Community Connection: Week of January 26, 2026

A Message to Community

Dear neighbors,

As we move through this winter season together, I want to take a moment to connect with you about what is happening in our community and how we can support one another during uncertain times.

Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement Updates

Recent reports of increased immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota and across the region have raised concerns for many in our community. We want every person in Madison to know you belong here, you have rights, and we are committed to supporting you.

The City has compiled resources and information regarding federal immigration enforcement. These resources are available through our Know Your Rights initiative, which provides guidance in multiple languages about your legal rights and protections. Whether you are a citizen, permanent resident, visa holder, or undocumented person, you have constitutional rights that must be respected.

Please visit www.cityofmadison.com/mayor/priorities/know-your-rights for detailed information or contact community organizations who can provide support and guidance. Remember: you have the right to remain silent, you do not have to open your door to immigration agents without a warrant signed by a judge, and you have the right to speak with an attorney.

Taking Care of Each Other

In times of uncertainty and challenge, our greatest strength is each other. Community care is not just an ideal--it is how we survive and thrive together. This means checking in on neighbors, especially those who may be isolated or afraid. It means sharing resources and information. It means showing up for one another with compassion and solidarity.

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, January 27, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include executing a cost sharing agreement for the construction of the Madison LakeWay Community Causeway Improvements.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 28, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include approving plans and specifications for the Capital City Path extension.
  • 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.

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

• Regent Street Reconstruction, Monday, January 26: The City is planning to reconstruct Regent Street (Randall Avenue to S. Park Street). A public information meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Jan. 26, 2026, via Zoom. Registration prior is required.

Announcements and News Releases

• Don’t Miss 2026 Wisconsin Salt Week Livestreams, Videos and More: The City of Madison Engineering Division is proud to take part in Wisconsin Salt Week, Jan. 26-30, 2026, and invites the community to join in on the community educational opportunities to learn how to responsibly use salt and minimize salt use. [posted January 23, 2026]
• Statement on Law Forward Case: The City of Madison believes that all forms of voting — including absentee voting — should be encouraged, promoted and protected. That commitment to Madison voters and absentee voters in particular has been longstanding and will continue. [posted January 23, 2026]
• Application period opens for 2026 Arts Grants: The Madison Arts Commission (MAC) invites individual artists and non-profit organizations to apply for its annual grant program. [posted January 23, 2026]
• Crews Cleanup Overflow on South Side, Do Not Flush Rags, Wipes [posted January 22, 2026]
• Mayor, community partners celebrate completion of ‘missing middle’ affordable homeownership project: Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Ald. Sean O’Brien, and representatives from the Madison Area Community Land Trust celebrated the completion of new affordable homes in the Owl Creek neighborhood. [posted January 21, 2026]
• Extreme Cold Temperatures On the Way(link is external): As temperatures drop, take steps to stay warm. [posted January 21, 2026]
• Prepare Your Home for Freezing Temperatures: Frigid temperatures are a good reminder for home and business owners to make sure their water pipes are protected from freezing or bursting. [posted January 20, 2026]
• 2026 SEED Grants Cycle Now Open: The City of Madison Food Policy Council is opening the 2026 SEED Grants cycle to address food access issues in our community. [posted January 20, 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 | Olbrich, Friday, January 30: 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. 
• Skate Cinema | Norm of the North, Saturday, January 31: Join us for an evening of ice skating and a movie at Skate Cinema! Bring a lawn chair and a blanket, and make it an evening to remember. This event is free to attend, and no registration is required. Ice skating is allowed while the movie is playing. Warm up by the fire pit. Bring your own skates or rent a pair from inside the staffed warming pavilion. 
• Door Creek Park Ribbon Cutting & Winter Celebration, Sunday, February 1: Join City leaders, partners, and friends for a ribbon-cutting and winter celebration at Door Creek Park!
• Learn to Cross-Country Ski, Sunday, February 1: Join us for a free cross-country ski workshop at Door Creek Park, hosted by Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki)! This requires advanced registration, is free to attend and part of the Ribbon-Cutting and Winter Celebration.
• Learn to Snowshoe, Sunday, February 1: Join us for a free snowshoeing workshop at Door Creek Park, hosted by Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki)! Advanced registration is greatly appreciated. This is a free event and part of the Ribbon-Cutting and Winter Celebration.

Moving Forward Together

These are challenging times, but we have faced challenges before and emerged stronger because we took care of each other. Please remember:

• You have rights and dignity that must be respected
• You are not alone--community resources and neighbors are here to support you
• Your voice matters in civic life--participate in meetings, share your perspective, and help shape our community
• Every act of care and solidarity matters, no matter how small it may seem

In solidarity and care,

Alder Glenn

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