Shaping the Future of the Southeast and Weekly Updates - Nov. 17
postedDear District 16 Neighbors,
I am so excited to invite you to an event that I am hosting on shaping the future of the Southeast Area!
The City’s planning division is ready to present their draft recommendations for the Southeast Area Plan. These recommendations include updates to the sidewalk and bike network, identification of dangerous intersections, recommended improvements to public transportation infrastructure, and proposed land use changes at several places, including the intersection of Vondron and Buckeye.
What: Building the Southeast’s Future: A Community Conversation w/ Alder Sean O'Brien7
When: Monday, November 17th, 6:00-7:30pm
Where: Fire Station 14 (3201 Dairy Dr Madison, WI 53718)
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-the-southeasts-future-a-community…
This will be an important discussion on land use, housing, transit, streets, bike paths, and other community facilities in Southeast Madison. At the event, you will have the opportunity to hear how these proposed changes will impact your neighborhood, speak directly with city staff, and provide feedback in several different ways. I hope that you will join me tomorrow evening!
If you haven’t already, be sure to like and follow our official District 16 Facebook page, where I post frequent updates and share relevant information on all things city government.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to share your thoughts with me. I’m eager to hear from you!
-Sean
Water Rate Increase & Financial Support
The Madison Water Utility has announced that their request to the Public Service Commission for a rate increase for water usage was approved. This rate change will result in an increase of $6.60 per month for the average household.
This increase comes as budgets for everyone are tightening and costs continue to rise. Given this, I want to highlight a program offered by the city called MadCAP (Madison Customer Assistance Program) which provides up to $30 a month discount on municipal utility bills. You can learn more about the program using the links below.
MadCAP Application - English
MadCAP Application - Spanish
MadCAP Application - Chinese
MadCAP Application - Hmong
Houses that make 50% of the Median Area Income are eligible to apply. Additionally, households eligible for Section 8, Wisconsin FoodShare or SNAP benefits, or WIC benefits are likely to meet MadCAP income limits.
For homeowners, participation in the Home Water Conservation program is required. Renters do not need to participate in this program. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to madcap@cityofmadison.com
Beltline PEL Study:
Image credit: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Earlier this week, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced that they are studying long-term infrastructure changes to the Beltline, examining a 20-mile stretch from Middleton to Cottage Grove. WisDOT will be hosting a virtual public information meeting on December 4th at 5:30pm. You can find the details below.
Follow the link to join the meeting: https://youtube.com/live/UNfde7akG5U
or join by telephone (audio only): 608-571-2209
Conference ID: 730 552 401#
The meeting will include a pre-recorded presentation with the opportunity to ask questions. Please note that the Beltline PEL study is a long-term planning study and no construction projects are identified at this time.
Input offered during the upcoming virtual public involvement meeting will help shape the future of the Beltline. To help us encourage attendance, we ask that you please consider using the attached information to share the meeting with your network.
Coffee with a Cop:
Join officers from Madison Police's East District for coffee and connection at two upcoming Coffee with a Cop events.
Date: November 18th – 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Pinney Branch Library (516 Cottage Grove Rd)
Date: December 16th – 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Pinney Branch Library (516 Cottage Grove Rd)
Additional details: Detectives from MPD’s financial crimes unit will be present to discuss fraud.
Office Hours:
Folks seem to be appreciating my office hours, so I have added two more dates in December!
December 4th – 8:00-10:00am at Twisted Grounds Coffee
December 15th – 3:30-5:30pm at Ed Locke Public Library in McFarland
If you have any documents or items that you would like me to review before our office hours, please send them to district16@cityofmadison.com.
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, November 17, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include approving the 2026 Urban Forestry and Resource Recovery special charges.
- Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, November 17, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests in Districts 4, 6, 10, 11, and 15.
- Housing Policy Committee: The Housing Policy Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 18, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda Items of Interest include:
- Item #2 - Updating ordinances to prohibit car washes, automobile sales and rentals, and stand-alone parking lot facilities as the main land use within a Traffic Overlay District.
- Item #7 – allowing for the creation of Cottage Courts in Madison General Ordinances. Click here to learn more about the entire winter Housing Forward agenda items
- Meeting Details
- Meeting Agenda
- Register for Public Comment
- Watch Online
- Transportation Commission: The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 19, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda Items of Interest Include:
- Item #5 – Updating ordinances to prohibit car washes, automobile sales and rentals, and stand-alone parking lot facilities as the main land use within a Traffic Overlay District.
- Item #6 – an update and presentation on passenger rail for Madison including potential station locations, next steps, and funding options.
- Meeting Details
- Meeting Agenda
- Register for Public Comment
- Watch Online
- Disability Rights Commission: The Disability Rights Commission meeting will take place on Thursday, November 20, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include adopting the updated Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan.
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
- City of Madison marks World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims : In recognition of World Day of Remembrance on November 16th, the City of Madison has installed a memorial to remember the victims of traffic fatalities. [posted November 12, 2025]
- City of Madison adopts 2026 Budget : The 2026 City Budget has the lowest tax rate in at least 40 years.[posted November 11, 2025]
- City of Madison Interested in Expanding Market and Community Gardening : The City of Madison is seeking to gauge interest in utilizing city-owned land for market and community garden spaces.[posted November 10, 2025]
- Meet the Finalists for the State Street Campus Garage/Hawthorne Court Public Art Project: The City of Madison is inviting three finalists to propose designs for public art in the new State Street Campus Garage and adjacent Hawthorne Court. [posted November 10, 2025]
- City Council Leaders Proposes Amendment to Lower Property Taxes : Council Leaders are proposing an amendment to the 2026 Budget to maintain the historically low property tax increase proposed in her executive operating budget. [posted November 10, 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
- Building the Southeast’s Future: A Community Conversation w/ Alder Sean O'Brien, Monday, November 17: Come join us for a lively discussion with Alder O'Brien about the future of the Southeast community. This event will be held at City of Madison Fire Station 14, where we will talk about the plan to shape the physical aspects of our community, such as land use, housing, transit, streets, bike paths, and other community facilities. Don't miss this opportunity to have your voice heard and make a difference in our community!
- Downtown Dialogue: Meet Your Downtown Alders, Tuesday, November 18: Join us at the Madison Senior Center for a special event where you can meet and chat with your downtown alders! This is a fantastic opportunity to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas directly with the representatives who serve you. The event invites residents, business owners, and community members to engage directly with their elected officials. Let’s foster meaningful conversations about the heart of Madison and explore how we can collaborate to improve our community. Don't miss this chance to connect with your local leaders! Please register in advance.
- Conservation Workday, Thursday, November 20 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Work off-trail alongside expert volunteers from the Friends of Cherokee Marsh, using hand loppers to help cut invasive brush to make room for native wildflowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs.
- Conservation Volunteer Workday, Saturday, November 15 (This event occurs on multiple dates): We invite volunteers to help make a difference in the health of our local environment by joining us for invasive species removal. These hands-on conservation efforts are essential in restoring native ecosystems and ensuring the vitality of our natural spaces.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, November 22 (This event occurs on multiple dates): 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.
Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.
Alder Sean O'Brien
District 16
Contact Alder O'Brien