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

Hi everyone. Thank you for your patience while I was out of pocket. I spent last week in Miami for the NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials): Building Cities Conference. I had so many incredible conversations while I was there and am really proud of what the city is doing.

Thank you to everyone who has emailed me. I'll be digging through my inbox and getting back to you as I'm able. 

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.

News Releases & Announcements

• 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. [posted May 10, 2024, by Planning & Community & Economic Development, Planning]
• 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. Officers will present active… [posted May 10, 2024, by Police]
• The Sustain Dane/City of Madison Recycle Better Course Returns on May 17, 2024: The Recycle Better course returns on Friday, May 17, 2024.And for the first time, the course will be offered in person. What is the Recycle Better Course? Sustain Dane, in partnership with the City of Madison, developed the Recycle Better… [posted May 10, 2024, by Streets & Recycling]
• Lane and Street Closures – East Doty Street and Wilson Street: Starting Monday, May 13, MG&E will replace their duct bank package on E. Doty Street in preparation for the continuation of the Doty Street & Wilson Street reconstruction project.  During this time, E. Doty Street will be limited… [posted May 9, 2024, by Traffic Engineering & Transportation]
• 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. [posted May 9, 2024, by Planning & Community & Economic Development & Planning]
• #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. [posted May 8, 2024, by Planning & Community & Economic Development & Planning]
• Madison Water Utility Releases Annual Drinking Water Quality Report : Madison Water Utility is announcing the release of this year’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. The report provides an overview of the tens of thousands of drinking water quality tests conducted in 2023. The utility is pleased to report that… [posted May 7, 2024, by Water Utility]
• Connecting through Architecture: Join Archimarathon at Monona Terrace Monday, May 13: Archimarathon is the duo of Architect Andrew Maynard and Architecture Educator and Tour Curator Kevin Hui. Born from Maynard’s comment that Hui’s tours were like “architecture marathons,” Archimarathon takes their online and social media followers to awe-inspiring architectural wonders, many inaccessible to visitors. [posted May 7, 2024, by Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center]

• 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. [posted May 6, 2024, by Planning & Community & Economic Development, Community Development, Housing Authority, PCED Office of the Director]
• Small business owners share how City of Madison resources helped them succeed: Alders from the City of Madison Common Council and members of the City’s Economic Development Committee went on a tour Saturday of some of the many local businesses that have benefited from City funding. [posted May 6, 2024, by Common Council, Planning & Community & Economic Development, Economic Development]
• 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. [posted May 6, 2024, by Public Works & Water Utility]

Events

• Financial Empowerment Series (#1-4), Tuesday, May 14: Financial Basics: Budgeting, debt reduction, credit repair and homebuying basics. Financial Empowerment Series to be held in 4 parts occurring on May 7, 14, 21, and 28. For questions regarding this program contact Kielley at klemkuil@ulgm.org. 
• Learn to Fall Safely, Wednesday, May 15: SAFELY Learn to fall safely and to get back up without injury. Falls are a leading cause of death for older adults in Wisconsin. We will use thick “crash mats” for practicing. Classes are progressive. Attending all 4 classes recommended. Scholarships available.
• Music in the Park in May, Wednesday, May 15: Free concert series at the Olin Park pavilion sponsored by FOOT - Friends of Olin-Turville and Madison Parks. Wednesdays in May from 6 to 8pm. Doors open at 5:45pm.
• Meditation At Monona Terrace, Thursday, May 16: Mindfulness Meditation will be led by Sarah Moore M.D., a mind-body practitioner, therapist, and physician. Sarah has been practicing meditation for more than 20+ years and teaching meditation to groups and individuals for the past 15 years. Her personal practice has brought her much peace, joy, and stability, and she is excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
• Learn to Nordic Walk, Thursday, May 16: Turn your walk into a full-body workout with Nordic walking!  We've partnered with Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki) for a free class.  Participants of all ages are welcome and will explore the park and learn how to use walking poles for a cardio and strength-building workout.
• Westside Budget Engagement Event (Westside Community Connections), Thursday, May 16: Attention all Westsiders! Come 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: 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: 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 dins a cure to cystic fibrosis.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Starkweather Creek Area, Saturday, May 18: Outings in the Starkweather Creek area vary each month - be sure to check the starting location. Adventures typically at 10:00am on the 3rd Saturday of the month, year-round, and frequently start at the Goodman Community Center, unless noted otherwise. Outings include nature walks, canoe/kayak adventures, bicycling tours, and more, and are sponsored by the Madison Friends of Urban Nature , Madison Parks, Goodman Community Center , Madison Audubon Society , and Friends of Starkweather Creek . No registration is required. Pets are not allowed.
• Learn to Play Pickleball, Saturday, May 18: Learn the popular game of pickleball with Capital Area Pickleball Association! We've planned three, free classes with advanced registration required. Bring your own paddle and balls or borrow for the provided equipment. Participants ages 10 and older are welcome and will learn the basics of pickleball, rules of the game and best strategies.
• Picnic in the Park, Saturday, May 18: 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.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, May 19: Walks at Warner Park held on the 3rd Sunday of every month are co-sponsored by Madison Bird City FUN partners Wild Warner  and Madison Audubon . Meet at the colorful Warner Park shelter by the lagoon. Parking is available nearby. No registration is required. No pets are allowed.
• Movie at The Glen, Sunday, May 19: Enjoy a free movie on the lawn of The Glen! We'll have yard games from 4-5pm and movie starting at 5:00pm. Grab dinner from Panchos Tacos (4:30-7pm) or The Glen House.