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Introduction, Meeting and Event Highlights for Week of April 21, 2025

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Dear Neighbors,

I’m honored to introduce myself as your newly elected Alder for Madison’s District 7. First and foremost, thank you. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your belief in the vision we share for our community. I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I’m ready to get to work together.

My name is Badri Lankella, and I’m proud to serve this vibrant, diverse district we all call home. I live in Madison with my family, and I’ve spent years working to support our community both professionally and through volunteer service. I bring a background in information technology and public service, along with a lifelong belief in civic engagement, equity, and community building.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked to bridge communication, improve systems, and bring people together around shared goals. I’ve been involved in local school initiatives, neighborhood advocacy, and volunteer efforts that reflect the values of this district—hard work, compassion, and community-driven progress.

I ran for Common Council because I believe that local government should be responsive, inclusive, and guided by the people it serves. My promise to you is simple: I will lead with integrity, listen with empathy, and work with purpose.

My Priorities

As your Alder, I’m focused on the issues that matter most to our neighborhoods:

These priorities came directly from conversations with you at your doors, in our neighborhoods, and throughout our city. They reflect the real challenges we face and the shared values that unite us as a community.

🔒 Public Safety and Crime Prevention

Many of you expressed concern about the rise in burglaries, thefts, and juvenile crime in our area. As Alder, I will work to bring effective, community-based solutions to these issues like supporting programs such as Positive Action and Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies for our youth. I also support proactive measures like better street lighting and expansion of the Burglary Prevention Project to make our neighborhoods safer.

🚸 Traffic Safety and Infrastructure

Speeding and pedestrian safety are urgent issues, especially around school zones and busy intersections. I’m committed to pushing for solutions like pedestrian-activated flashing crosswalk signs and signal buttons starting at intersections like High Point Road and Highway PD.

🗳️ Community Engagement and Transparency

I believe that city decisions should be made with the people, not just for them. That’s why I will advocate for more community involvement in major city projects, including public forums, participatory budgeting, and clear, transparent communication from City Hall.

🏠 Affordable Housing and Transit Access

As Madison continues to grow, we must ensure that growth is equitable. I will support efforts to expand access to affordable housing and improve public transportation focusing on better service coverage, reliability, and accessibility for residents of all backgrounds and incomes.

🤝 Service-Driven Leadership

With a background in computer engineering and years of experience serving on nonprofit boards and school organizations, I’m ready to bring a service-driven approach to the Common Council. My goal is simple: to listen, to lead with compassion, and to always put the needs of District 7 first.

Let’s Stay Connected

This is just the beginning. I want to hear from you, learn from you, and work alongside you. In the coming weeks, I’ll be launching community office hours, hosting neighborhood listening sessions, attending neighborhood meetings and sharing regular updates on city business.

You can always reach me at district7@cityofmadison.com and follow along on district 7 city website for updates and opportunities to get involved.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve you. I’m proud to represent District 7, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together.

In service,
Badri Lankella
Alder, Madison Common Council – District 7

Updates and Notices

Celebrate Earth Day in Your Local Park: Celebrate Earth Day with your neighbors and friends by volunteering to clean up your local park! Join this community-wide volunteer event on Saturday, April 26.

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.

  • Transportation Commission: The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 23, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include amending Sections 24.02 and 1.08 of the Madison General Ordinances to add Disorderly Conduct directed at a city transit operator.
  • Police and Fire Commission: The Police and Fire Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 23, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a discussion of the Police Chief hiring process.

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)

  • Public Input Meeting - Hoyt Park, Tuesday, April 22: The City of Madison Parks Division invites neighbors and community members to attend a virtual public input meeting and learn about the upcoming improvements to Hoyt Park.  Parks staff will make a short presentation and there will be time for attendees to ask questions and submit comments. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and registration is required. Register online.

Announcements and News Releases

Please visit the City news webpage to find additional news and announcements and to subscribe to receive notification of news releases as they are posted.

Events

  • Public Health Offices Closed beginning at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 22: Our offices will be closed for an all-staff meeting.
  • MSCR & Madison Parks Hiring Fair, Thursday, April 24: Madison Parks and MSCR are hiring seasonal staff in aquatics, golf, maintenance, conservation and more! Attend the Hiring Fair at Parks Lakeside Offices and apply and interview onsite! Make this a summer to remember!
  • Wright Design Series: Designing Change Together, Thursday, April 24: Join Taruna Gupta, Yash Mehta and Marion Clendenen-Acosta of Designing Humanity as they share stories from around the world that show how design, when rooted in care, can become a powerful tool for community transformation.
  • Styling it Wright: Garbage to Glam Design Night, Friday, April 25: We’ll provide the recycled materials—you bring the vision. With just two hours, your team will design and fabricate a high-fashion creation from the trash pile. Then, it’s time to strut your stuff on the catwalk, showcasing your upcycled masterpiece for a chance to win prizes for the most innovative design.
  • Volunteer at The Glen, Saturday, April 26: 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.
  • Earth Day Challenge, Saturday, April 26: Celebrate Earth Day with your neighbors and friends by volunteering to clean up your local park! Join this community-wide volunteer effort to help make a difference. Accept the Earth Day Challenge with Madison Parks!
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, April 26: Join Doug Davis for a free, family-friendly guided walk in nature starting from the Aldo Leopold Nature Center and through the trails of Edna Taylor Conservation Park!  
  • Bird & Nature Festival 2025, Sunday, April 27: The 2025 Bird & Nature Festival is a free, family-friendly event celebrating Madison Bird City, Arbor Day and Earth Day.  See live birds by Open Door Bird Sanctuary and visit nature displays throughout the day.  Plan 30-45 minutes for your visit anytime between 12 and 4 pm, during this ongoing event.
  • "The Wright Look" Fashion Show, Sunday, April 27: With over 60 original, student-created designs modeled on the runway, The Wright Look is a fully immersive experience featuring live music and an innovative approach to architectural storytelling through fashion. Free and Open to the Public. Reserve Your Spot Today!

Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.

 

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District 7 - Alder Lankella

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Alder Badri Lankella

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