City-County Building
Common Council

Honoring King's Legacy and What Last Week's Board of Health Meeting Tells Us

posted 

Hi Everyone,

I trust this MLK Day finds you well despite the frigid weather. Whether you are participating in a public celebration or prefer quiet reflection, I hope you are taking time to consider Dr. King's life -- his work, his words, his legacy.

Today is a federal holiday, established by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. I was reminded of that fact this morning in an article in the Bulwark, noting how President Trump, in contast, has not only made no effort to acknowledge Dr. King or honor his birthday, but has actively done the opposite:

"Indeed, this administration’s only notice of the day seems to have come in late November of last year, when it announced that it had eliminated this holiday from the list of days with free entry to America’s national parks.

So if you go to a national park today, you’ll have to pay. But not if you go on June 14th, 2026. For Donald Trump’s Interior Department has announced that the schedule of “resident-only patriotic fee-free” days will include for the first time that date billed as “Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday.”

This tracks with a President who recently claimed the chief legacy of the civil rights movement was discrimination against whites.

Though we have made substantial progress, as noted by Bernice King, MLK's daughter and CEO of the King Center, it's clear we still have much work to do, both across our society as a nation and locally, here in Madison. 

Speaking of locally, I found it deeply troubling to learn of how District 17 Alder Sabrina Madison was treated at a committee meeting last Wednesday. Alder Madison, an accomplished Black leader and my colleague on city council, was testifying in a public hearing at the Board of Health about a proposed harm reduction center to be operated by CAYA Clinic in her district. Alder Madison had previously documented multiple concerns about the associated RFP process and was joined in expressing those concerns last month in a letter to county leadership co-signed by fellow Alders Field and Matthews. 

Though the proposed facility was to be in her district, Alder Madison was never consulted ahead of time. Moreover, it became apparent a county board supervisor who was in a position to influence the outcome of the proposal currently works for CAYA.

You may read more about what happened in Alder Madison's most recent blog post. In brief, at Wednesday's meeting, when Alder Madison questioned why she wasn't engaged proactively on this issue, raising the possibility that it might be due to racial bias, she was interrupted and scolded by the county board supervisor who works for CAYA.

This should never happen, not to a member of the public and not to an elected official. And it certainly should not spring forth from another elected official. 

There were other troubling aspects to this Board of Health meeting, sufficient to call for a reset of meeting procedures.

The Board is a joint committee of Madison and Dane County. The City of Madison has a very strong ethics policy requiring disclosure and recusals to prevent conflicts of interest. It's concerning to learn that Dane County may be lacking in this regard. 

My takeaway is this. When a Black leader raises and documents concerns about equity, suggesting that racial bias may be the cause, other elected officials would be wise not to react, but to listen and reflect. 

We need not always agree, but, in the light of Dr. King's essential message, we must always treat each other with respect. 

Now on to this week's updates:   

Updates and Notices 

Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day: City of Madison offices are closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. All emergency services will be open. In case of an emergency, please call 911. For non-emergencies, please visit the following webpage for contact information. 

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 Tuesday, January 20, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include executing a cost sharing agreement for the construction of the Madison LakeWay Community Causeway improvements. 

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) 

Virginia Terrace, Norwood Place, Rugby Row, Hillington Way, Wednesday, January 21: The City is planning a construction project on Virginia Terr (Virginia Terr cul-de-sac to Regent St), Norwood Pl (Virginia Ter to Hillington Way), Rugby Row (Virginia Terr to Hillington Way), and Hillington Way (Norwood Pl to Southwest Commuter Path). A public information meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Jan. 21, 2026, via Zoom. Registration prior is required. 

Announcements and News Releases 

  • MPD seeking to learn lessons from ALCS shooting response: MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department has requested a formal review of its response to the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.  The request comes with the utmost respect for the victims, survivors, their families and all… [posted January 12, 2026] 

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 

  • Groove & Glide | Rennebohm, Friday, January 23: Experience the fun and beauty of ice skating under the stars and lights with music and games.  All ages and experience levels are welcome. Groove & Glide events are free to attend and no registration is needed. 

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

Lastly....

It's common to be reminded of King's famous "I Have A Dream" speech on this day. It's without a doubt inspiring and one of the most memorable orations of all time. However, other speeches by Dr. King are worth noting, including five mentioned in this NPR article. 

We are at a fraught time in our nation's history. Let today be a day we look to the Dr. King's message and the higher truths he espoused, pointing us toward healing and restoration.

Take care and stay warm.

Tag

Was this page helpful to you? * required

District 13 - Alder Evers

Portrait of Alder Tag Evers

Alder Tag Evers

District 13
Contact Alder Evers