Items of Interest for the Week of July 14, 2025

Please join me next Thursday, July 24 at 6:30pm for a public meeting to present the East Isthmus and Yahara River Watershed Study. This important work has been studying how to build infrastructure to better handle stormwater on the isthmus. There are two main approaches: constructing more “green infrastructure,” such as rain gardens, green/blue roofs and permeable surfaces to filter and slow rainwater's movement through the drainage system; and replacing and enlarging storm culverts that carry water away to the lakes to prevent stormwater back-up and flooding. Dredging of the Yahara River was also explored but that seems unlikely at this time.

Today I was given a preview presentation by City Engineering staff. It was highly informative and outlines several projects around the east isthmus that might be undertaken in stages, if we choose to fund them.

You can find more information and a link to register for the Zoom at the East Isthmus and Yahara River Watershed Study project webpage. All residents within the watershed (which encompasses all of District 6) should be receiving postcards inviting them to attend and register in the next day or two.

Image credit: City of Madison Engineering

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.

• Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include the three housing forward proposals.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Police and Fire Commission: The Police and Fire Commission meeting will take place on Monday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m. Agenda items include a discussion of the Police Chief hiring process.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 15, at 4:30 p.m. Agenda items include approving amendments to Tax Incremental Districts in District 2, 4, 6, 8, 13, and 15.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • 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.

Announcements and News Releases

• Road Striping: Help Keep Our Roads, and Your Vehicle, Safe During Striping Season: What is Road Striping and Why Does it Matter? Every summer, the City of Madison Traffic Engineering Department refreshes many of the lines on City streets. These bright markings help: [posted July 11, 2025]
• City of Madison receives bids for Block 113 redevelopment: The City of Madison’s Request for Proposals period for the redevelopment of Block 113 closed Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with two development teams submitting a bid. [July 11, 2025]
• Statement on WEC Investigation : The Wisconsin Election Commission announced this morning that it has concluded its investigation into unprocessed absentee ballots from the November 5, 2024, election in the City of Madison. [posted July 9, 2025]
• Olin Avenue Brush Processing Site Will Stop Accepting Brush and Wood Chips from Contractors Starting July 14, 2025: Starting on July 14, 2025, the Street and Urban Forestry Division’s brush processing center on 121 E. Olin Avenue will stop accepting brush and wood chips for processing from contractors. Contractors, such as tree service professionals and… [posted July 7, 2025]
• Free Mulch Changing Locations: Ending at Olin Site on July 11, 2025; Moving to Sycamore and South Point on July 14, 2025: The City of Madison Streets and Urban Forestry Division will be changing where Madison residents can pick up free mulch. Last Day for Free Mulch at Olin Avenue is July 11, 2025The final day for residents to scoop free mulch from the current location… [posted July 7, 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

• Lakeside Kids: Power Dance Kids, Tuesday, July 15: 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. 
• Movie in the Park | Turbo, Tuesday, July 15: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park! Movie: Turbo(link is external) (2013) PG 1h 36m, Showtime: 6:30pm.
• Movie in the Park | A Minecraft Movie, Wednesday, July 16: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park! Movie: A Minecraft Movie(link is external) (2025) PG 1h 41m. Showtime: 6:30pm.
• Learn to Nordic Walk, Thursday, July 17: Turn your walk into a full-body workout with Nordic walking!  We've partnered with Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki) for a free class.  Participants of all ages are welcome and will explore the park and learn how to use walking poles for a cardio and strength-building workout.  
• Movie in the Park | Field of Dreams, Thursday, July 17: Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and join us for a free movie in the park! Movie: Field of Dreams(link is external) (1989). Showtime: 6:30pm PG 1h 47m.
• Concerts on the Rooftop: SuperTuesday (Party Band),Thursday, July 17: 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.
• Brat Fry Friday, Friday, July 18: Come join us for lunch at the links!  The grill will be fired up from 10am-3pm for a delicious afternoon treat.  Brats are $5.00 each or choose to make it a meal and add chips and a soda for $8.00 or chips and a beer for $10.00.  This event is open to all to participate!
• RISE Together: Resilience, Inclusion & Solidarity in Harm Reduction, Friday, July 18: Join us for a powerful in-person event bringing together harm reduction advocates and those interested in learning more to...
• Health Screening Event, Friday, July 18: Stop by Warner Park Community Recreation Center on Friday, July 18, between 2:30 and 6:30pm for your free health screening!
• Mobile Vaccination Clinic - Kennedy Elementary School, Saturday, July 19: All vaccines are free to those eligible, including children six months and older who do not have insurance, are under 19, and are Alaskan Native or American Indian, have BadgerCare, and have most other types of insurance.

Parks Alive Dates!

Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city and throughout the summer. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Events start at 5:00 p.m.

• Parks Alive at Aldo Leopold Park on Tuesday, July 15
• Parks Alive at Warner Park on Wednesday, July 16
• Parks Alive at Owl Creek Park on Thursday, July 17

Please find additional upcoming City of Madison Parks events listed on the City parks event calendar.

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