2023-12-15 Neighborhood News & Updates

2024 Neighborhood Grant Program 

Have you and your neighbors been thinking about making community improvements or strengthening your neighborhood group? The Planning Division will once again offer funding through the Neighborhood Grant Program for Leadership and Capacity Building and Community Enhancement projects. The application deadline is February 12, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. 

In late December, we will post updated grant materials on our webpage for 2024. In the interim, you can refer to last year’s  guidelines for assistance. Once you are ready to start an application, please contact the Planning Division at  Neighborhoods@cityofmadison.com, and share project ideas with your alderperson. We also invite you to attend an optional orientation meeting:

Neighborhood Grant Program Orientation January 11, 2024

  • Virtual, 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please sign up to receive an email with information about participating in the meeting.
  • In-Person, 6:00 p.m., Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 206. 

Northeast Area Plan Public Meeting

Do you live in the Northeast Area or know someone that does? Join the City of Madison Planning Division and Wisconsin DOT staff to learn about changes that could be on the horizon. City staff will unveil the first draft of Northeast Area Plan actions.

Event Details:

  • In-person option: Monday, December 18, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm. Location: Madison College Truax Campus Gateway Atrium (Wright Street). Free food and Spanish interpretation will be provided. See parking location  HERE
  • Virtual option (via Zoom): Tuesday, December 19, 12:00-1:00 pm. Registration is required:  https://rb.gy/ni9lex. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Madison Public Library Takeover Returns

From December 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024, the Madison Public Library is accepting applications for the  Library Takeover program. Teams of 3-4 people can apply to participate. The program includes a multi-session course on event planning and culminates in a finished and fully-funded program at the library in 2024. The library will choose a maximum of three teams to participate and will provide them with $2,000 each to plan their event. Each individual team member will also receive a $400 stipend and a certificate of completion from Madison Public Library. “This year we are looking for more innovative, out-of-the-box idea–submissions that will surprise us or challenge everyone’s expectations of what one might typically see in a public library,” said Community Engagement Librarian Sean Ottosen.

State Street Campus Garage at Lake Street to Close 12/27/23

The State Street Campus Garage, Lake Street structure, located at 415 N. Lake St., will permanently close on December 27, 2023.  Staff is working with impacted Monthly Parking Permit holders to relocate them to alternative City facilities, or to find other parking solutions.

Starting next year, the State Street Campus Garage at Lake St. will be redeveloped into a mixed-use property that will include a new parking garage, student housing, and an inter-city bus terminal. Construction is expected to conclude by 2026. To learn more about this project, and alternative parking options visit the  Parking Division webpage

Streets Division Updates

  • Leaf Collection Complete: Do not set out leaves for collection. All neighborhoods have received their last chance pickup opportunity. Curbside pickup will resume in the spring of 2024.
  • Drop-off Site Hours: Drop-off sites are on winter hours. Check the hours before loading your car.  Drop-off site information is available at www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites.
  • Winter Information: The City of Madison has a hub for all things winter from how to use salt correctly to winter recreation opportunities to free sand locations to snowplowing update email signups.  All of that is available at www.cityofmadison.com/Winter.

2023 Madison Winter Service and Program Updates

Staying Healthy this Winter 
Public Health Madison Dane County put together helpful info in one place in case you’re feeling a little under the weather after traveling and spending time with family from around the country this Holiday season. They’ve also shared information about food safety and other general safety tips for holiday celebrations this year. No matter your plans this season keep yourself and your loved ones healthy by getting vaccinated and testing when experiencing symptoms. 
Mayor’s Message
As 2023 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work your City government has done for our community this year. We’ve made significant progress in funding and building affordable housing, and in permitting market-rate housing. We’ve improved public safety, thanks to Chief Barnes’ strategic planning and data-driven approach to reducing gun violence. We’ve added solar generation capacity to our own City buildings, and we supported the installation of solar on homes and businesses around the community. We’ve invested in infrastructure to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety across the City. We’ve seen ridership on Metro Transit increase dramatically. We’ve repaired and rebuilt miles of sidewalk and streets. And every day, our Fire Department answers dozens of EMS calls, our libraries serve hundreds of families, our Streets Department cleans our streets and picks up our trash, our Parks provide recreation opportunities for all, and our water and sewer utilities keep the water flowing in both directions. 

None of this would be possible without the dedicated hard work of City staff. I want to thank each and every one of our almost 3,000 City employees for the work they do every day to keep our City safe, sustainable, and equitable. I also want to thank you, Madison’s residents, for everything you do in your daily lives to keep Madison a great place to live. I hope each of you have a chance to enjoy everything Madison has to offer in winter. I wish you and your families a peaceful holiday season, and a happy New Year. 

Thank you,
Mayor Satya

Follow Mayor’s Blog
Metro’s Millionth  Ride
The new Metro redesign is proving to be very popular with riders. For the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Metro has provided more than 1 million rides in a single month.  In October, Metro provided 1,075,549 rides, an almost 20% increase compared to October of last year. This is the highest monthly ridership since February of 2020.

It also appears that the number of transfers has decreased – meaning that while the number of rides on mainline services is up 26%, the actual increase in people appears to be even higher. Metro is working quickly to adjust to this added demand on the system. Learn more here
Metro Schedule Adjustments
To improve on-time performance and overall reliability, schedule adjustments were made to most Metro routes on Sunday, December 3. In addition, several stops scheduled to close next year along the future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line were also closed on this date to help buses stay on time. 
Decide Olbrich Future
Madison Parks is creating a Park Development Plan for the parkland north of Garver Feed Mill, referred to as Olbrich Park – North Parcel. As part of the plan parks will host a public input meeting, Thursday, December 7 at 6:00pm via Zoom, where Staff will present background information, survey results, draft plans, listen to feedback, and answer questions.
New Salt Route Maps
The City of Madison Streets Division has reduced the salt routes for the upcoming winter by six percent.  Over 50 miles of roads that were previously part of the salt route network have been removed, reducing roughly 270 tons of salt from being spread on our roads and entering our local waterways. Learn why and see the updated salt route map here
Library Winter Hours 
All libraries will be CLOSED on Sunday, December 24 and Monday, December 25 for Christmas and Sunday, December 31 and Monday, January 1 for the New Year. Each week, libraries will reopen the following Tuesday with regular hours.  We’ll have special winter break programs for families throughout December as well.

While our physical spaces are closed, you can continue to access LINKcat to place holds, check your record, or renew items you’ve checked out. You can also check out our always-accessible online collections, ebooks and downloadable audiobooks from Wisconsin’s Digital Library, Kanopy streaming video, Flipster magazines, and other online collections. Book returns will remain open for 24/7 service and Pinney Library has a drive-through book drop for your convenience. 
Violence Prevention Funding 
Public Health Madison & Dane County is accepting applications from local community organizations to receive funding that supports violence prevention efforts in Dane County. In 2022, Public Health first launched the series of funding opportunities for community projects that aligned with goals laid out in the Roadmap to Reducing Violence. This latest round is funded through grants from the Dane County and the City of Madison. Applications are due by the end of the day on December 20, 2023. 

Find more information at publichealthmdc.com/ViolencePrevention or apply now.
Library Needs Volunteers
Madison Public Library is partnering with the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department to provide a collection of native Wisconsin plant seeds to library visitors this winter. The native plant seeds have been collected by Dane County Parks volunteers, and we plan to distribute them in multiple library locations over the next couple of months. Native Wisconsin plant seeds are best sown in the fall and left to overwinter (learn how in one of these upcoming classes!)

Now the library is looking for volunteers to help with the hard part: packaging the seeds so library patrons can take them home! Three library locations are looking for help on this project. If you would like to donate your time and effort, you can register for one event or multiple by clicking the links below: Pinney Library | Monday, December 11, 6-8pm Sequoya Library | Friday, December 15, 12-2pm If you’d like to help you can also learn more about Madison Public Library’s Seed Libraries and how they operate year-round.
Library Takeover Returns
From December 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024, Madison Public Library is accepting applications for the Library Takeover program. Teams of 3-4 people can apply to participate in the program, which includes a multi-session course on event planning and culminates in a finished and fully-funded program at the library in 2024, providing $2,000 for each team to use in planning their event, as well as a $400 stipend and a certificate of completion from Madison Public Library.

The deadline for applications closes at the end of January 2024.
Teejop & Beyond Wrapping Up
Only a few programs remain in the Teejop & Beyond: Celebrating Native Nations series at Madison Public Library – don’t miss your chance to hear from Indigenous presenters from across the state! Plus, a newly added event features Ho-Chunk author and artist Jim Terry, who will discuss his graphic novel memoir Come Home, Indio at Central Library and sign copies of the book.
We Read Winter Break
Over winter break the Madison Public Library has some fun ways to keep your family entertained and engaged with books and reading! Our We Read: Winter Break edition includes programs, take-home kits, play and more. Madison Metropolitan School District is out for winter break December 21, 2023 – January 3, 2024. If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, we’ve got lots of programs and activities to engage them! Learn more at madpl.org/winterbreak
Olin Drop-off Site Closure
The Streets Division Olin Avenue drop-off site has closed and it will remain closed until the spring of 2024.

Learn more about the drop-off site winter schedule here
City Service Changes 
Click here to learn more about all City of Madison holiday closures. If you or someone you know is in need of help this holiday season, please use 211 Wisconsin to help connect with food, shelter, safety, or other community resources.

2023-12-01 Neighborhood News & Updates

Upcoming 2024 Neighborhood Grant Program 

It’s time to initiate discussions with your neighbors to brainstorm ideas for community improvement projects! Grants, usually $5,000 or less, are allocated for Neighborhood Leadership and Capacity Building and Community Enhancements, including physical projects. The Planning Division is presently in the process of revising the Neighborhood Grant Program, and the final details will be posted in mid to late December. The application deadline for this program is February 12th at 4:30 pm. In the interim, you can refer to last year’s  guidelines for assistance. Once you are ready to start an application, please contact City Planning at  Neighborhoods@cityofmadison.com, and share your project idea with your alderperson. 

Madison Public Market Official Groundbreaking on Nov. 27!

The City’s new Madison Public Market has entered the official construction phase. On Monday, November 27, 2023, the City of Madison, Madison Public Market Foundation, and project stakeholders conducted a formal groundbreaking ceremony at 202 North First Street, marking the site for the upcoming Madison Public Market (MPM). City leaders and project stakeholders provided insights into the project and its expected influence during the groundbreaking event. See the press release  here.

State Street 2024 Pedestrian Mall Experiment

The City of Madison is embarking on an experiment to transform the 400-600 blocks of State Street into a pedestrian mall. Scheduled for the summer of 2024, the experiment aims to implement changes, and City staff will be presenting the initial design concept for these blocks. Discussions about options for the closure of these blocks to private vehicles will be a key focus. For those interested in learning more and participating, an upcoming hybrid public meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 4, 2023, at 5:30 pm. The in-person location will be the Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 215. To attend the meeting virtually, please register in advance.

Streets Division Updates:

  • Last Chance for Leaf Collection: All Madison residents will get one more leaf collection opportunity.  Set the leaves out on Sunday, December 3 for pickup.   The entire city shares this set out date, so please be patient as crews cycle through Madison one absolute final time collecting leaves from the curb.  Pickup is not guaranteed, however.  If a winter storm hits before this last chance round is completed, crews will transition to performing snowplowing duties as that is a higher priority.
  • Drop-off Sites Now on Winter Hours:  Sycamore and South Point sites are no longer open on the weekends.  The Olin Avenue site is completely closed.   The hours at Sycamore and South Point have also been reduced.  Please check the drop-off site website before loading your vehicle:  www.cityofmadison.com/dropoffsitesWhy did the hours change? This is an annual occurrence that happens when the Streets Division’s seasonal staff term comes to an end, so the extra drop-off site hours they are able to provide are no longer possible.   
  • Salt Route Map: Streets Division salt routes were reduced by about 6% this winter compared to last winter, which leaves 778 miles of traffic lanes through the City of Madison as still part of the salt route network.  You can see a map of the areas that the City of Madison Streets Division will be treating as salt routes at  www.cityofmadison.com/Winter.  The map only shows the Streets Division salt routes.  So you may also be wondering why some roads, like Stoughton Road, or the UW Campus, are not showing as being salted on this map when you know that they are, in fact, salted when it snows.  The Streets Division is not the only agency that maintains roads in the City. For example, Stoughton Road is actually a state highway and it is maintained by Dane County Highway, just like the Beltline, Highway PD, and other areas around Madison. (University Avenue from Blackhawk Avenue west is also maintained by Dane County).  The UW Campus is also not maintained by the Streets Division.  That is maintained by the campus itself.   We are working on a better map that is more interactive and with more features – but that is taking more time to pull together than the PDF map that is currently available.  We hope to have this improved map available later this winter. 
  • Still Time to Help Your Trees with the Spongy Moth:  Egg masses can still be removed from trees, sheds, log piles, and other places around your lawn.  You want to find them and destroy them before they hatch in the spring.  You can read more about the spongy moth and how to appropriately destroy the egg masses at  www.cityofmadison.com/SpongyMoth
  • Holiday Recycling Guide: With the holidays comes lots of cardboard, wrapping paper, and other stuff – and also lots of recycling questions.  Be sure you check out the holiday recycling guide at  www.cityofmadison.com/Recycling.

2023-12-01 Updates from Alder Wehelie

Below are some important information to prepare for your winter.

Declared Snow Emergency

The City of Madison declares a Snow Emergency when we need to plow all residential streets. This most often happens when there are three or more inches of snow on the roads.

During a Snow Emergency, people who park in the Snow Emergency Zone must follow alternate side parking rules for the next two nights. A Snow Emergency may be extended past the 48 hours if needed.

We will always declare a Snow Emergency before 9:00 pm on the night it will take effect.

Please note: During a Snow Emergency, Alternate Side Parking fines are $60, plus a $65 towing fee.

Don’t let the snow lead to a ticket or a tow!

  • Sign up to get notified via Text Messaging
  • Sign up to get notified via email lists
  • Call the Winter Parking Hotline at (608) 261-9111

Snow Removal Regulations

Public Sidewalks

Pedestrians need safe public sidewalks. Property owners are responsible for snow removal. If you rent, read your lease to check who handles snow removal. You must clear the public sidewalks that border your property.

Clear the snow by noon of the day after the snow stops. The snow and ice are your responsibility, regardless of the source. Remember to check your sidewalk after the plows come through. Snowplows may create a blockage.

If you cannot remove ice, you must use sand to provide traction. You must have a safely sanded sidewalk by noon of the day after the snow or ice stopped.

How much of my sidewalk do I have to clear?

You must clear the entire width of the sidewalk, from edge to edge. It is not enough to carve a narrow path. People who use wheelchairs, canes, strollers, etc. need space to maneuver.

You are as responsible for clearing ice on your sidewalk as well as clearing snow.

Ice can be more dangerous than snow.

  • The sooner and more completely you shovel, the less likely it is that the snow will become ice.
  • Arrange for someone to take over while you are on vacation.
  • If you do not clear the sidewalk by the required time, we may issue you a citation with a fine.
  • If you do not shovel, crews will remove the snow and ice on your behalf. This service will also be at your expense. We add the bill to your property tax as a special assessment.

Related Resources

2023-11-17 Neighborhood News & Updates

City Budget Passes, Alternate Side Parking, City’s First Stormwater Utility Vegetation Plan and More!

City’s 2024 Budget Approved

The Common Council passed the City’s 2024 Budget on November 14. The budget will fund the north-south Bus Rapid Transit line, new bike and pedestrian paths, construction of the library’s Imagination Center, wage increases for city employees and several new staff positions. Alders also approved amendments to fund an expansion to the Warner Park community center and build a tunnel underneath John Nolen Drive for cyclists and pedestrians. Further highlights:

  • Continued support to expand the CARES program, including investments in staffing and vehicles, to support the program’s growth. 
  • A citywide public information officer to help engage and respond to residents about City services, which was a top priority of the City’s Neighborhood Resource Teams.
  • Another annual increase to the City’s affordable housing fund, providing $94.5 million over six years – an increase of over 60 percent from the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan. 
  • Continued investment in solar, geothermal, and electric vehicle charging projects and acquisitions, with the support of over $13 million in federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.

City’s Alternate Side Parking

The City of Madison’s Alternate side parking is in effect each night from November 15 to March 15. The rule is enforced between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Vehicles should be parked on the odd house numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on odd numbered dates. Vehicles should be parked on the even house numbered side of the street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on even numbered dates.

If you park on the street within a  Snow Emergency Zone, you only need to follow the alternate side parking rules when a Declared Snow Emergency is in effect.  If you park on the street outside of the Snow Emergency Zone, you should follow the alternate side parking rules each night from November 15 until March 15 regardless of weather conditions.

Violations of the alternate side parking ordinance are punishable by a fine of $20.  

The fine increases to $60 during a declared Snow Emergency. Vehicles may also be towed. Towed vehicles are also assessed a tow fee on top of the parking violation.

City’s First Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan

The City of Madison Engineering Division has a number of upcoming listening sessions scheduled to help inform and receive feedback from residents and the community regarding the new Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan, a plan that will incorporate public input and technical expertise to inform vegetation goals and priorities.
The meetings are scheduled for:

The purpose of this plan is to create a resilient and sustainable framework for vegetation management on Stormwater Utility lands, reflective of anticipated climate change impacts and responsive to community concerns. The plan seeks to be evidence-based, utilize extensive public input and geographic information systems mapping, and incorporate vegetation, stormwater, biodiversity, and climate research. The Board of Public Works will conduct final review and acceptance of the plan.

Streets Division Updates

  • Leaf Collection Winding Down: Don’t miss out on your final guaranteed leaf collection opportunity.  Be sure you know when your last set out date for leaf pickup is by going to  www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste
  • Thanksgiving Holiday Trash/Recycling Schedule: Make sure you know how the Thanksgiving holiday will (or won’t) affect your trash & recycling pickup schedule.  Get your collection schedule at  www.cityofmadison.com/CollectionSchedule.
  • Alternate Side Parking Underway: Don’t start you day off on the wrong foot by getting caught parking on the wrong side of the road. Get all the tools you need about how you should be parking your car on the street during the overnight hours at  www.cityofmadison.com/Winter
  • Drop Off Site Hours & Locations Change After Thanksgiving: Check the drop-off site hours and locations before loading your car.  The Olin Avenue location’s final day of operation is November 26. Winter hours start at the remaining locations later in the week, too.  Drop-off site information is available at  www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites

2023-11-03 Neighborhood News & Updates

Public Feedback Meetings – Bus Rapid Transit N/S Lines

Community members are encouraged to attend a public meeting to learn more about the City of Madison’s proposed second Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line to run from the city’s north side through the downtown and south side, and ending in Fitchburg.

In-Person Meeting

Thursday, November 9
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
MainStay Suites at 5421 Caddis Bend

Virtual Meeting

Zoom – Thursday, November 8
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Register online at MadisonBRT.com

Proposed features of the North-South BRT line are expected to include:

  • Thirty-three stations, which have raised platforms, shelters, seating and bus arrival information
  • Buses arriving every 15 minutes throughout the day
  • Battery electric, larger buses with more seating capacity

City staff hope to receive input from the community on the project, specifically regarding station locations, routing on the far north and far south end of the proposed route, the use of ‘bus only’ lanes and any related walking, biking or roadway improvements.


2023 Bus Line Poetry Selections

The City of Madison is excited to announce the selected poets for the 2023 Bus Lines poetry project. The Madison Poet Laureate invites you to celebrate the poets on November 9 at 6:30 p.m. Poems by six poets were selected, including:

  • “Land and People” by Rudy Bankston
  • “To my children in our garden” by Daniela Chandler
  • “Madison Metro” by Harmony, 3rd grader at Lincoln Elementary
  • “Trees in the Wind” by Kael, 3rd grader at Lincoln Elementary
  • “Remember” by Nola Pastor
  • “Solid Gold” by Mary Louise Peters


City’s First Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan

The City of Madison Engineering Division has a number of upcoming listening sessions scheduled to help inform and receive feedback from residents and the community regarding the new Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan, a plan that will incorporate public input and technical expertise to inform vegetation goals and priorities.
The meetings are scheduled for:

The purpose of this plan is to create a resilient and sustainable framework for vegetation management on Stormwater Utility lands, reflective of anticipated climate change impacts and responsive to community concerns.

This plan seeks to be evidence-based, utilize extensive public input and geographic information systems mapping, and incorporate vegetation, stormwater, biodiversity, and climate research. We encourage public comment to help inform the plan. The plan will have a final acceptance by the Board of Public Works.
 

Free Breast Cancer Screening

One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. Regular clinical breast exams and mammograms are crucial to saving lives. The Wisconsin Well Woman Program provides free breast cancer screenings for women with limited income and little or no insurance.


Streets Division Updates

  • Pumpkin Disposal – Put them with your leaves for yard waste collection, or compost them yourself. You do not need to put them into the trash. Pumpkins and other compostable decorations like corn stalks and hay can all be collected as yard waste. Just be sure to remove any wires, lights, and any other non-compostable items.
  • Yard Waste Collection in the Final Month – November marks the final month for yard waste pickup for most residents. Don’t miss your yard waste collection chances. Go to www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste to get your set out dates.
  • Drop-off Site Update – Drop-off site hours and locations change after the Thanksgiving holiday. Make sure you know where and when to go when the winter hours begin. Drop-off site information is available at www.cityofmadison.com/DropoffSites.
  • Winter Information – If the threat of snow on Halloween got you thinking about winter, remember that all of the City’s winter information is available at www.cityofmadison.com/Winter. Sign up for plowing updates so you know what to expect on the roads, sidewalk clearing updates, parking text messages if alternate side parking applies to where you park your cars, and plenty of other useful winter info.
  • Large Item Set Out Dates Reminder – When you schedule your large item collection, do not set the items out earlier than the set out date you select in your work order. Crews will not come by early. They collect items during the work week following the set out date you select. When you set out items early, you are accidentally contributing to neighborhood clutter – so please wait until your set out date before putting out items for collection.


Urban Forestry Update:

  • Spongy Moth: Now is the time to take action against the spongy moth. Finding and destroying egg masses can kill up to 1,000 caterpillars that defoliate our trees – especially oaks – in the spring. You can find more information about how to take action on the City’s webpage: www.cityofmadison.com/SpongyMoth. Or, you can just watch this short video from the Wisconsin DNR and follow their recommendations.


Last Call to Update your Neighborhood Association profile on our City website!

If your organization has been formally recognized, it will be listed with a descriptive profile that neighbors, businesses, community based organizations, and educational institutions use to find out about your group. Please look for your group on the City website, review the profile, and update only the information that needs to be changed here. If you have any questions, please send an email to Neighborhoods@cityofmadison.com


Stay Active this Fall and Winter with Parks Activities!

Jump on a hayride; join a nature walk, and more. Checkout the Parks webpage to find out about the fun events and activities coming up this fall and winter in our Madison Parks.

Saturday, November 11
TIME: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. (last ride begins at 9:40 p.m.)
MEETING LOCATION: Olin Park boat launch

Sunday, November 12
TIME: 4:30 – 8:00 p.m. (last ride begins at 7:40 p.m.)
MEETING LOCATION: Olin Park boat launch

Affordable Clean Energy Plan Benefits & Toolkit

The group Wisconsin Conservation Voters has recently launched a campaign in partnership with the City of Madison and Forward Together to share information about President Biden’s Affordable Clean Energy Plan. The Affordable Clean Energy Plan allows consumers – like you and your neighbors – to make major home purchases. Things like solar panels, electric appliances, energy efficiency measures, and much more are now available with major cost savings.

The created an easy to use toolkit [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YDkBePAexY6EsA9rcmuXgGL4e_LB_e-UpvwrmtbG2is/edit?usp=sharing] which will allow you to see all the ways you personally can save money.

One of the Affordable Clean Energy Plan’s biggest impacts is that it gives money directly to consumers for everything from solar panels for your home to energy efficient appliances to electric vehicles. Not only will it save money for folks like us now, but it will also make our communities healthier for future generations.

There are different benefits for everyone, and whether you own or rent your home will determine what’s available to you. Whether you want to make home upgrades now or save for major projects down the road, for the next 10 years, you can save money on things like home electric vehicle chargers, battery storage, home energy audits, energy efficiency measures, and so much more.

Check out this page from Wisconsin Conservation Voters [https://conservationvoters.org/clean-energy-plan] to see how you can take advantage of these benefits. While you’re there, sign up for updates and we’ll keep you posted as new benefits are rolled out. 

This is a historic opportunity to meet the climate crisis head on and save yourself money!

If you have any questions or are interested in receiving more information please contact Ryan at ryan@conservationvoters.org or Seth at seth@conservationvoters.org 

2023-11-02 Update from Alder Wehelie

Please join me and Alder Barbara Harrington-McKinney of District 20 for a virtual Lunch and Learn focusing on public safety and mental health. Special guests include Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, Madison Police Captain Kelly Beckett, and Madison Fire Assistant Chief Ché Stedman.

During this Lunch and Learn, attendees will get a citywide public safety update from MPD Chief Shon Barnes. MPD Captain Kelly Beckett will give safety updates specific to District 7 and District 20. MFD Assistant Chief Ché Stedman will talk about the Madison CARES program, which stands for Community Alternative Response Emergency Services (CARES).

The Madison CARES initiative was designed to uniquely serve the needs of the Madison community through careful consideration of available data and with invaluable direction from those with lived experience and those working in the mental health field. Assistant Chief Stedman will give insight into how the program is doing and how it has progressed over time.

This Lunch and Learn will serve as an effective way to inform and engage residents over the lunch hour. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with the speakers after the presentations.

To attend this Lunch and Learn, please register in advance at the following link: WWW.CITYOFMADISON.COM/LUNCHANDLEARND7.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at district7@cityofmadison.com

2023-10-20 Neighborhood News & Updates

Public Health Madison Dane County Public Health Dashboard

Public Health Madison & Dane County launched a new Dane County Respiratory Illness Dashboard. The agency designed the dashboard to help people track the latest trends in COVID-19, flu, RSV, and more during the winter respiratory season.

“Our COVID-19 dashboard has been immensely popular and we hope this new data dashboard gives people a broader view of what viruses are circulating,” said Janel Heinrich, director of Public Health. “You can use the homepage to get a quick idea of current trends, or look at every page to get in-depth information.”

On the dashboard, you can find trends by age, lab testing results, air sampler results, school testing results, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Stay Active this Fall and Winter with Parks Activities!

Jump on a hayride, join a nature walk, and more. Checkout the Parks webpage to find out about the fun events and activities coming up this fall and winter in our Madison Parks.

Mayor’s Operating Budget Release

On October 3, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway released her proposed 2024 Executive Operating Budget at the Madison Central Library. The City of Madison’s operating budget funds the numerous services, programs, and skilled staff that sustain high-quality City services and keep Madison a strong and vibrant community. The operating budget released on October 3rd complements the 2024 Executive Capital Budget, released in September, which funds City infrastructure, buildings, and other capital investments. Se executive summary HERE.

The 2022 data for the City of Madison’s Neighborhood Indicators Project (NIP) is now available!

The NIP provides geographically detailed data for over 50 variables within seven topic areas. This includes measures such as total population, number of dwelling units, subsidized rental units, high mobility students and so on. It is supported by various data sources that range from city, county, state and federal data sources.

The 2022 Edition also includes a significant improvement. Data is now provided at two commonly used Census geographies – Tracts and Block Groups. Using Tracts and Blocks Groups makes it easier to compare results for areas across Madison, since these geographies generally contain a similar number of residential units. Additionally, the NIP’s local data can be considered within the context of other data reported at the Tract and Block Group geography.

Interested in learning more about NIP data and the NIP website? The City of Madison Planning Division offers free workshops to local organizations. Please contact Urvashi Martin at umartin@cityofmadison.com for more details.

NIP is a partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Applied Population Lab.

Streets Division Updates

  • Leaf Collection is Ongoing: Get the dates when you should set out your leaves for pickup at www.cityofmadison.com/yardwaste
  • Large Item Pickup: Large item collection rules changed a few years ago and now you need a work order to get on the crew’s pickup schedule. Learn more about the process at www.cityofmadison.com/LargeItem
  • Brush Collection is Over: Do not set out brush for pickup. If you have brush that needs collection, you need to take it to a drop-off site instead.
  • Food Scraps Schedule Change: The South Madison farmer’s market food scrap drop-off changed its schedule. More details about this schedule change can be found on our food scraps website.
  • Recycle Right: Be sure you’re putting the right things in your recycling cart. Get the rules at www.cityofmadison.com/recycling. One quick tip for Halloween – candy wrappers belong in the trash, not your recycling carts.

The Pulse: October 2023 Newsletter from PHMDC

https://mailchi.mp/publichealthmdc/public-health-quarterly-newsletter-973962?e=e734e35974

Lots Going on in our Immunization Program!
Promoting Back to School Shots
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen visited our South Madison Clinic in August to promote back to school shots for kids. 

Dr. Cohen’s visit came just as we released new data on Dane County students’ immunization status. While data showed that more than 9 in 10 Dane County students met all minimum immunization requirements in 2022-2023, more Dane County students were behind or waived one or more immunizations in that school year compared to the previous year. 

To increase accessibility to shots for this new school year, we’re partnering with SSM Health, GHC, UW-Health, and Madison Metropolitan School District to offer free vaccines at schools on 6 dates this fall.
Fall 2023 COVID Vaccines are Here!
CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get a fall 2023 COVID vaccine.
The vaccination provides protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death among everyone, but especially among people most at risk, including adults 65 and older and people who are immunocompromised. You are eligible if it has been at least 2 months since your last COVID vaccination.
Where you can get vaccinated
Due to the end of the COVID emergency declaration, manufacturers are charging for vaccines, but you should still be able to get the vaccine free with insurance or through us, at Public Health Madison & Dane County:  
If you have health insurance
Most insurers cover the cost of vaccination, so if you have insurance, your vaccine should be free. Keep in mind you may have to use a pharmacy that accepts your insurance. Check with your insurance provider if you’re not sure.
Most clinics and area pharmacies are offering the vaccine, though some may not have received their full shipment yet. Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccinator near you.
If you don’t have health insurance
We can only vaccinate these groups of people, and the vaccination is free:
People who do not have health insurance
People whose health insurance does not cover vaccinations
Children (6 months to 18 years) who are on BadgerCare, are eligible for BadgerCare, or who are Native American or Alaskan Native

Visit our website, publichealthmdc.com/appt, to see clinic hours and book an appointment.

Testing, What to Do If You’re Sick, and Answers to Common Questions
We’ve written up a whole blog post, Your Fall 2023 COVID Cheat Sheet, with information and links on free rapid tests, what to do if you’re sick, and answers to common questions, like “How long are you contagious when you have COVID?”
 
New Resources for Preparing for Disasters and Emergencies
Flooding, an extended power outage, a new infectious virus, and poor air quality from forest forest fires thousands of miles away. These public health emergencies have affected Dane County in the past five years. While we’ve responded to all of them, remember we all play a role to prepare for an emergency, stay safe while it happens, and recover after the emergency ends. We explain simple things you can do to prepare in our blog post and on our new emergency response webpages, and encourage you to sign up to get our public health emergency updates via email!  
Providing Funding to Community Organizations  Healthy Communities Fund
We’re currently accepting proposals from people, communities, and organizations who work to address health and racial inequity in Dane County. A total of $14,000 is available. Applications are due no later than October 29, 2023. Learn more about this opportunity on our new Funding Opportunities webpage.

PFAS Outreach Funding
This summer, we offered grants to community organizations who can help connect with people about PFAS. We awarded a total of over $32,000 to four projects: 
East Madison Community Center
Catholic Multicultural Center
The Hmong Institute
Kennedy Heights Community Center
You can learn what these organizations will be doing with their funding on our new webpage

Learn About Future Funding 
Want to be in the loop for future funding opportunities? 
Bookmark our new Funding Opportunities webpage and check it often. We list current funds right at the top. 
Get an email when we have a new funding opportunity: Visit our webpage and choose “Public Health Funding Opportunities” under “Special Topics.” 
Quick Notes
Community Health Assessment Released
We released our 2023 Community Health Assessment (CHA) in July. A CHA is an analysis that identifies the health needs, concerns, and resources within our community. Along with our partners, we conducted it through community engagement, data collection and analysis, working closely with our Steering Committee. We’ll use the insights from the CHA to develop our Community Health Improvement Plan. 

Hot Temps Extended Beach Monitoring Season
Unseasonably warm temperatures in early September led us to extend the beach season past Labor Day weekend, but we’re now officially done monitoring beach water quality for the year. There are many factors that contribute to the water quality of our lakes, and there are days where we have to close a beach for swimming. This fall and winter, you can help protect our lake water quality by keeping leaves out of gutters and limiting how much salt you put on icy sidewalks and driveways. Learn how

Summer Outreach
We had a great summer at festivals and events, spreading the word about health and safety! Here are a few shots of us out and about in the community. 
Stay Connected
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