Updates on the Election, City Referendum, and More.

Hi Everyone,

Wow…the election is just three weeks away. The stress is mounting. Time for deep breaths. Yes, as we all know, it’s a monumental election on multiple levels, with impacts for our nation, state, and city.

The following information prepared by District 5 Alder Regina Vidaver will help you keep track of the relevant dates:

• October 16: Last day to  register at public libraries, online, or by mail.
• October 22: Last day to register at the Madison City Clerk’s office.
• October 22: Early in-person absentee voting begins – any  public library, and many community locations. You may register onsite until November 1.
• October 25: Last recommended date to mail your absentee ballot to ensure it is received by November 5.
• November 3: Last day to vote  early in-person absentee.
• November 5: Election Day! You may  register at the polls. Find your polling location  here.

On the November ballot voters in our community have a critical opportunity to invest in Madison’s future to protect the services that keep our city working for you.

Why I am voting yes:

Madison is booming! Over the last 10 years, the population has spiked 19%, and we are not done growing yet. We are the fastest-growing community in Wisconsin and are projected to grow by another 115,00 residents by 2050. Yet, instead of investing in our success, the Republican-controlled State Legislature has restricted our funding, causing budget deficits.

‍Madison deserves better than budget cuts and underfunding. Demand for city services has soared and is not slowing down any time soon. The referendum will address the financial deficit we face, allowing our city to continue running smoothly—ensuring we continue to grow without sacrificing the services we need as we work towards a long-term solution to Madison’s funding.

Most of Madison’s operating budget goes to staffing the services we all use - from libraries, road maintenance, election administration, trash collection and snow removal, to our police and firefighters. Without the referendum, services will be cut across the board—something that will be felt by residents from every neighborhood of the City.

By voting YES, I’m standing in solidarity with the city employees who work hard to keep our city moving forward. We need Madison to be a community where everyone can succeed. Cutting services will not help us achieve this. It would move us backward, not forward.

For more information as to why I am voting yes, please go to www.yesformadison.org

Here are more city budget updates:

• An intrepid resident has  created a website that allows residents to look up their address and see their property taxes, assessed value, and inflation from 2016 to 2024. Check it out!
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• A Closer Look at Madison School, City Referenda, with the Wisconsin Policy Forum. October 17, 6-7:30pm, Edgewater Hotel. Please  register in advance.

And here are the rest of the updates for this week:

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

• 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]
• 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 Vote. Verify 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. 
• 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. 
• 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. 

That's all for now. 

Take care and stays safe,

Tag