Week of October 27, 2025
postedDistrict Niners,
The 2026 budget deliberations get serious this week beginning with the Finance Committee. As a constituent, do take some time to listen in to the discussions about the budget. If the Mission of the City of Madison government "is to provide the highest quality of service for the common good of our residents and visitors," ask how do you (or the city) measure quality? Knowing that there are challenges and priorities; that there are state laws that limit the use of some revenue producing sources, do we not use tools to measure efficiency (waste, effort, desired effect, outcomes, consequences, etc.) that can be used to facilitate and/or guide budget decision making? Is it a consolation that taxpayers will not have to dig as deep into their pockets to meet 2026 budget demands when compared to the passage of the $22 million dollar referendum plus having to dig really deep for the 2025 budget? Some say that the budget cannot be changed. From where I sit...there is nothing permanent but change. Stay engaged and stay tuned.
Boards, Commissions, & Committee Meetings
- Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 28, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include allowing anyone to submit a complaint to the Ethics Board, as well as adopting the 2025-2030 Park and Open Space Plan.
- Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, October 27, at 4:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include deliberations on the 2026 Executive Operating Budget.
- Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 29, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include the updated Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan.
Public Information Meetings (PIMs)
- Southwest Area Plan Public Meeting: Virtual Option, Wednesday, October 29: This meeting will provide an overview of issues and opportunities in the planning area and offer a chance to review and comment on draft plan actions. Presentations at the virtual meetings will be followed by discussion and feedback.
- Southwest Area Plan Public Meeting: Virtual Option, Thursday, October 30:The City of Madison Parks Division is starting the design process for both Woods Farm Park and Canter Park on the northeast side of the city. Each park is approximately 5 acres. In anticipation of further growth in the neighborhood, a master plan is being put together to guide the development of these two existing parks.
Announcements
- City, County Officials Encourage Flu & COVID Vaccination This Fall: Public Health Madison & Dane County is reminding everyone that getting up to date on flu and COVID vaccines is the best defense against getting seriously sick this respiratory virus season. Again, make a plan, roll up your sleeve and get it done.
- Overnight Closures Scheduled for Northbound John Nolen Drive Next Week: Beginning Monday night, October 27, the northbound lanes of John Nolen Drive will be closed overnight between Olin Avenue and North Shore Drive to accommodate storm sewer installation work. The nightly closures will occur from 7pm to 6am.
- Food Scraps Recycling at Farmers’ Markets Ends November 1, 2025: You are running out of time to bring food scraps to a farmers’ market drop-off site. We are also short on time to reach the food scraps drop-off goal for this season.
- Wright Design Series: Possible Future, Monday, October 27: Presented by Chandler Ahrens. Chandler Ahrens enjoys thinking about the potential of underutilized buildings, finding inspiration in the challenges and opportunities of adaptive reuse projects. As chair of the Graduate School of Architecture at Washington University and co-founder of AVV A architecture firm, his work illustrates innovative techniques in architecture and public art.
- Hayride Around the Capitol | Movie at the Top of State, Wednesday, October 29: We've partnered with Madison's Central BID for the Downtown Madison Family Halloween (link is external)to bring you back-to-back events! Take a haywagon ride around the Capitol Square and see a movie at the Top of State Street.
- Warner Family Fun Night | Halloween Celebration, Friday, October 31: Join us at WPCRC for Warner Family Fun Night! Families can create art projects, play in the game room or the gym, watch a movie or win some prizes playing bingo!
- Vaccination Clinic at Goodman Community Center, Saturday, November 1: 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.
Your Well Being
If you and your gobbling's celebrate Halloween, be safe and have a gourd time. And, if the broom fits fly it!
Until next time,
Be safe and be well
Joann
