Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of May 13, 2024

District 11 Events

• District 11 Town Hall on Sequoya Commons, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Come join us  as we reflect on Sequoya Commons, which has been a cornerstone of our neighborhood for 16 years now. Despite initial controversy, the project received support from the majority of people in the neighborhood. 
  The site continues to offer the same amenities that residents have come to enjoy, including a coffee shop, ice cream store, pizza restaurant, hair salon, and a public library. Additionally, it provides space on the upper floors for 100 apartments and 45 owner-occupied units, transforming what was once a wide-open surface parking lot. Could Sequoya Commons, with its diverse mix of apartments, retail, and condominiums nestled within established neighborhoods, serve as a blueprint for Madison’s housing shortage? 
  With a scarcity of condo developments in recent years, despite their affordability and appeal to downsizers, why aren't we witnessing more projects in Madison akin to Sequoya Commons? Join us as we explore these questions and more on May 15. Attend in person or register to attend virtually. Email District11@cityofmadison.com to request the zoom link to the town hall meeting.
• District 11 Book Club Discussion on Jens Jensen, Parks and Wilderness Areas, Wednesday, June 26th 7:00 pm-8:15 pm at the Sequoya Library.  Join me and my father at the Sequoya Library for another District 11 Book Club discussion to learn more about Jens Jensen and the importance of parks and wilderness areas. 

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.

• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, May 13, in virtual format at 4:30 p.m. Agenda items include helping finance affordable housing developments at 715 Rethke Avenue and 7933 Tree Lane, financing Triangle Redevelopment preconstruction costs, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a contract with Baker Tilly US for independent external audit services for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

Events

• Music in the Park - May, Wednesday, May 15, 2024: Free concert series at the Olin Park pavilion sponsored by FOOT - Friends of Olin-Turville and Madison Parks. Wednesdays in May from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Doors open at 5:45 PM.
• Westside Budget Engagement Event (Westside Community Connections) - Thursday, May 16, 2024: Attention all Westsiders! Join us at Vel Phillips Memorial High School for an interactive session where we discuss the 2025 budget outlook. This in-person event is your chance to have your voice heard and share your thoughts on what should be prioritized in our community.
• Volunteer at The Glen - Saturday, May 18, 2024: The Glen, a unique mixed-use outdoor recreation golf park located in the heart of Madison, WI, is more than just a place to play golf. It's a community hub where nature and recreation meet. We're on a mission to make The Glen a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place for everyone – and we need your help! Volunteering at The Glen offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to your community, learn new skills, grow personally and professionally, and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Great Strides Madison - Saturday, May 18, 2024: Great strides provide a fantastic opportunity for family, friends, students, and colleagues to come together and make a difference. The event harnesses the power of people with a shared vision and encourages collaboration, team building, and leadership as we take steps to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.
• Learn to Play Pickleball - Saturday, May 18, 2024: Learn the popular game of pickleball with Capital Area Pickleball Association! We've planned three free classes, and advanced registration is required. Bring your own paddle and balls or borrow the provided equipment. Participants ages 10 and older are welcome and will learn the basics of pickleball, the rules of the game, and the best strategies.
• Picnic in the Park - Saturday, May 18, 2024: Dress in your most refined mid-60s-inspired attire and join us for a sophisticated affair in the heart of Madison — Rennebohm Park. Surrounded by lush green spaces and sparkling lights, we'll recreate the charming era of summertime retreats, complete with nostalgic lawn games, sophisticated cocktails, and a love for entertaining outdoors. Help us continue the spirit of appreciation for our beloved local parks.
• Movie at The Glen - Sunday, May 19, 2024: Enjoy a free movie on the lawn of The Glen! We'll have yard games from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM and the movie starting at 5:00 PM. Grab dinner from Panchos Tacos (4:30 PM to 7:00 PM) or The Glen House.

Announcements

• Madison Water Utility's 2023 Annual Report is available: Madison Water Utility's 2023 Annual Report is now available. This reporting period covers calendar year 2023, including 2023 financial statements, 2023 water quality monitoring, as well as 2023 projects, events, operations, and accomplishments.
• Madison Arts Commission awards $101,000 for arts projects in 2024 grant cycle: The Madison Arts Commission has awarded $101,000 to 57 organizations and individuals for projects through its annual arts grants program.
• MPD to hold active shooter survival training for public: MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department is offering a training designed to save lives in an active shooter situation. The next session of the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) will be held on May 30.
• The Sustain Dane/City of Madison Recycle Better Course Returns: The Recycle Better course returns on Friday, May 17, 2024. For the first time, it will be offered in person.
• City of Madison announces 2024-25 Youth Poet Laureate opportunity: The Madison Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the next Madison Youth Poet Laureate.
• #FlockToState as State Street Pedestrian Experiment officially begins: The City of Madison's Pedestrian Mall Experiment is officially underway after a ceremony held Wednesday on State Street.
• Make your voice heard on how Madison and Dane County should spend federal HUD funds: We must create a 5-year road map, what we call a Consolidated Plan, that describes how we will use these funds from 2025-29, but we need your help in figuring out how to spend that money.