
Thanks for building community; Results of Transportation Commission meeting; Regent St reconstruction PIM tomorrow; Join the UW Police Advisory Council; Walk at Hoyt Thursday and MUCH more!
postedHello neighbors,
To quote John Oliver, who says this at the top of his Last Week Tonight show: “It’s been a busy week”. Having taken in all the negative news this past week, it was refreshing to get to spend time in community with the Rocky Bluff neighborhood at their summer party yesterday. Being together, and supporting our family, friends, and neighbors is the way we build resilience and strengthen our community. I am continually honored to serve as your Alder and buoyed by the incredible people in our District and all the good work they do to maintain it as a great place to live. Please keep being there for one another!
This week the Transportation Commission voted 5-3 to remove parking along Midvale Blvd from Mineral Point Rd to University Ave and create a buffered bike lane when the street is resurfaced next year. This vote was in spite of opposition from myself and Alder Tishler, in whose Districts this project resides, and the overwhelming opposition of the public. I was heartened that my Council colleagues on the Commission were two of the three who voted in keeping with Alder Tishler’s and my arguments. Alder Tishler and I will be working with the Engineering department to bring a resolution to Council to consider the alternative option (aka Option 3) of improving bicycle access on parallel routes, while maintaining parking on Midvale Blvd.
It should be noted that no matter what, the Midvale Blvd resurfacing project will include narrowed travel lanes, and the painting of a white line demarcating the right side of the road, which can be an unofficial shared parking and bike lane, although it will not be wide enough to create a true shared resource. These changes will make the configuration of the resurfaced section of Midvale similar to Midvale Blvd south of Mineral Point Rd. When Midvale Blvd is reconstructed in 10-15 years, the City will have the opportunity to create buffered bike lanes or a shared use path, in keeping with the West Area Plan, to ensure that the street includes all ages and abilities bicycle access, which cannot be accomplished through this current resurfacing project.
Public Information Meetings (PIMs)
- Regent Street Reconstruction, Monday, September 15: The City will host a public information meeting at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 15, via Zoom. During the meeting, City staff will discuss the upcoming construction project. Registration is required.
- Please complete the questionnaire on your vision for Regent Street by September 22!
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.
- Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, September 15, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests in Districts 2, 12, 18, and 20.
- Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 16, at 6:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a public hearing on the City’s Capital Budget.
- Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 17, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include construction management in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 17.
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
- Intersection Closure — Bedford Street/W Dayton Street and Marion Street/W Dayton Street: Starting Monday, September 15th, City of Madison Traffic Engineering will close the intersections of W. Dayton Street/Bedford Street and W. Dayton Street/Marion Street to complete an asphalt art traffic calming project within these intersections.
- Project Update: Capital City Trail Storm Sewer Replacement: Contractors are postponing the start of the Capital City Trail Storm Sewer project and path closure in an effort to limit path closures as additional planning for path clearing and signing are being developed.
- Madison Unveils Latest Efforts to Create More Housing: The City of Madison is continuing its efforts to create more housing with another round of initiatives.
- Octavia Ikard named next Madison Youth Poet Laureate: Madison Poet Laureate Steven Espada Dawson and the Madison Arts Commission are inviting the public to the opening reception and poetry reading for the City of Madison’s new Youth Poet Laureate, Octavia Ikard.
- City of Madison Celebrates the Recommissioning of Well 15, New PFAS Treatment Facility: Madison Water Utility’s drinking water well that was contaminated by PFAS is back in service!
- Fall Leaves and Yard Waste Collection Begins in October 2025: The fall yard waste and leaves collection of 2025 begins in October. You will receive three guaranteed curbside set-out opportunities for leaf and yard waste pickup this fall.
- The UW Police Advisory Council (PAC) supports an inclusive campus environment by serving as a connection between the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department (UWPD) and the campus community. The PAC is seeking new members to advise the Chief of Police and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration on University matters and policies relating to campus safety and security, public safety communication, and university police interactions and on related matters as appropriate. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact UWPD Chief Brent Plisch.
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
- Neighborhood House Community Center (29 S. Mills) will host two community events Monday, September 15th. Both programs are free of charge.
- Memory Café | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
A social and welcoming gathering designed for individuals with memory loss, along with their families, friends, or caregivers. It’s a chance to connect, share experiences, and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed environment. - Healthy Living Lunch & Guest Speaker | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
After the Memory Café, we’ll have lunch together, and Dr. Rachel Bennett will lead a discussion on "Measles on the Rise: What You Need to Know."
- Memory Café | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
- Learn to Nordic Walk, Tuesday, September 16: 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.
- Youth Poet Laureate Reception, Tuesday, September 16: Madison Poet Laureate Steven Espada Dawson and the Madison Arts Commission are inviting the public to the opening reception and poetry reading for the City of Madison’s new Youth Poet Laureate, Octavia Ikard.
- Homebuyer Education Course Part 1 of 3, Tuesday, September 16: This HUD-Certified Homebuyer Education Course assists aspiring homeowners with making informed decisions and to potentially qualify for specialized loan programs.
- Menstrual Inequity, Tuesday, September 16: Public Health Madison & Dane County is partnering with Madison Public Library to host the third annual Period Party at Goodman South Madison Library in September!
- FREE Fall Fun - Aldo Leopold Park, Wednesday, September 17 (This event occurs on multiple dates): The Leopold Arbor Hills NRT invites residents to build skills in mountain biking, ultimate and disc golf, and social dance! Instructors will provide lessons to people of all ages. Come learn some skills and enjoy a light dinner afterwards.
- FOOT-Loose Dances, Wednesday, September 17 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Join FOOT (Friends of Olin Turville) every Wednesday in September for two hours of dancing fun, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, inside the historic Olin Park pavilion.
- Madison Night Market, September 18, 5-9pm. This month’s Night Market celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with live music from talented Hispanic and Latino performers filling the market with vibrant rhythms and energy. Families can also stop by the Family Activity Zone for a special hands-on craft celebrating Hispanic migration. It’s a night to celebrate culture, creativity, and community—right in the heart of downtown Madison.
- Hoyt Park Ranger walks, September 18, 6:30-7:30pm. Meet in the main parking lot by the kiosk, and wear sturdy walking shoes.
- Celebrate the winners of Madison’s Black Restaurant Week at the Black Business Hub, September 18, 5:30pm. Also enjoy an amateur dessert competition!
- Volunteer Planting - Olbrich Park, Friday, September 19 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Join us in enhancing our parks' natural beauty and supporting local biodiversity through native plantings. As a Planting Volunteer, you'll play a vital role in restoring and maintaining our natural landscapes.
- Mobile Vaccination Clinic - Orchard Ridge Elementary School, Saturday, September 20: All vaccines are free for eligible individuals. Children six months and older who lack insurance, are under 19, and are either Alaskan Native or American Indian, as well as those with BadgerCare or most other types of insurance, can receive vaccinations at no cost.
- Trucks & Treasures, Saturday, September 20: Kids and adults are invited to climb aboard and explore public service vehicles and equipment, and meet the amazing City employees who operate them!
- Period Party: A Menstruation Celebration, Saturday, September 20: Public Health Madison & Dane County is partnering with Madison Public Library to host the third annual Period Party at Goodman South Madison Library in September!
- Yahara East - The Final Farewell | Madison Golf Events, Sunday, September 21: Get ready, golf fans—this is your last chance to be a part of history! The time has come for the legendary East Course to take its final bow, and we're sending it off in style. This isn't just a tournament; it's a celebration, a final tribute to a course that has given us so many unforgettable memories.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, September 21: Rot & Decay is Cool ~ Bring family and friends on this fun nature adventure at Warner Park with Naturalist Kathlean Wolf. Yukky stuff is fascinating! What's going on underneath the surface when you see a mushroom growing on a dead log or the side of a tree?
- Movie at The Glen | Trolls Band Together, Sunday, September 21: Kick off the fall season at Movies at The Glen. The fun begins at 4 PM with classic yard games and a special appearance by the Girl Scouts of America, offering activities for all ages.
Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.
Be well,
Regina Vidaver