info

Wednesday, July 2

4:30 PM – Board of Public Works Meeting
📍 Virtual
Agenda Items Include:

  • Contract approvals for stormwater and utility projects
  • Assessment reports for street resurfacing
  • Project updates on pedestrian infrastructure
    Agenda details here

A reminder that the virtual public information meeting for the Housing Forward zoning proposals is scheduled for:

🕕6:00–7:00 PM
📍Register Here

  • This is a chance to learn more about proposed changes to lot area minimums, lakefront setbacks, and permitted uses. Your voice matters as we shape Madison’s approach to affordability and density. These changes won’t move forward without your input.

     

Thursday, July 3

Morning/Time TBD – Meeting with West Police District Staff
I’ll be meeting with our West District police team to review the Fourth of July weekend safety plan, including fireworks enforcement, public event monitoring, and neighborhood patrol coordination. Community safety remains a top priority, and I’ll share any relevant updates from that discussion.

 

Friday, July 

Independence Day – City Offices Closed

  • Reminder: Trash/recycling pickup may be delayed. Parks will be open for celebrations, please pack out what you pack in!

🌞 Community Events to Enjoy This Week

Monday, July 1 – Parks Alive @ Meadowood Park (5–7pm)
Tuesday, July 2 – Lakeside Kids: Dance Party!, Law Park (10am)
Wednesday, July 3 – Live at Lake Vista: Funky Blu Roots (6pm)
Thursday, July 4 – Neighborhood Fireworks and Celebrations
Friday, July 5 – Live at The Glen: Gin Mill Hollow, The Glen Golf Park (6:30pm)
Saturday, July 6 – Bird & Nature Adventure: Owen Park, 10am

🙏 Thank You

Every email you send, every meeting you attend, and every idea you share helps build a more inclusive, thoughtful, and responsive District 7. I’m proud to serve as your Alder and grateful for the community we’re creating together.

Wishing you a safe and joyful Fourth of July week!

Warmly,
Badri Lankella
Alder, District 7

Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of June 30, 2025

Updates and Notices

The City of Madison will be closed for the Independence Day holiday on Friday, July 4. All emergency services will be available; please call 911 in the event of an emergency.

  • Emergency Water Issue: Call Madison Water Utility at 608-266-4665, 24/7.
  • Sanitary Sewer Back-up: Call 608-266-4430. An emergency crew will respond to your call.
  • Report a Problem: Report non-emergencies that can wait until the next City working day.

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.

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)

Announcements and News Releases

  • City of Madison to Raise Disability Pride Flag in Honor of Disability Pride Month: Madison, Wi: The City of Madison is proud to host a Disability Pride Flag Raising Ceremony to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ceremony and news conference will take place on Tuesday, July… [posted June 27, 2025]
  • Concerts on the Rooftop Moved Inside: Due to the forecasted storms tonight, Thursday, June 26, Concerts on the Rooftop will be moved indoors in Monona Terrace's spacious exhibition hall. Don't miss Latin Pride Orquesta’s exhilarating brand of salsa music and charged live shows… [posted June 26, 2025]
  • Madison Updates its ADA Transition Plan : Over the past year, the Department of Civil Rights and many other City of Madison agencies have worked to identify barriers to access in all city programs, facilities and the public right of way as they worked on revitalizing Madison’s American with… [posted June 26, 2025]
  • Madison Sister City Delegation to Visit Obihiro, Japan : The trip was organized by the Madison-Obihiro Sister Cities Inc. board to work for peace and better understanding of all cultures. [posted June 26, 2025]
  • The Sustain Dane - City of Madison Recycle Better Course Begins on July 2: The Streets Division is once again working with Sustain Dane to offer the online Recycle Better classes. The class is in the evening of July 2, 2025. This is the last opportunity to take the course this year. By taking the Recycle Better class,… [posted June 26, 2025]
  • Metro Transit Now Accepting Credit Cards: Riders are now able to pay their adult rate bus fares with both physical contactless Mastercard or Visa credit cards as well as mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay. [posted June 25, 2025]
  • Parks Open House Thursday: The City of Madison Parks Division invites the community to view the draft 2025-2030 Park & Open Space Plan. Meet with staff and explore the plan's chapters at the POSP Open House on Thursday, June 26 from 3:30-6:30pm at Parks Lakeside Offices,… [posted June 25, 2025]
  • 2025 Recyclopedia Booklets Now Available: Printed copies of the 2025 Recyclopedia are now available. You can pick up a copy at your local Madison Public Library location and the Streets Division offices. Copies can be mailed to you by contacting the Streets Division office that services your…[posted June 24, 2025]
  • Street Closure for Concerts on the Square: Multiple streets around the Capitol Square will be closed on Wednesday, June 25th for the start of the annual Concerts on the Square event series. The streets will close at 3:00pm and will reopen by midnight. [posted June 24, 2025]
  • Heavy Rain Continues, Urban Flash Flooding Expected, Avoid Flash Flooded Areas : The next few days are expected to have multiple, brief but heavy storm events which may result in urban flash flooding of roadways.  If you encounter a flooded area do not drive through.  Intense rains of this type can overwhelm the… [posted June 24, 2025]
  • Phase 2 of Highland Avenue Project Begins Monday: Beginning at 5:00 am on Monday, June 30, the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) will begin Stage 2 of its Highland Avenue project.  Southbound Highland Avenue will close at the VA Hospital driveway, and the westbound on-ramp from…[posted June 24, 2025]
  • Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Morgan Wallen Concerts at Camp Randall Stadium: The City of Madison is announcing several street closures and parking restrictions in preparation for the Morgan Wallen concerts at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. These measures are intended to support pedestrian… [posted June 23, 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

  • Parks Alive at Galaxy Park, Monday, June 30: 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.
  • Movie in the Park | Dog Man, Monday, June 30: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park! Movie: Dog Man(link is external) (2025) PG 1h 29m. Showtime: 6:30pm. This movie showing is part of the Parks Alive program. Parks Alive is 5 - 7pm.

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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