Lunch & Learn with Alder Wehelie – Thu 12-Oct

Lunch and Learn with Alder Wehelie

The Streets Division’s fall yard waste and leaves collection begins the week of October 8, 2023.

All residents will receive three collection opportunities this fall, weather permitting.

The exact dates when you should set you should set out leaves and yard waste for pickup can be found on the Streets Division website, www.cityofmadison.com/yardwaste.

For more yard waste collection information and other streets related topics, please join me at my Lunch and Learn on October 12th at noon.

https://cityofmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrdO-hqjssGNJMhoffQPLXgXgx7Qs1Dk1T

Update from Alder Wehelie on the Ryan Funeral Home Development

Greetings District 7 Residents,​

On Monday, September 18th, the Plan Commission gave a conditional approval for the Ryan Funeral Home Development project (watch a recording of the meeting). The item was supposed to come back to the October 3rd Council meeting, however it has been referred to the October 17th Council meeting. The final approval will be scheduled for November with the Urban Design Commission (more information to follow for the Council meeting on October 17th and the Urban Design Commission meeting in November).

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Best,

Nasra H Wehelie
Madison Common Council – District 7 Alder
district7@cityofmadison.com

2023-10-02 Updates from City of Madison

Get Updated COVID & Flu Shots

Respiratory season is here and getting your shots is the best way to stay healthy. The updated COVID vaccines were created to more closely target currently circulating strains. Vaccines are one of our best tools to avoid ending up in a hospital or worse with severe illness. If you’re uninsured or your plan doesn’t cover vaccines, come get your updated COVID and flu shots at a Public Health vaccine clinic. If you have health insurance, most plans will cover COVID vaccines at no cost to you, as long as it is given at a pharmacy or healthcare provider who is in your network. 

Order Free COVID Tests 

You can now order a new round of free at-home COVID tests on COVIDTests.gov. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive four free rapid tests to be delivered directly to your home via the U.S. Postal Service. You can also pick up at-home tests from area libraries (call ahead to check supply) or at Public Health Madison & Dane County’s South Park Street or East Washington locations, during business hours. Also, before you throw out expired tests check to see if the expiration dates have been extended.

Mayor’s Message

I was honored to meet with First Lady Jill Biden, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Governor Evers recently to thank our state and federal partners for the substantial financial support they have sent the City of Madison! In the past four years with the help of our Congressional representatives, Madison has benefited from a whopping $428 million in federal funding,  for which we are immensely grateful. We receive ongoing funding $42.3 million from the State and of course regularly get support from our partners in Dane County government, like this week’s proposed $600,000 investment in the Madison CARES program.   When you see them please thank them for lifting up Madison priorities!  

Follow Mayor’s Blog

Fall Leaf Collection

Fall leaf collection gets underway the week of October 8.  If you have more leaves you can mulch into your lawn or compost, you’ll have three curbside collection opportunities.  Get the dates on when you can set out your yard waste for pickup at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste. You get the set out dates by entering your address into the form on the yard waste website, or you can try out the new map lookup tool the Streets Division is testing out this this year. The yard waste website has all of the rules, and guidelines on how to set out yard waste correctly.

Protect Your Trees This Fall

This fall you can take action to protect your trees from spongy moth caterpillars before they hatch in the spring. Check your trees, and other outdoor surfaces like sheds, RVs, picnic tables, and firewood piles for egg masses.  The masses look like fuzzy brownish lumps. Each mass can contain up to 1,000 eggs, so destroying them correctly makes a difference. The masses are too strong to just be squished by the heel of your shoe, so you have to destroy them the right way. After you find the masses, you should scrape them off whatever surface you find them on. Submerge the mass in soapy water for two days. Finally, toss the waterlogged mass into your trash.  You can learn more details about the spongy moth, including links to photos of the egg masses and links to additional resources, at www.cityofmadison.com/SpongyMoth.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

This year’s celebration is underway at various city agencies and throughout our City, including Madison’s Latinx Community Engagement Team and Madison Public Library hosting the “Immigrant Journeys” display at the Central Library from September 25-October 13 in partnership with the Wisconsin Humanities Council’s Love Wisconsin project. Stop by most open hours to view this display and learn about the many immigration paths that bring people from Latin and South America to the United States. Madison Public Library and the Wisconsin Book Festival is hosting a series of events for the month and the Madison Senior Center and NewBridge Madison will host Celebración de la Herencia Hispana on Saturday, September 30, 12-4pm.  At that event, held at the Madison Senior Center, hosts will offer music, dance, food and more.  Please call MSC at 608-266-6581 to register. 

22nd Wisconsin Book Festival Annual 

More than 50 authors are scheduled to speak about their latest published works at the Wisconsin Book Festival’s 22nd annual Fall Celebration October 19–22 at Madison Public Library’s Central Library. The lineup features a diverse group of writers, both new and accomplished, whose work spans a broad range of genres. See the entire schedule at https://www.wisconsinbookfestival.org.

Celebrate Fire Prevention Week

Join the Madison Fire Department and other Dane County fire departments for the annual Fire Truck Parade & Display! The fun begins Sunday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m. with a parade up State Street, followed by a fire truck display on the Capitol Square until 4:00 p.m. The annual event kicks off Fire Prevention Week, observed nationally during the second week of October. Follow Madison Fire on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X) for daily safety tips during Fire Prevention Week, and remember: Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.

Haywagon Rides with Madison Parks

Climb aboard a haywagon this fall! Madison Parks is hosting haywagon rides at a number of special events including Hayrides & Hikes and through Olin Park’s Holiday Fantasy in Lights. You may also reserve your own haywagon ride through the Holiday Fantasy in Lights for up to 20 adults with a campfire and s’mores. See Hayrides for more information.

Teejop & Beyond with Madison Libraries

Teejop & Beyond: Celebrating Native Nations, a program created by Madison Public Library in partnership with Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, will return to libraries on Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Monday, October 9). Program participants will also have the opportunity to try hands-on crafts like beading, basketweaving and quillwork and understand the way techniques and approaches vary depending on the tribal traditions guiding them. This year, presenters represent the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida, and Ottawa nations. Learn more about each presenter online at madpl.org/teejopandbeyond and save the date for October 9 when programs will be announced.

Get Involved in Local Government

We encourage all City of Madison residents to get involved in the decision-making processes of their local government. By participating in Common Council meetings, you can have a say in policies, services and developments that directly affect your lives! All council meetings are open to the public to attend in-person or virtually by watching live on Madison City Channel.  To learn more:

MSC Health & Resource Fair

The Madison Senior Center’s annual Health & Resource Fair will feature health screenings, a brain health presentation, a yoga class, and local vendors that provide senior servicesTuesday, October 17, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.  Free event. No registration required.

2023-09-25 Meeting Reminders from Alder Wehelie

BUDGET:
The Finance Committee will consider and vote on 16 budget amendments to the 2024 Executive Capital Budget on Tuesday September 26th at 4:30pm
 (Agenda item 23 on the Finance Committee agenda; Legistar #79467). 

2024 Capital Budget by agency.
Executive Summary PDF PDF  pdf  by project elements. $266.5 Million proposed.
Finance Committee Capital Budget Amendments.

METRO REDESIGN ROUTE ADJUSTMENTS:
Wednesday, September 27, 2023; 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting

On Wednesday, September 27, Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing at 6pm to discuss possible service change adjustments to go into effect in December.

Adjustments being considered include:

  • Routes A, B, C: Running time adjustments to balance trip times between time points
  • Routes B and C: Additional buses added to help running times
  • A-Sheboygan shuttle elimination (due to proposed Route R connection)
  • Routes J & O: Adjustments to improve weekend efficiency
  • Route R: Add connection to Route C for extension to UW Hospital (after 7 pm on weekdays and all-day on weekends)
  • Route 75: New short-turn trips added to McKee and Maple Grove
  • Schedule adjustments to better serve UW Hospital shift changes
  • South Transfer Point: Adjusted arrivals/departures for better connections
  • Potential peak service route additions pending fall ridership review

REVIEW EARLY INFORMATION PRESENTATION PDF  pdf 

REGISTER HERE:
https://www.cityofmadison.com/city-hall/committees/meeting-schedule/register

LUNCH AND LEARN WITH ALDER WEHELIE:
On Thursday September 28 at noon, I am having an informational session on the city budget with Finance staff. If you are interested in joining the virtual meeting, please Register for Lunch and Learn on the city budget with Alder Wehelie

2023-09-22 Neighborhood News & Updates

Stoughton Road Set for Transformative Design Overhaul. WisDOT has scheduled a Public Involvement Meeting (PIM) on September 27 to discuss and gather feedback on the US 51 (Stoughton Road) North corridor study. The purpose of this public meeting is to present the updated study purpose and need and gather feedback on alternative concepts developed throughout the corridor.

The public meeting is scheduled for:

Wednesday, September 27
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
(Presentation at 5:30 p.m.)
Madison College – Truax Building
(Conference room D1630)
1701 Wright Street, Madison

Click here​ for a map showing the meeting location and available parking.

Weigh in on Proposed National Wildlife Health Center at 6006 Schroeder Rd. The U.S. Geological Survey invites you to a public scoping meeting to learn more about plans for the proposed development of a new National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) at the site of the existing NWHC. Your participation will help us gather valuable insights and comments to shape the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the NWHC development.

Virtual NWHC Public Scoping Meeting

Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CT

Register for the Zoom meeting here

All information will also be made available online for public review, consideration, and comment on the dedicated website for the EIS process: www.nwhceis.com. More information about the public scoping meetings and the public involvement process can be found here: https://nwhceis.com/public-involvement/. Comments and questions may be submitted through our website here: https://nwhceis.com/contact/. Although comments can be submitted at any time during the EIS process, we kindly request that scoping comments be submitted by October 20, 2023, to ensure they receive full consideration in the Draft EIS.

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.

Participate in Madison Public Library Strategic Planning. The Madison Public Library leadership invites public input as it plans for the future of its services. The library will complete a 3-year strategic plan this fall and people can complete a short, 11-minute survey through September 30, online or at any Madison Public Library. The survey link is at https://madpl.org/strategicplan. The Library will share its final strategic plan with the community in winter 2023.


Mayor’s Capital Budget Proposal. Mayor Rhodes-Conway released her 2024 Executive Capital Budget and 6-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which detail her funding proposals for buildings, infrastructure and other capital investments in Madison. The Capital Budget is half of the City’s budget. In October, the Mayor will introduce her 2024 Executive Operating Budget, which focuses on services, staffing and programs. Learn more HERE

Streets Division Updates

  • Yard waste collection begins in October. Get your set out dates for yard waste at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste. Yard waste and brush are very different things. If you combine piles of yard waste and brush the crews won’t collect them.
  • Protect your trees from the spongy moth caterpillars before they hatch. Right now is the perfect time to check your trees, sheds, picnic tables, wood piles, and other areas for egg masses laid by the moth. These masses can contain up to 1,000 moth eggs, so destroying them makes a big difference in controlling the population. However, there is a right way to destroy the masses – you can’t just squish them. They are too tough for that. The right way to do it, and more details about the moth can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/SpongyMoth.
  • We are trying out a new way for residents to find their collection schedules that should be pretty simple. It’s a map-based tool available right here and on the brush, yard waste, and collection schedule webpages. Just click on the “Try Lookup Map” button on those pages. The old way is still available if you prefer, but we’re trying to improve on the consistent problem of people struggling to get their address to work in the form on our page. If that’s been you, please try the lookup map.
  • When the leaves start coming down, it’s the perfect time to start composting. Many resources to get you started can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/Composting and free guides can be picked up from your local Madison Public Library branch.
  • Don’t forget about the food scraps drop-off program. The last day is fast approaching, and we’re getting closer and closer to our goal of 16,000 pounds, or the weight of two hippopotamuses! Learn how you can participate and get us all the way to #doublehippo at www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps.

2023-09-11 Updates from Alder Wehelie

Lunch & Learn with Alder Wehelie, with Special Guests from The City of Madison, Finance Department

Join me Thursday, September 28th, from 12-1pm to learn more about the City’s Budget.  We will have Dave Schmiedicke, Finance Director and Christine Koh, Budget & Program Evaluation Manager, as guest speakers. Please register in advance for this meeting at the following link: www.cityofmadison.com/LunchandLearnD7

To learn more, please feel free to reach me by email, district7@cityofmadison.com, or by phone, (608) 571-4919. Please feel free to also reach out to the Office of the Common Council for questions as well, council@cityofmadison.com.

Flyer for Alder Wehelie's Lunch n Learn

Reminder: Funeral home proposal feedback and timeline

Thank you to all who have sent your feedback to me about Ryan Funeral Homes’ proposal to develop the vacant property at the corner of McKee Road and Golden Copper Lane into a 9,000 square foot, one-story building with a two-story component that would be a funeral home with chapel, social room, and office space.

If you were unable to attend my June 22 virtual neighborhood meeting on the proposal and are interested in providing your input, please email your comments to me at district7@cityofmadison.com after viewing the recording of the virtual meeting.

The approval timeline for the project is as follows. Please mark your calendars with these important dates and send your comments to the email addresses below.

Plan Commission (virtual meeting)

  • Monday, September 18, 2023 – 5:30pm
  • On the afternoon of Friday, September 15, you’ll find the agenda, instructions for registering for the virtual meeting, and options for viewing the virtual meeting here.
  • You may also submit written comments to the Plan Commission at pccomments@cityofmadison.com.

Common Council (hybrid meeting)

  • Tuesday, October 3, 2023 – 6:30pm
  • On the afternoon of Friday, September 29, you’ll find the agenda and instructions for registering for the virtual meeting here. If you prefer to attend the meeting in person, it’s held in Room 201 of the City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703.
  • You may also submit written comments to the Common Council at allalders@cityofmadison.com.

2023-09-08 Neighborhood News & Updates

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.


Public Market Open House September 12

The Market is a few short months away from ground-breaking, and the community is invited to a sneak preview with 20+ local vendors, including exciting newer businesses and a few of Madison’s long-time favorites. Vendors will offer culinary specialties from a variety of cultures and unique handmade goods.

Ready! Set! Market! Open House
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 5 – 8pm
Future home of the Madison Public Market
(200 N. First St. near E. Johnson & N. First)

Parking is available in the back of the building or on nearby streets. RSVP is appreciated but not mandatory – it will help get you through event check-in more quickly. More details are here:  https://madisonpublicmarket.org/2023/08/youre-invited-to-the-ready-set-market-open-house-on-sept-12/.

Spanish Language Book Fair September 16

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Madison Public Library will host a Spanish-Language Book Fair on Saturday, September 16 from 9:30am-2pm. The event will highlight the Library’s Spanish-language collection for adults and children. “In the last 5 years, members of the Library’s Collection Management Team have participated twice in the Feria Internacional del Libro in Guadalajara, Mexico to source books for our libraries,” said Holly Storck-Post, a Children’s Collection Librarian for Madison Public Library, and one of the librarians who traveled to the book fair.


Participate in Madison Public Library Strategic Planning

The Madison Public Library leadership invites community input as it plans for the future of its services. The library will complete a 3-year strategic plan this fall and people can participate in one of two ways:

  • Complete a short, 11-minute survey through September 30, online or at any Madison Public Library
  • Attend a 90-minute virtual feedback session, September 20, 12-1:30pm

Links to both the survey and virtual feedback session are at https://madpl.org/strategicplan. The Library will share its final strategic plan with the community in winter 2023.


Mayor’s Capital Budget Proposal

Mayor Rhodes-Conway released her 2024 Executive Capital Budget and 6-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which detail her funding proposals for buildings, infrastructure and other capital investments in Madison. The Capital Budget is half of the City’s budget. In October, the Mayor will introduce her 2024 Executive Operating Budget, which focuses on services, staffing and programs. Learn more HERE


Streets Division Updates

  • We are trying out a new way for residents to find their collection schedules that should be pretty simple. It’s a map-based tool available right here and on the brush, yard waste, and collection schedule webpages. Just click on the “Try Lookup Map” button on those pages. The old way is still available if you prefer, but we’re trying to improve on the consistent problem of people struggling to get their address to work in the form on our page. If that’s been you, please try the lookup map. We are in the testing phase, so we are looking for feedback, too. If you use this new map tool and have some opinions, please follow the feedback link on the map tool page to let us know. We will appreciate hearing from you.
  • Brush collection is ending soon. Don’t miss your final curbside chance – some neighborhoods have already had their final pickup for the year. Get your set out dates at www.cityofmadison.com/BrushCollection.
  • Yard waste collection begins in October. Get your set out dates for yard waste at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste
  • Yard waste and brush are very different things. Don’t confuse them. If you combine piles of yard waste and brush the crews won’t collect them.
  • When the leaves start coming down, it’s the perfect time to start composting. Many resources to get you started can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/Composting and free guides can be picked up from your local Madison Public Library branch.
  • Don’t forget about the food scraps drop-off program. The last day is fast approaching, and we’re getting closer and closer to our goal of 16,000 pounds, or the weight of two hippopotamuses! Learn how you can participate and get us all the way to #doublehippo at www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps.


Madison is Music Pilot Program

Four local bands will be performing at the Confluence at Library Mall from September 14 to September 17. This is pilot program called #MadisonIsMusic, which aims to bolster cultural tourism, raise awareness of spaces available to musicians downtown for amplified performances, and affirm Madison’s identity as a music city. Find more info HERE.
 

MadisonIsMusic

2023-08-25 Neighborhood News & Updates

Public Market Open House September 12

The Market is only a few short months away from ground-breaking, and the community is invited to a sneak preview of all the market will provide with 20+ local vendors, including exciting newer businesses and a few of Madison’s long-time favorites. Vendors will provide culinary offerings inspired by a variety of cultures, in addition to unique handmade goods.

Ready! Set! Market! Open House
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 5 – 8pm
Future home of the Madison Public Market
(200 N. First St. near E. Johnson & N. First)

Parking is available in the back of the building or nearby on neighborhood streets. RSVP is appreciated but not mandatory – it will help get you through event check-in more quickly. More details are here:  https://madisonpublicmarket.org/2023/08/youre-invited-to-the-ready-set-market-open-house-on-sept-12/.

Spanish Language Book Fair September 16

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Madison Public Library will host a Spanish-Language Book Fair on Saturday, September 16 from 9:30am-2pm. The Library designed this event to highlight its Spanish-language collection for adults and children. “In the last 5 years, members of the Library’s Collection Management Team have participated twice in the Feria Internacional del Libro in Guadalajara, Mexico to source books for our libraries,” said Holly Storck-Post, a Children’s Collection Librarian for Madison Public Library, and one of the librarians who traveled to the book fair.

Participate in Madison Public Library Strategic Planning

The Madison Public Library leadership invites community input as it plans for the future of its services. The library will complete a 3-year strategic plan this fall and people can participate in one of two ways:

  • Complete a short, 11-minute survey through September 30, online or at any Madison Public Library
  • Attend a 90-minute virtual feedback session, September 20, 12-1:30pm

Links to both the survey and virtual feedback session are at https://madpl.org/strategicplan. The Library will share its final strategic plan with the community in winter 2023.

Dane Dances – Last Performance of the year TONIGHT!

The much-anticipated summer 2023 music series will end tonight. Feel free to bring a blanket, chair and picnic basket; seating on the rooftop is limited. Sorry, carry in alcohol is prohibited. Dane Dances! promotes inclusivity with a fun night of music and dancing to music and bands for all ages. Click HERE to learn more.

Streets Division Updates:

  • August Moving Days: How to Recycle Televisions, Computers, and other Electronics: Electronics must be delivered to the Streets Division’s drop-off sites, or to a reputable private electronics recycler in the area . These steps will protect your data and ensure the hazardous materials inside them are handled and recycled safely.
  • Food Scraps Recycling thru October 31:  Come to the Eastside Farmers’ Market and the South Madison Farmers’ Market to drop off the following food scraps:  raw fruits and vegetables, including peelings, cores, etc., coffee grounds, grains, rice and eggshells.
  • Brush Collection Information
  • Yard Waste/Leaves Collection Information
  • Have Questions about Brush or Yard Waste Collection?
    • If you have any questions about brush or yard waste collection, or about the drop-off site, please contact the Streets Division office that services your home.
    • If you live east of South Park Street, please call 608-246-4532.
    • If you live west of South Park Street, please call 608-266-4681.
    • The office is open for questions 7:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday.  You can also check out the Streets Division’s website at www.cityofmadison.com/Streets.

2023-08-22 Heat Emergency & Other City News

Cooling Centers Will Be Open During Heat Emergency

The heat and humidity are creating a dangerous combination this week, with heat indices predicted to approach 110°. The National Weather Service has issued a series of warnings and advisories in the coming days.

People most at risk of getting sick from the high temperatures and high humidity are older adults, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, people without housing, and people with chronic medical conditions.

Cooling centers are available to anyone who needs a safe, public space to cool off during the extreme heat. The list includes public places like City libraries, churches, and community centers. Please see the map of locations here
Mayor’s Message 


Now that we’re more than a month into Madison’s first full-scale Metro’s service redesign in more than 25 years, I wanted to share some insights about future improvements to come to the transit network.

On Sunday, August 20, Metro will be implementing the first round of service adjustments. These updates include schedule tweaks to help make connections, added trips to better hit morning work shifts, some adjustments to help keep routes on time, and restored service to complete trips to the UW Hospital. Updated schedules and trip planning data are in development and will be available soon.

Metro and I welcome the system-improving feedback and appreciate the patience the Madison community has shown as Metro works through these issues, including issues of accessibility, route timing, app function, and signage. I encourage all riders to let Metro know how your ride is going. How’s your trip working? Are there accessibility issues that we need to know about? What’s going well? What could be improved upon? Please let them know by giving Metro a call at (608) 266-4466 or by emailing mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com. 


Be well, 


Mayor Satya
Continue to Vaccinate as You Age

Children aren’t the only ones that need vaccines. Many adults, especially older adults, need to be immunized in order to protect themselves against certain illnesses and diseases. Many preventable diseases can bring about serious illness and even death in senior citizens who fail to get the proper vaccinations. In fact, 45,000 adults die every year from complications due to vaccine-preventable diseases, says John Muir Health. You may not think you need vaccines or perhaps you have heard of side effects that come with the vaccine itself. However, the fact of the matter is, if you are 65 or older, you are at an increased risk of complications from many diseases.

Get some answers to important questions about vaccines here
This September Get a Library Card!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Started in 1987 by then Secretary of Education William Bennett, Library Card Sign-Up Month is a time to learn more about all the things you can do at your local library and to sign your kids or yourself up for a card. Celebrate with us by getting or renewing your Madison Public Library card. If you sign up in September you can take a picture with one of our BIG library cards at any location. Check out 30 Things You Can Do With Your Library Card!
Library Sunday Hours Resume 9/10

All Madison Public Libraries will be CLOSED on Monday, September 4 in observance of Labor Day. The libraries will be open on Tuesday, September 5 with normal hours. All libraries will also be closed Thursday, September 14 for an all-staff inservice day. Library service resumes this fall on Sundays at Central, Lakeview, and Goodman South Madison Libraries beginning Sunday, September 10.  In-person service hours at the three libraries are 1-5pm on Sundays, with no telephone service available on Sundays. For all hours information, visit madpl.org/locations.
Naturalist-in-Residence Program

Madison-based doula, writer, agriculturist and mixed media artist, Qwantese Winters, is the 2023 Naturalist-in-Residence, a program returning for its second year this September! Her work is centered around inspiring black folks to connect with the land, and heal from land-based trauma through the use of joyful engagement with nature, and land practices. In partnership with Madison Parks, nature-based programs for all ages will take place in libraries, parks and natural areas across the city of Madison from September 1-30, 2023. Learn more and register for programs at madpl.org/naturalist.
One More Dane Dance!

Dane Dances is a free, family-friendly event held every Friday evening in August on the beautiful Monona Terrace rooftop. The final dance of the summer happens this Friday, August 25th. The beloved summer music series is a great way to get down and dance with your friends, family, or coworkers. Dane Dances promotes inclusivity with a fun night of music and dancing for all ages. Learn more here
Lake Monona Waterfront Update 

Madison Parks held a public event at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center on Monday, July 24. Representatives from the Sasaki design presented proposed revisions to their lakeshore plan based on community input received during the first phase of the design challenge. 

The presentation and Q&A session were recorded:

LMW Master Plan Update Recorded Presentation
LMW Master Plan Update Presentation Slides PDF 

Please send Lake Monona Waterfront comments or questions to: lakemononawaterfront@cityofmadison.com.
Feedback Needed for NE Area Plan

The City of Madison recently hosted community connect event for the Northeast Area where residents were able to learn recommendations for land use, transportation, and more for the Northeast Area Plan. Additionally, the City sought input from residents on what physical improvements they’d like to see in the Greater Sandburg and Burke Heights neighborhoods. if you couldn’t participate but still want to give feedback on the projects for Sandburg or Burke Heights neighborhoods, please click here to take a short survey.
Get Your Residential Parking Permit 

Do you have your residential parking permit? The Residential Parking Permit allows residents to park in excess of the posted one- or two- hour time limits on designated streets in their area between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or in locations designated for resident parking only between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Permits for the following permit year, September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2024, can be submitted beginning in July.  Those permits will not be mailed until mid-August.  Appointments to apply for and collect permits in person, began Tuesday, August 15. 

Learn more about the permit program here
Update on Violence Prevention 

The City of Madison is working to address the growing and urgent issue of violence in our community. One leader in this work is Public Health is tackling violence prevention with a public health lens. That includes investing in community partners with more than $1 million in grant funding made available by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The second round of agencies and organizations to receive the funding can be found here
Accessible Playground Opening 

Madison Parks recently performed a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Frautschi Family Accessible Playground at Warner Park. The Frautschi family’s extraordinary philanthropy is felt across our community with their gifts of the Overture Center, Concerts on the Square, Frautschi Point on Lake Mendota and many others. Their generosity continues with the gift of an accessible playground at Warner Park, allowing people of all abilities to enjoy Madison’s parks.

2023-08-11 Neighborhood News & Updates

Free Food & Family Fun at Northeast Area Connect Event

The City of Madison is inviting residents to two upcoming community connect events for the Northeast Area. Here you’ll learn about recommendations for land use, transportation, and more for the Northeast Area Plan. Additionally, the City is seeking input from residents on what physical improvements they’d like to see in the Greater Sandburg and Burke Heights neighborhoods. The first event is August 14, 2023 from 5-7 pm at Reindahl Park. The second event will take place August 16, 2023 from 5-7 pm at Sycamore Park. With free ice cream and food catered by La Taguara, firetruck tours, therapy animals, games, and face painting, residents are encouraged to make it a fun family outing!

BRAYTON LOT (BLOCK 113) REDEVELOPMENT

The Brayton Lot (Block 113), is a two-acre surface parking lot situated three blocks from Capitol Square along East Washington Avenue in the First Settlement neighborhood. The future of this site has been addressed in multiple City adopted plans over nearly 30 years. These plans have been consistent in their vision for the scale and massing of future buildings. Now, the community has an unique opportunity to implement those plans, and two public meetings have been scheduled to learn about that opportunity.

IN-PERSON MEETING
Tuesday, August 22
7:00 pm
Madison Municipal Building – Room 215
215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
VIRTUAL MEETING
Wednesday, August 23
12:00 pm (noon)

Please register in advance for this meeting at:

https://cityofmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpcOCurzsuH91h9DYEFVp7JM5jvT2tRphI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For more information, please visit the project website at:
https://www.cityofmadison.com/dpced/planning/brayton-lot-block-113/3907/
 


Dane Dances – A Season of Togetherness

Dane Dances will be recognizing Dane County Executive Joe Parisi for his great leadership in representing ALL of Dane County, Friday August 11th.  He created the first Dane County Office – Immigration Affairs, Equity & Inclusion and groundbreaking job pipeline partnerships with Centro Hispano, The Latino Academy for Workforce Development and The Urban League.  Joe proposed and developed the Beacon Homeless Day Resource Center, and put mental Health teams in Dane County schools.  Click HERE to learn more.

Parks Alive is continuing to build strong neighborhoods!

Events are held in parks across the city and throughout the summer. Checkout all of the Parks Alive events and other summer activities listed on the Parks calendar.

Elver Park | Movie: Wakanda Forever
Monday, August 14, 2023
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Elver Park
Owl Creek ParkThursday, August 17, 2023
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Owl Creek Park
Aldo Leopold ParkTuesday, August 15, 2023
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Aldo Leopold Park
Warner Park | Movie: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Warner Park (Trailsway)
Hammersley ParkWednesday, August 16, 2023
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Hammersley Park

Streets Division Updates:

Several streets will be closed Saturday morning, August 12, for the Madison Mini Marathon. The race starts at 7:00 a.m. at N Park St & State St, continues to the Capitol Square, through the UW Arboretum, and back to the UW campus.

Electronics must be delivered to the Streets Division’s drop-off sites, or to a reputable private electronics recycler in the area . These steps will protect your data and ensure the hazardous materials inside them are handled and recycled safely.