Post-election Recovery Tips plus This Week's Updates
postedHi Everyone,
Like many of you, I’ve struggled to come to terms with the results of the election. There’s been lots of analysis for a news junkie like me to get lost in. Here are a couple of ideas about ways to respond when one is feeling overwhelmed.
First, get out in nature. Going for a walk in the woods, breathing fresh air, pausing to take in the beauty of the natural world – these are activities that are restorative for body and soul. Here are links to Madison City Parks and Dane County Parks.
Second, volunteer your time. Community centers and local non-profits are always looking for volunteers, particularly around the holidays. There are two community centers in District 13 where you could volunteer, Neighborhood House and Bayview.
Lastly, Rebecca Solnit’s book “Hope In The Dark” is a good one to read these days, a healthy reminder that we don’t know what the future will bring so it’s imperative that we not give up hope.
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, November 18, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include supporting four affordable housing development projects and implementing neighborhood improvement projects identified in the Hawthorne-Truax Neighborhood plan.
- Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, November 18, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include development-related requests in Districts 1, 4, 6, 7, 16, and 19.
- Economic Development Committee: The Economic Development Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 20, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include an update on the Economic Development Plan, a presentation of the Economic Development Division Report from 2021-2023, and a discussion regarding means testing financial assistance programs.
If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.
Public Information Meeting (PIMs)
- Metro Transit Public Meeting - Northport/Kennedy Charging Location, Monday, November 18: Attend a public meeting on Monday, November 18 to learn more about a new on-route charging station proposed to be built at the intersection of Northport Dr. and Kennedy Rd.
- Evergreen, Ohio, Sommers Reconstruction, Tuesday, November 19: A public information meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Nov. 19, 2024, via Zoom. Registration prior is required. A postcard will also be mailed out to residents in the neighborhood informing them about the meeting and directing them to the website to register. Meeting topics include project limits, street design, utility installation, construction timeline, and street assessments. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions.
- In-Person Open House: Southwest Area Plan kickoff event, Tuesday, November 19: Join Planning, Engineering, Transportation, Parks, and others at an open house on November 19, 2024, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Akira Toki Middle School, 5606 Russett Road. There will be a brief presentation at the start, but feel free to drop in a stay for a few minutes or the entire time. Learn about the Southwest Area Plan and other upcoming projects in the Southwest Area.
Upcoming Alder Events
- District 11 Book Club with Stu Levitan, Wednesday, December 11: For our next District 11 Book Club on December 11th, Stu Levitan will give an illustrated talk on Madison in the 1970s, adapted from his forthcoming book, Madison: The Illustrated Sesquicentennial History, Volume 2, 1932 to 1979.
Announcements and News Releases
- Greater Madison MPO Secures $1 Million to Enhance Roadway Safety Across Dane County, November 15, 2024: The Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has been awarded $1 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to enhance safety for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians throughout Dane County.
- Statement on Recent Investigation of Alder Charles Myadze by Council President Figueroa-Cole: "City of Madison residents have entrusted elected officials to carry out the will of the people and make difficult decisions on behalf of the entire community." [posted November 13, 2024]
- Adoption of the 2025 Capital and Operating Budgets statement by the Mayor: “I want to thank the Madison Common Council for adopting the 2025 budget and for their support making strategic investments in our City’s future.” [posted November 12, 2024]
- Group Art Show at Goodman South Madison Library Calls for the Re-humanization of Black Men: Group art show at Goodman South Madison Library curated by artist Sharon Bjyrd calls for the re-humanization of Black men and references the I AM A Man slogan from the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers' strike. [posted November 11, 2024]
- Help Plan the Future: City of Madison begins work on Southwest, Southeast Area Plans: City of Madison staff has begun work on the next two Area Plans, the Southwest Area Plan and the Southeast Area Plan, after receiving authorization from the Common Council in early October. [posted November 11, 2024]
Events
- Parks Alive Fall | Elver Park, Monday, November 18: Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city and throughout the fall. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you!
- Empowering Small Businesses: District 7 Lunch and Learn featuring the Office of Business Resources, Thursday, November 21: Join Alder Nasra Wehelie as she hosts staff from the Office of Business Resources! Learn more about small business opportunities, how to apply for city programs, TIF, TBE certification, and more! This virtual event is free and open to all Madison residents.
- Community Listening Session, Thursday, November 21: Join us for this informative Community Listening Session on Thursday, Nov 21st, 6 pm, at Sandburg Elementary to discover how the city services are addressing housing complaints and be part of the solution. Pizza and refreshments will be provided while supplies last.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, November 23: Join a naturalist for an easy family-friendly walk from Aldo Leopold Nature Center into beautiful Edna Taylor Conservation Park and enjoy a bit of nature education along the way. Walk will begin at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Drive. Meet outside at the Children's Shack. Co-sponsored by Madison Parks, Badgerland Bird Alliance, and Aldo Leopold Nature Center . No registration is required. No pets are allowed.
- Mini Meditation Retreat, Sunday, November 24: Relax, recharge, and reconnect at our upcoming Mini Meditation Retreat with Dr. Sarah Moore. This in-person retreat will be a unique blend of guided meditation, breathing exercises, mindful movement, and deep relaxation with Yoga Nidra.
- Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park, November 9th through December 31, 2024: Lighted holiday themed displays set in beautiful Olin Park. Drive through anytime Dusk until Dawn to enjoy this magical light show for free, brought to you by The Electric Group.
For the full list of upcoming events, please visit the City events calendar.
That's all for now.
Take good care and stay safe,
Tag