District 7 News and Updates for the Week of October 14, 2024

Country Grove Park Update

The project is progressing according to schedule and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. The contractor is completing landscaping work around the courts area, and the courts will be opened for use when work is complete. Work continues on the shelter structure and surrounding area. Landscaping installation around the shelter structure and parking lot will be completed in 2025. 

For more information, please visit the following websites:

• Parks Project Website
• Engineering Project Website
• Engineering Project Flickr Page

Maple Grove Project Neighborhood Meeting, Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 6 p.m.

Livesey Company proposes to construct a new, three-story, mixed-use building on the vacant property at 6702 Mader Drive. The new building would have 2,500 square feet of commercial space and 125 apartments. The apartments would be comprised of 105 studio and one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units. There would be 104 underground parking spaces and 81 surface parking spaces.

A virtual neighborhood meeting to hear more about this proposed project is scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 6pm. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet or listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at www.cityofmadison.com/MeetingNovember7Mader.

District 7 Lunch and Learn features the Economic Development Division

Join me on Thursday, November 21, at noon to learn more about small business opportunities, business certification, and how to apply for support and access programs through the City of Madison. Staff from the Office of Business Resources will join us.

There will be time for Q&A at the end of the presentations. Attendees can also email their questions in advance to Lorissa Banuelos, Community Engagement Strategist, at lbanuelos@cityofmadison.com. Please include the “November 21 Lunch and Learn” in the subject line. For more information, please get in touch with me by email at district7@cityofmadison.com or by phone at (608) 571-4919.

This Lunch and Learn is virtual via Zoom and free and open to all residents. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet or listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here. Advanced registration is required. 

Meeting and Event Highlights 

Help Name Wisconsin's First Electric Trash Trucks! Fill out the poll by October 21, 2024, at 4:00pm to help choose names for these trucks.

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, October 14, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a briefing on the 2025 Executive Operating Budget.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 15, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a briefing on the 2025 Executive Operating Budget.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Watch Online
• Economic Development Committee: The Economic Development Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. in Suite 303 of 2352 S Park St. Agenda items include an update on the City of Madison’s Economic Development Plan, as well as a discussion of the 2025 Budget.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
• Transportation Commission: The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include the Director’s report, a review of the 2025 Transportation Projects List, and clarifying Transportation Demand Management procedures.
  • 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

• Road Closures – Commercial Avenue and Highway 30: Starting at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 22, Commercial Avenue will be fully closed overnight.  Starting at 12:00 am on Wednesday, October 23, Highway 30 will be fully closed, overnight, to allow the contractor to place the new bridge overpass… [posted October 11, 2024]
• Imagination Center at Reindahl Park Project to Receive $4.25 Million in Flexible Facilities Program Funding: MADISON, WI – Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) announced this week that the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park will receive $4.25 million in grant funding through the DOA’s Flexible Facilities Program (FFP). [posted October 10, 2024]
• Three dozen Madison businesses to take part in new BizReady program: Three dozen local businesses will get an opportunity to receive free training, mentoring, and networking opportunities through the City of Madison’s new BizReady program. [posted October 10, 2024]
• Ballot Buddies Provide Ballot Security: Two poll workers are involved in nearly every process at the polls. Leading up to Election Day, the City Clerk’s Office has two people involved whenever absentee envelopes are handled. When working with ballots, Clerk’s Office personnel always make… [posted October 10, 2024]
• Protect Yourself Against COVID & Flu This Fall with Updated Vaccines: Respiratory virus season is here, and public health officials are urging everyone in the community to get their updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines. [posted October 10, 2024]
• Street Closure - W Washington Avenue: Starting at 9:00 am on Wednesday, October 16th, Integrity Grading & Excavating Inc will close W Washington Avenue to vehicle traffic between Broom Street and Fairchild Street. The closure is needed to pave the road following the reconstruction… [posted October 10, 2024]
• Dane County Residents Log Over 5,000 Car-Free and Car-Light Trips, Making Significant Environmental Impact : In September, Dane County residents and commuters participating in the RoundTrip Smart Trips Challenge logged 5,457 car-free and car-light trips, collectively preventing over 10.3 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. [posted October 9, 2024]
• How Absentees Get Counted: What happens to your absentee ballot once you return it to the Clerk’s Office? First the Clerk’s Office checks that the envelope is sealed and has the voter signature, witness signature, witness name, and witness address. If the certificate on the… [posted October 9, 2024]
• Mayor Rhodes-Conway Releases 2025 Executive Operating Budget: Mayor Sayta Rhodes-Conway released her 2025 Executive Operating Budget, which details her plan to fund the services, programs, and skilled staff that sustain Madison’s high quality of life and keep our economy strong. [posted October 8, 2024]
• Voting as a College Student: As we celebrate National Voter Education Week, the City Clerk’s Office has been answering questions from college students who are preparing to vote in their very first election. As a college student, you may either register to vote at your campus… [posted October 8, 2024]
• Report highlights positive impact SEED grants have had on food access: A new 2024 comprehensive evaluation report from Extension – University of Wisconsin-Madison found the City of Madison’s SEED grant program has been successful in its mission to expand access to healthy food across the City. [posted October 7, 2024]
• City Launches Online Resource Hub in Honor of Digital Inclusion Week October 7-11: MADISON, WI – In honor of Digital Inclusion Week, the City of Madison is launching an online resource hub that is dedicated to connecting residents and City staff with things like workforce skills training, digital devices, Wi-Fi, digital literacy training and more. [posted October 7, 2024]
• Celebrate National Voter Education Week: The Madison City Clerk’s Office encourages voters to celebrate National Voter Education Week, October 7-11.Monday – Register to VoteVerify your voter registration at https://MyVote.wi.gov. If you have moved since you last registered, even if it… [posted October 7, 2024]
• Fire Prevention Week Spotlights Importance of Working Smoke Alarms: The Madison Fire Department joins agencies across the country to celebrate national Fire Prevention Week. The occasion raises awareness about the most important ways to protect yourself and your household from fire-related injuries or death. [posted October 7, 2024]

Events

• Learn to Fall Safely, Monday, October 14 (this event occurs on multiple dates): SAFELY Learn to fall safely and to get backup 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. Class meets at Madison Circus Space, but registration is through the Madison Senior Center. Scholarships available. Call 608-266-6581 to register.
• Last day to register to vote online or via mail, Wednesday, October 16: After today, here are your options for registering to vote:…
• D19 Exploring the 2025 Budget Series - Session 3: Diving into Cut Scenarios and the Impact of Cuts (VIRTUAL), Wednesday, October 16: This session will feature a deeper dive into cut scenarios and the impact of cuts. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet or listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at www.cityofmadison.com/MeetingOctober16Budget. This session will feature a deeper dive into cut scenarios and the impact of cuts. Spanish and Mandarin interpretation will be available at this virtual meeting.
• Bottom Dollars Screening and Discussion, Thursday, October 17: Bottom Dollars takes us into this world and informs us of these practices against disabled workers. View the film, have some popcorn, and stick around afterwards for a moderated discussion.
• District 6: Budget Outlook for 2025, Thursday, October 17: Join Alder Marsha Rummel of District 6 for an overview of the 2025 Capital and Operating Budget, including impacts for District 6/Downtown/near Eastside. At the end of the presentations, constituents can ask questions during a Q&A session.
• Energy Resource Fair, Friday, October 18: MGE will provide energy saving tips and a chance to win a SMART Thermostat, Energy Services will be on site to assist with Energy Assistance qualifications, and Project Home will discuss our Weatherization program and how they can improve health, safety and save energy in your home.
• Hayrides & Hikes, Saturday, October 19: Tour Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit aboard a tractor-pulled hay wagon, enjoy nature activities, take a self-guided hike, participate in the scavenger hunt or do it all! Plus enjoy free hot cider, a campfire, and marshmallows to roast on the fire.

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