District 13 Updates for the Week of September 16

Hi Everyone,

Last weekend I was in my hometown of Dayton, OH for my 50th High School Reunion. This weekend, I’m back here for a memorial service for my brother-in-law. A time of celebration with my classmates last weekend and time of remembrance, experiencing the sorrow and recalling the joys, this weekend.

I had planned to share additional thoughts about the budget and upcoming referendum last week but ran out of time. Nonetheless, I encourage you to be open-minded and study the facts.

There’s a famous quote by philosopher Herbert Spencer about the dangers of being close-minded. “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a [person] in everlasting ignorance — that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”

I will continue to share the facts about the budget, BRT and other transportation issues, Madison’s housing crisis, etc. And I will continue to encourage we all address these issues with an open mind.

As always, if you wish to have a conversation with me about these topics, please reach out to me at district13@cityofmadison.com.

Meanwhile, here are this week’s updates:

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, September 16, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include briefings on the 2025 executive capital budget.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 17, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. This Finance Committee meeting is a budget hearing.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Watch Online
• Transportation Commission: The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 18, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include crossing guards at middle schools, a working session on the Complete Green Streets Guide, and a presentation on the 2025 operating budget.
  • 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.

Announcements and News Releases

• ‘Firefighter Fun Day’ Comes to the North Side!: The Madison Fire Department invites you to “meet us without the emergency!” Firefighter Fun Day is a free, public event that promises fun for the whole family. There are two opportunities to attend! [posted September 12, 2024]
• City of Madison Adopts Sustainability Plan : The Common Council voted unanimously to adopt the plan on August 6, 2024. This update is a continuation of City of Madison’s dedication and ongoing efforts to improve climate equity and environmental justice. [posted September 12, 2024]
• Southbound Intersection Closure: Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and Doty Street: Starting Monday, September 16, R.G Huston will begin concrete pavement restoration within the Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and Doty Street intersection. During this time:… [posted September 12, 2024]
• Voter Registration Drive Precautions: The Madison City Clerk’s Office urges voters to check their registration online at https://MyVote.wi.gov, especially if they completed a voter registration form with someone who approached them on the street. The City Clerk’s Office is receiving an… [posted September 11, 2024]
• West Area, Northeast Area Plans pass Common Council; work on Southwest, Southeast Area Plans begins this fall: The City of Madison Common Council approved the first two Area Plans under the City’s new Planning Framework Tuesday night with few changes beyond what had already been proposed by City boards, committees, and commissions. [posted September 11, 2024]
• Common Council approves change to allow more affordable student housing: The City of Madison Common Council approved a change to the city’s zoning code Tuesday night to expand the existing downtown affordable housing incentive so it can be used to create more affordable housing specifically for college students. [posted September 11, 2024]
• 2025 Executive Capital Budget to Support Growing City : Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway released her 2025 Executive Capital Budget and 6-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). [posted September 10, 2024]
• Sample Ballots Now Available: The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. You can find a sample ballot for your address at https://MyVote.wi.gov.This is what Madison voters will see on their November ballot: [posted September 10, 2024]
• Celebrate Disability Voting Rights Week: The City Clerk’s Office is celebrating Disability Voting Rights Week by highlighting accessible options for exercising your right to vote. “It’s important for all residents to feel confident that their voices are heard at the polls,” said Mayor… [posted September 9, 2024]

Events

• Capitol View Farmers' Market, Wednesday, September 18: The Capitol View Farmers' Market is held weekly on Wednesdays (3:00-7:00pm) from late May through mid-October. Join us each week for great local vendors, live music, food carts, and special activities from week to week. Visit our website and follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information and schedules!
• D19 Exploring the 2025 Budget Series - Session 1: BRT and its Impact on the City Budget, Wednesday, September 18: Join District 19 Alder John Guequierre as he leads a series of three educational sessions to provide residents with an in-depth look at the City of Madison budget. Topics at each session will include a brief overview of the budget deficit and need for multi-year plans, a deeper dive into a few complicated issues, initial 5-year plans with and without a successful referendum, and agency proposals for cuts. Since service reductions may ultimately be required regardless of referendum results, Alder Guequierre is seeking your input on cuts. Residents will have the opportunity to speak personally at the two in-person sessions, through chat at the virtual session, and via an on-line survey at all sessions.
• City Clerk's Office begins mailing absentee ballots to voters with requests on file, Thursday, September 19: Track the status of your absentee at My Vote.
• BRT Station Open House – Downtown, Thursday, September 19: Stop by to preview the station, ask questions and Pick up a Fast Fare card!
• Lakefront Porch Park Ribbon Cutting, Thursday, September 19: The Lakefront Porch Park culminates nearly 15 years of work by neighborhood volunteers, District 4 alder, city leaders, and professional organizations that donated their expertise.
• Trucks and Treasures, Saturday, September 21: Kids of all ages (adults too!) are welcome to see, climb and explore the featured public service machinery and equipment and meet the City employees who operate each.
• Madison Fire Department Zoo Takeover, Saturday, September 21: The Madison Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division and your Vilas neighborhood firefighters are taking over the Henry Vilas Zoo! Stop by to learn about home fire safety and fire prevention while visiting your favorite zoo animals.
• Firefighter Fun Day at Fire Station 9, Saturday, September 21: Firefighter Fun Day returns to Fire Station 9! The firefighter/EMTs of Fire Station 9 open their doors for an afternoon of fun for the whole family! Stop by for free food, drinks, music, games, fire truck and ambulance tours, fire station tours, and more! All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Metro Transit - Fast Fare Pick Up! Pick up a Fast Fare card and get help from City of Madison staff. To learn more about Fast Fares, please visit the Fast Fares webpage.

• Fast Fare Pick Up at Lakeview Library: September 16, September 19 & September 25
• Fast Fare Pick Up at Alicia Ashman Library: September 16
• Fast Fare Pick Up at Sequoya Library: September 17 & September 26
• Fast Fare Pick Up at Meadowridge Library: September 18 & September 26
• Fast Fare Pick Up at Central Library: September 19, & September 25
• Fast Fare Pick Up at Pinney Library: September 23

For the full list of upcoming events, please visit the City events calendar. 

That's all for now. Keep friends and family close. Life is precious.

Take care and stay safe,

Tag