Vacations and conferences and life oh my! It’s been a while, but here’s this week’s round up!
PROJECT UPDATES (MADISON)
Imagination Center at Reindahl Park
Location: 1818 Portage Road
Estimated Schedule: April 28, 2025 – July 31, 2026
March 18, 2026 Update
March 2026 Update
Construction at the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park is moving steadily along as interior systems, finishes, and exterior elements continue to take shape. Over the past month, crews completed a range of interior milestones, including hard‑lid ceiling inspections, interior framing, and drywall installation across both Phase 1 and Phase 2 areas. Soffit framing, sprinkler head coordination, and continued overhead mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) rough‑ins have advanced the building construction for finish work. Exterior progress also continued with the installation of roof canopies and Phase 2 windows.
Storefront systems in both phases are in progress, giving the building’s exterior a more defined and finished appearance. Interior prime and paint work has begun. Crews are also continuing above‑ceiling rough‑ins and have started installing bathroom tile.
Looking ahead, the project is preparing for a sequence of finish‑oriented tasks. Ceiling grid installation, MEP ceiling rough‑ins, and above‑ceiling inspections will help transition the building into its next stage of interior completion. Delivery and installation of wall protection, lockers, bathroom accessories, and casework are expected to follow, bringing functional elements into place as rooms and corridors reach their finished form. These upcoming steps will support the broader goal of moving the facility toward completion while maintaining coordination across inspections, material deliveries, and contractor schedules.
Project coordination remains active, with teams managing schedules, inspections, and material deliveries to maintain steady progress as spring nears.
Project Update: Imagination Center at Reindahl Park
Location: 1818 Portage Road
Estimated Schedule: April 28, 2025 – July 31, 2026
March 17, 2026 Update
A separate contract #9757 to provide an extension of fiber to the Imagination Center has been released for bid. See project 9757 – Imagination Center Fiber Connection on Bid Express for plans and more information. Bids are due April 02, 2026.
Project Update: Sherman Ave., N. Sherman Ave., McGuire St. Reconstruction
Location: 200 N. Sherman Ave
Estimated Schedule: August 17, 2026 – November 13, 2026
March 16, 2026 Update
REMINDER: Join us virtually tonight:
A public information meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., March 16, 2026, via Zoom. Registration prior is required.
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OLBRICH RENOVATIONS SURVEY
Two options on how to renovate Olbrich Gardens
DEMOLITION NOTICE (MADISON)
This is a notice that William Kuchenbecker will be filing a demolition permit application. The application will be submitted around March 18, 2026 or later. The applicant seeks to demolish a barn approximately 26′ x 42′. The address is 3412 Alta Ct Madison, WI 53718.
The City’s Landmarks Commission provides an advisory review of all demolition applications. The Landmarks Commission will determine if the building has historic value. If it has historic value, then the Plan Commission will review the application. The Plan Commission will hold a public hearing when they review the application. If it has no known historic value, the Director of Building Inspection may approve the application.
For more information about this application, please contact the applicant, William Kuchenbecker, 6564 County Road M Verona, WI 53593 at bk4cabinet@gmail.com or (608)217-4150.
Applicant’s Comments:
No electrical or water is currently hooked up to this barn. This barn has partial of two ends open and one side with three holes in roof that leak rain water.
If you have any questions about the City’s application review process, please contact the City of Madison Planning Division at (608) 266-4635.
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION NEWSLETTER
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Coffee and donut holes will be available while supplies last. We hope to see you there!
MADISON PARKS NEWSLETTER
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MADISON MADNESS – DOWNTOWN 2026 IS ON!
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The City of Madison Planning Division is bringing “Madison Madness” back as part of its efforts to collect community priorities and feedback for the Downtown Area Plan.
How the Bracket Works
Each “team” in the bracket represents a component of what the future of the city could be. The bracket’s four “regions” represent a different area of focus: Reasons to be Downtown, Ways to Get Around, Downtown Living and Working, and Open Spaces and Recreation Opportunities. Each “region” is broken down into eight different aspects of those categories. There are 32 items in the bracket overall.
The survey will take you through each “matchup” individually. In each matchup, you’ll choose what the higher priority is for you. The survey will keep presenting you with matchups as you work your way through the bracket until you have your “champion” — the biggest priority you’d like to see addressed.
The survey will be open until April 6, 2026. A results summary will be posted publicly on the Downtown Area Plan webpage after City staff compiles the data.
While the activity ends with your top priority, it’s important to note there will be no “winner” declared in the final results. Each aspect included in the bracket is important and will be included in future plans, and nothing will be de-prioritized based on the results of the survey. Results of this survey will be added to the collection of feedback staff will collect through the rest of the Downtown Area Plan and Envision Downtown Madison processes.
Last year, the Planning Division used “Madison Madness” as part of the Southwest and Southeast Area Plans, generating nearly 1,400 responses, and helping City planners get a better idea of the spectrum of priorities among residents. The insights gained from the popular activity factored into recommended actions in both plans.
For more information, visit the Downtown Area Plan webpage or reach out to downtownplan@cityofmadison.com
MADISON PARKS VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
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RESOLUTION INTRODUCED TO REMOVE FUNDING FOR AUTOMATED LICENSES PLAN READER SYSTEM (DANE COUNTY)
DANE COUNTY, Wis. — During the March 19, 2026, meeting of the Dane County Board of Supervisors a resolution was introduced that would amend the 2026 county budget to remove funding for the Dane County Sheriff’s Office use of the Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) system.
The resolution, 2025 RES-403, will be referred to the Public Protection & Judiciary Committee and the Personnel & Finance Committee for further review before returning to the full county board for consideration.
The resolution cites concerns raised by residents, state policymakers, and privacy experts about data-sharing and use beyond the system’s original purpose, including violations of constitutional rights and civil liberties. It also reflects broader ongoing statewide discussions about ALPR technology, including reported misuse for personal surveillance and concerns about oversight, auditing, transparency, and how searches are conducted and reviewed.
Jurisdictions across the country have reevaluated or discontinued use of the technology amid similar concerns, including use in federal immigration enforcement. While Dane County Sheriff’s Office policy prohibits use of the system for immigration enforcement, questions remain about how data shared with outside agencies may be used once it leaves county control. The sheriff’s office has granted access to Flock data to more than 140 law enforcement agencies across at least eight states.
According to publicly available audit data from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Flock transparency portal, a majority of the recent searches made by deputies on the Flock system were categorized as “attempt to locate” queries, rather than tied to specific alleged crimes.
“Public safety tools must not come at the expense of privacy, data protection, or fundamental human rights,” said Supervisor Chad Kemp (Dist. 32), who is the author of the resolution. “This policy affirms that principle.”
“Ending the Flock contract helps protect the privacy and civil liberties of Dane County residents and visitors,” said Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner (Dist. 2), who is a sponsor of the resolution. “Mass surveillance networks like those supported by automatic license plate reader data do not support public safety; they threaten our rights and freedoms.”
The 2026 Dane County budget includes $80,000 to fund an annual subscription to the Flock system for the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. The current subscription is set to run through May 31, 2026. If adopted, the resolution would remove that funding and prohibit further expenditures on the system.
MONONA NEWS
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MARCH 20 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND UPDATES (MADISON)
RoundTrip Roll, Madison Madness, Transportation Academy and more!
Neighborhood Organization Profile Updates
The City of Madison relies on neighborhood leaders to send us updates to contact and profile information for display on our webpage. We want to help ensure that people can get in touch with you. We reach out a couple of times each year to remind folks of this important step.
Please fill out this online form with any leadership changes that you haven’t shared with us yet, or other updates. Thank you!
Madison Community Transportation Academy register by March 24
If you have ever wondered WHY our transportation system works the way it does or thought, there must be a better way, we encourage you to sign up for the Madison Community Transportation Academy. This free 10-week course is offered by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin to help bridge the gap between community members and decision-makers in transportation planning and provides participants with skills and knowledge to advocate for safe and accessible transportation solutions that work for everyone.
Applications are open through March 24, with space available for up to 30 participants. No experience with transportation or advocacy is required. Stipends are available to help overcome barriers to participation, such as childcare or transportation costs.
Date: Thursday, April 2-June 4, 2026 (10 total sessions, meet 1x weekly)
Time: 4-6 pm. CST
Location: mix of virtual (5) and in person (5) sessions
U.W. Madison South Partnership Building, 2238 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53713
Questions? Contact Jen Walker, Community Programs Manager, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, jen@1kfriends.org
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The RoundTrip Spring Roll Challenge is celebrating sustainable choices for everyday trips this Earth Month! The challenge is free and open to everyone ages 18+ in Dane County. This year’s goal is to reach 10,000 green trips for Earth Month. To participate, register with RoundTrip and log your eligible trips by bike, bus, carpool, walking & rolling all month for chances to win weekly and grand prize drawings. Prize sponsors include Ian’s Pizza, Willy Street Co-op, Forage Kitchen, Madison BCycle, and The Soap Opera.
RoundTrip is a free public program of the Greater Madison MPO that connects individuals & employers in Dane County with convenient alternatives to driving alone.
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Last year the Planning Division used a Madison Madness bracket to engage residents in the Southeast and Southwest Area Plans and learn about their priorities for future growth and development. Over 1,400 people participated. This year the City will focus on Madison’s downtown as part of ” Envision Downtown Madison, (link is external)” the City of Madison’s strategic partnership with Downtown Madison, Inc.
The Madison Madness survey will be open until April 6, 2026, and city staff will post a results summary on the Downtown Area Plan webpage after compiling the data.
Other Engagement Opportunities
In addition to this community survey, the City of Madison Planning Division and Downtown Madison, Inc. will hold their next joint public meeting on April 30, 2026. When available, the planning team will post the location and time on the Downtown Area Plan’s website and send this information to subscribers of the project email list.
Learn More and Stay Updated
Visit the City’s webpage to learn more about the Downtown Plan and stay up to date. The list is a primary way of announcing meetings and communicating other project updates for the Downtown Area Plan.
Make Music Madison 2026
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Get ready for Make Music Madison 2026! Registration will be open from April 1 through June 1, and we invite musicians, neighbors, and community groups to be part of this citywide celebration of music.
Whether you’re interested in performing or hosting an event in your neighborhood, now is the time to get involved. If you’d like support or want to invite a representative to speak with your group about how to host an event, please email info@makemusicmadison.com
Earth Day Challenge 2026
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! We are seeking 900 volunteers at 60+ parks, located throughout the city to assist with trash pickup, raking, trail clearing, and invasive plant removal. We supply gloves, garbage bags and rakes. Rakes at each park will be based on the number of volunteers registered.
DATE: Saturday, April 25, 2026
TIME: 10am to 12pm
LOCATIONS: Parks throughout theegistration to Volunteer is: Parks Volunteer Registration
Streets Division Updates
- Food Scraps Recycling Returns to Farmers’ Markets on April 11: The first market to see the food scraps drop-off return is the West Community Market (505 S. Rosa Rd.) on Saturday, April 11. More markets will start up later this spring. More details are available on the Food Scraps website.
- Brush Collection Begins Soon! When does brush pickup start for your neighborhood? You should check before you pile out your sticks and branches. Get the set-out dates on the brush collection website.
- Yard Waste Collection Begins Soon, Too! We didn’t forget about spring yard waste pickup. When are the dates for your home? You better check online before you pile out the bags of leaves or weeds! You don’t want to be late or early.