Seems like a few less things this week, but still plenty to help stay up to date about what’s going on in local government!
Neighborhood News and Updates
Southwest and Southeast Area Plan Survey Part 2, WE READ Program, No Mow May, and more!
Southwest and Southeast Area Plan Survey Part 2!
Thanks to everyone who completed Part 1 of the Community Survey! Careful analysis of Part 1 results is underway and a summary of highlights will be posted in the coming weeks on the Southwest Area and Southeast Area Plan webpages.
Part 2 of the survey is now available. Please take 10 minutes to answer a new set of questions that will help the city plan for a future to best serve the needs of current and future residents, employers, employees, community groups and all city stakeholders.
Madison Public Library – WE READ Program Just Began!
WE READ returns for summer with programs, activities, and giveaways for kids and families across Madison and beyond. This year, WE READ features a specially designed map drawn by local artist Emily Balsley (link is external). The map encourages kids to come up with a creative reading goal for the summer and fill in steps along the way to achieve their goal. The map is designed for children of all ages, and caregivers with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Throughout the summer, kids and teens can visit libraries regularly to fill out Share Your Voice prompts. These questions will rotate and are designed to foster self-discovery. Starting in August, everyone is invited to stop in and pick up their commemorative WE READ patch or keychain (while supplies last) to celebrate their reading journeys.
Low Mow May is Underway
Typically, lawns that are taller than 8 inches are subject to a notice from City inspectors that will direct the property owner to mow their lawns by a certain date or face a fine. To help with the “ Low Mow May” effort, the Building Inspection Division will once again push mowing enforcement dates into the month of June, allowing our pollinators more time to thrive.
Pollinators do best when lawns are maintained at 4 or 5 inches tall, which gives them easier access to pollen and nectar from flowers and plants like dandelions, clover, and violets. In order to preserve access to those plants and give them the opportunity to resprout quickly and flower, it’s recommended to raise your lawnmower deck and limit your mowing to twice during the month (every 14 days) instead of every 7 to 10 days.
Earlier this year, the Common Council passed a resolution to reaffirm the City of Madison’s commitment to supporting pollinator health and authorizing the City to take the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge through the National Wildlife Federation (link is external). The pledge includes several action items to support monarch butterflies over the next year.
Streets & Urban Forestry Division Update
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Free Electronics Recycling at Drop-off Sites: Televisions, laptops, printers, and every other kind of electronic is accepted for free at the Streets Division drop-off site. You just have to be a Madison resident. More information is available at www.cityofmadison.com/ecycle.
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Have You Herd? Free Food Scraps Drop-off is Back!: Free food scraps drop-off has returned to the Eastside Farmer’s Market. Saturday, May 3, the program returns to the Westside Community Market. We’re trying to reach 40,000 pounds of composted food scraps this year – which is the same weight of a (small) herd of bison! More information is available at www.cityofmadison.com/
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Last Round of Spring Yard Waste Collection: Everyone has had one yard waste pickup. There’s just one more collection this spring. Learn when you should set out your yard waste at www.cityofmadison.com/
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Brush Collection Continues: Brush collection continues all summer long. Learn when you should set out your sticks, branches, and other brush at www.cityofmadison.com/
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Drop-off Sites on Expanded Hours: Streets Division drop-off sites are now on expanded hours, and the Olin Avenue site is open for drop-offs evenings and weekends. More details about hours and locations can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/
DropoffSites.
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PROJECT UPDATES
Project Update: North Franklin Avenue and Stevens Street Resurfacing
Location: 422 N Franklin Ave.
Estimated Schedule: August 1, 2024 – September 12, 2025
May 2, 2025 Update
Construction on N Franklin Ave and Lynn Terr has started and should be completed around mid-September. The contractor has started with sanitary sewer replacement.
The City Inspector, James Gottschalk, jgottschalk@cityofmadison.com, 608-261-9115 will be the best on-site contact throughout construction work.
Project Update: Pheasant Branch Enhancement
Location: 8308 Excelsior Dr
Estimated Schedule: May 30, 2023 – November 30, 2026
May 2, 2025 Update
The Deming Way and Fourier Drive intersection will be closed beginning Monday, May 5th. The section of Deming way between Gialamas Way and Fourier Drive will remain closed through the start of June, 2025.
Once this section of Deming Way re-opens, the next section of street closure will occur on Fourier Drive near 1001 Fourier Drive to expand the capacity of the culvert (storm sewer) underneath the road.
Reconstruction of the ponds, greenway, and storm sewer in the Old Sauk Trails Business Park continues. This work is all part of a flood mitigation project, which will be completed in mid-March 2026. Various private utility relocation work will be ongoing throughout the project area.
For more information, see the Fact Sheet.
Project Update: East Isthmus and Yahara River Watershed Study
Location: 1820 East Washington Ave
Estimated Schedule: May 1, 2020 – December 31, 2025
May 1, 2025 Update
The East Isthmus and Yahara River Watershed Study is still underway. The City’s consultant, Tetra Tech, is still developing solutions to meet the City’s flood targets for the watershed. We anticipate there will be a public meeting later this year to share the solutions.
You may view the existing conditions flood modeling that was shared during the last public meeting:
Oct. 6, 2022 Public Information Meeting Recording
Oct. 6, 2022 Public Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
You can also view a Story Map called, “ East Isthmus Yahara Watershed Study Flood Mapping ” that describes how lake level flooding is addressed in the East Isthmus Yahara River Watershed Study. Note: Please view the story map using Firefox or Google Chrome browsers. Story maps are not viewable with Internet Explorer.
Project Update: Fire Station 8 Lighting Retrofit
Location: 3945 Lien Road
Estimated Schedule: September 9, 2024 – December 31, 2025
April 28, 2025 Update
Bidding documents for the Fire Station 8 Lighting Retrofit have been released on Bid Express. More information and dates can be found below in the Project Schedule. Bids are due June 05, 2025.
Have a Say in Who Serves You!
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As we prepare to hire the next class of firefighter/EMT recruits, we seek people like you to represent our community!
Candidates for the position of firefighter/EMT participate in a rigorous application, and your voice is an important part of that process.
Please consider joining our Community Panels to help interview the candidates aspiring to become City of Madison Firefighter/EMTs!
Interviews will take place Tuesday, July 8 through Thursday, July 10 at Madison College’s Protective Services Education Center (1701 Pearson Street). Food and refreshments will be provided. A full day’s commitment is requested.
For more information and to sign up, email Division Chief Paul Ripp at pripp@cityofmadison.com.
This content is free for use with credit to the City of Madison Fire Department.
MPD releases 2024 Annual Report
- Conducting a 90-day Body-Worn Camera Pilot Program
- Staffing Dignitary visits to Madison during the 2024 Presidential Election, which led to receiving a Team City award in 2025.
- Sending Officers from SET, SWAT and Mounted to Milwaukee to assist with the Republic National Convention.
- Creating the Madison Proximity Project to allow officers and community members to learn more about each other.
WE READ Summer Reading Program Begins May 1 at Madison Public Library
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MADISON, WI – Beginning Thursday, May 1, WE READ returns for summer with programs, activities, and giveaways for kids and families across Madison and beyond. This year, WE READ features a specially designed map drawn by local artist Emily Balsley. The map encourages kids to come up with a creative reading goal for the summer and fill in steps along the way to achieve their goal. Balsley, who has helped design many elements for the WE READ program, including the logo and the WE READ tote bag, also drew an accompanying sticker sheet full of expressive faces that kids and families can use to track their progress on their way to achieving their goal.
“The WE READ Map is a way to meet everyone where they’re at,” said Youth Services Manager Tammy Ocampo. “Whether you’re already a reader and want to choose a goal focused on reading a set number of books this summer, or you’re new to the library and want to explore reading through a different lens, there’s something for everyone. The beauty of this piece is that it’s flexible enough for various age ranges and interests.”
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The map can be used by an individual child or a family can use one map and set family goals. The map is designed for children of all ages, including for caregivers with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Then starting in August, everyone is invited to stop in and pick up their commemorative WE READ patch or keychain (while supplies last) to celebrate their reading journeys.
Throughout the summer, kids and teens can visit libraries regularly to fill out Share Your Voice prompts. These questions will rotate and are designed to foster self-discovery. Once they’ve filled out a Share Your Voice card or poster, kids and teens can share them with a library staff member to receive a prize. Prizes vary by location, but could include rainbow pencils and mini notebooks, mini maker kits, or customizable snap bracelets. On the Dream Bus ONLY, pick up sunglasses to stay cool and protect your eyes while you read outdoors this summer!
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For school-aged kids and teens, the WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest will be accepting submissions May 1 – June 30, 2025. The theme for the 2025 writing contest is “Roots,” and was chosen by this year’s Youth Ambassador and City of Madison Youth Poet Laureate, Justin Festge Russell inspired by the 150th Anniversary of Madison Public Library.
Aspiring writers in the Madison area, ages 18 and under, are invited to submit a short story, poem, song, etc. with the chance to win cash prizes, get recognized on the field at a Forward Madison FC game, be published in the Youth Voices Anthology, and participate as one of the featured authors at the Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration in October. Stories can be submitted online at madpl.org/youthvoices.
More WE READ Activities:
- WE READ bags will be available at each library location beginning May 1 and are free to pick up while supplies last. This year, they feature a refreshed design thanks to artist Emily Balsley.
- Babies and Toddlers can join music and movement-based storytimes and parents will find Literacy Tips on the digital screens at each library all summer long. Literacy Tips can help families on their reading journey in the library or at home as they work with their pre-readers to develop skills.
- Play spaces at all nine libraries feature toys that give kids opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and collaborating with their peers. Library staff have added new skill-building toys for babies and toddlers this summer.
- Art and making programs, Read to a Dog, Minecraft Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Summer Science, Graphic Novel Club, LEGO Club, Teen Writing Club, and more are available at library locations for youth.
“On May 10th, 17th, and 31st, we’re hosting parties at all of our locations to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Madison Public Library,” said Ocampo. “It’s the perfect time to visit a library, get or renew your library card, and pick up your WE READ materials for the summer.”
Learn more about WE READ and all of the activities available this summer at Madison Public Library by visiting madpl.org/weread.
The WE READ program is funded by Madison Public Library Foundation, Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation, Friends of the Madison Public Library, Roots & Wings Foundation, and Jane Doughty & David Wood.
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About Madison Public Library
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With more than 1.3 million annual visitors across nine library locations each year, Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for 150 years. Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org
About WE READ
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WE READ is an ongoing initiative at Madison Public Library focused on the joy of reading. The summer reading program involves many different elements for all ages, and encourages families and kids to explore different aspects of literacy, including reading, writing, creating, and playing. Visit madpl.org/weread to learn more.
Dane County Board Recognizes Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month and Celebrates 50 Years of the Hmong People, Culture, and Community
Madison – Tonight, the Dane County Board passed resolutions recognizing Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month & celebrated 50 Years of the Hmong People, Culture, and Community in the United States, Wisconsin, and Dane County. Supervisors Chawla and Yang read the resolutions and community members spoke on the 50 Years of Hmong People, Culture, and Community. Links to the special resolutions are here: 2025 RES-007; 2025 RES-004.
May 2025 is designated Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions, achievements, and resilience of APIDA communities across our country and here in Dane County. We honor the rich cultural heritage, enduring perseverance, and impactful leadership of generations of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans, even in the face of discrimination and systemic barriers. Let this month serve as a call to action to remember our shared histories, uplift APIDA voices, and reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive, equitable communities where all residents are valued and supported.
“Asian Pacific Islander Desi American people represent a rich, diverse group of cultures. Like so many, they share a common history of immigrating to the U.S., often overcoming tremendous adversity, to embrace the American Dream for themselves and generations to follow,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles. “In this time when the federal administration is dehumanizing immigrants, let APIDA Heritage Month be a reminder of how immigrants add to the rich American tapestry and strengthen our country.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Supervisor Chawla emphasized, “The APIDA community has a strong belief in the potential of America and has invested generations of work in achieving the American Dream and contributing to the fabric of our country. At this perilous time in our history, it is important to remember the reason we came to America and to provide the opportunities that we were given to all Americans, so we can work together to realize the full potential of our country.”
In addition to recognizing APIDA Heritage Month, the Board celebrated 50 years of the Hmong people, culture, and community in the United States, Wisconsin, and Dane County. This milestone honors the bravery, resilience, and contributions of the Hmong individuals who came to the U.S. as political refugees following the “Secret War,” also known as the Laotian Civil War, in Southeast Asia.
“Since their first arrival to our country and communities 50 years ago, the Hmong people, culture, and traditions have occupied an important place in communities across the U.S., Wisconsin, and Dane County,” said County Board Supervisor Brenda Yang. “The Hmong community continues to make significant contributions to Dane County’s culture, economy, education, and local communities.” This anniversary is a reminder of the endurance, strength, generosity, and leadership the Hmong people carry with them every day—and it reaffirms Dane County’s commitment to uplifting and supporting the Hmong community now and into the future.
Dane County community leaders reflected on the contributions of Hmong and APIDA residents in education, health care, public service, and the arts. The Board recognized trailblazers, including Gao Nou Vang-Vue, the first Hmong-descended principal in the Madison Metropolitan School District; Doua Vang, founder of the Southeast Asian Healing Center; and Mai Zong and Cher Peng Her, founders of the Hmong Institute, among many others. The Board also honored those who have served as County Supervisors and officials, including former Supervisor Ashok Kumar and current Supervisors Brenda Yang, Yogesh Chawla, Chair Patrick Miles, and Clerk of Court Jeff Okazaki.
The full agenda from tonight’s meeting is available here: https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1250228&GUID=40B6D352-0B67-45F2-9025-9101C26EE156
Water Main Flushing plans beginning Monday May 5th (all flushing is daytime unless otherwise noted)
MAP: https://www.cityofmadison.com/
North (Area 13) – West of School Rd. and south of Northport Dr; THEN between Wheeler Rd. and Northport Dr.
Southeast (Area 31) – East of Stoughton Rd. and south of Femrite Dr.
South (Area 18) – West of Park St. and south of Badger Rd.
West (Area 6) – Between University Ave. and Regent St. east of Franklin Ave.
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Questions: Shayne Santi, 261-9128
Flushing Information Line: 261-9178
DETAILS:
Area 13 (North): 4-6 runs per day
13106 Green Ave (Knutson Dr-Westport Rd)
13108 Westport Rd from Hallows Cir. To dead end
13107 Westport Rd down Hallows Cir.
13109 Knutson Dr. (Green Ave-dead end)
13110 Beilfus Dr. (Green Av- Crownhardt Cir)
13111 Brown Ln from Beilfuss Dr. to Sauthoff Rd.
13112 Beilfuss Rd & Crownhardt – Heffernan & Sauthoff
13113 Sauthoff Rd. (Green Ave – Veith Ave) and Veith Ave
13114.1 From W Sauthoff up Knutson Dr to No Name Ct
13114.2 Brown Ln (Sauthoff Rd – Pine View)
13115 Medow Valley Dr. from Sauthoff Rd. to dead end
13116 Pine View Dr. (Green Av. – Meadow Valley Dr.)
13117 Meadow Ridge Ln. (Green Ave. to Meadow Valley Dr.)
13118 Briar Crest St. from Brown Ln. to Meadow Valley Dr.
13001 Wheeler Rd (from Well to 381 ft N. of Ilene)
13001.2 Ilene (Wheeler to Debra)
13002 Wheeler Rd (Northland Manor Park – Kennedy Rd)
13003 Wheeler Rd (Kennedy Rd -Debs/Northport)
13003.1 Norway Maple Cir
13003.2 Weeping Birch Cir
13004 Kennedy Rd ( Wheeler Rd to Havey Rd)
13005 School Rd – Nancy Ln from Wheeler Rd to Bonner ln
13006 Fulton Ln
13007 Wheeler Rd – Sherman Ave (Delaware to Golf Course)
13020 Comanche to Wyoming (from Wheeler)
13022 Debra (Comanche to Ilene)
13023 Monica Ln (Comanche to Ilene)
13023.1 Montana Cir
13024 Monica – Judy (from Ilene)
13025 Debra to Barby
13025.1 Judy Cir
13026 Northland (Wheeler to Debra)
13027 Northland (Debra to Delaware)
13029 Nancy and Jay (from School to Northland)
13029.1 Jay Cir
13030 Havey (School to Mandrake)
13031 Mandrake Rd ( Havey Rd to Monica Ln)
13032 Barby Ln ( Northport to Havey Rd)
13033 Mandrake Rd (Havey Rd to Northport Dr)
Area 31 (East): 4-6 runs per day
31001 Tradewinds Pkwy – Jadon Dr to Marsh Rd
31002 Jadon Dr
9156 Tradewinds Pkwy – Jadon Dr to S. Dutch Mill Rd
9157 Galleon Run-Tradewinds Pkwy
9155 S. Dutch Mill Rd-E. Broadway to Femrite Dr
9133 Femrite Dr (Dairy Dr- Progress Rd)
9139 Dutch Mill Rd and Ellestad Dr from Femrite Dr
31008
9132 Femrite Dr ( Dairy Dr- Agriculture Dr)
9136 Agriculture Dr ( 10″ main)
9135 Agriculture Dr (6″ main)
9137 Dutch Mill Rd ( Ellestad Dr-Femrite Dr)
9140 Dutch Mill -E. Broadway
9141 Femrite Dr (Marsh Rd-East of Atla Ct)
9144.2 Marsh Ct
9142 Femrite Dr ( Hwy 90-East to McAllens Way)
9143 Femrite Dr- Long Dr
9144 US Hwy 12&18 (Motel 6)
31018 Water Main to Dane County Landfill
9145 Millpond Rd east end
9146 South side of Evan Acres Rd (Savannah Rd-Millpond Rd)
9147 North side of Evan Acres Rd-Savannah Rd
31022 Meier Rd north of Femrite Dr
9154 S. Dutch Mill Rd – Voges Rd
9153 Voges Rd (US Hwy 51-Marsh Rd)
9149 Marsh Rd (Tradewinds Pkwy- Voges Rd)
9151 Kipp St from Marsh Rd
9152 Kipp Cir
9168 Marsh Rd ( Siggelkow Rd-Yesterday Dr)
Area 18 (South): 4-6 runs per day
18088.3 1600 Emil St
18090 Applegate Rd ( Latham Dr – Greenway Cross)
18091 Applegate Ct – Greenway Cross
18092 Applegate Rd
18092.1 Perry St
18093 Latham Dr – Jonathon Dr – Perry St
18094 Syene Rd – Rolfsmeyer Dr
18095.1 Latham Dr – Post Rd (Jonathon to W end post)
18096 Greenway Cross (Applegate to Beltline Frontage Rd)
18096.2 Fish Hatchery Rd (Greenway Cross – Post Rd)
18096.3 Greenway Cross – Bryant Rd
18097 Stewart St (Applegate to Perry)
18099 Syene Rd (Stewart St – Post Rd)
18100 Watford Way (Stewart St – Post Rd)
18101 Kingsley Way – Watford Way
18103 Watson Ave (Watford Way – Syene Rd)
18104.1 Watson Av – Post Rd
18104.2 16″ Post Rd
18105 Post Rd (Watford Way – Latham Dr)
18107 Union Pacific RR – Whalen Ln
18107.3 W Beltline Frontage Rd – Bike Path to 1702 W Beltline
18108 W Badger Rd – Todd Dr – Service Rd
18108.1 Service Rd West of Todd Dr
18109 Whalen Ln
18110 Damon Rd (W of Whalen Ln)
18111 Service Rd (Coho St – Todd Dr)
18112 Todd Dr (Service Rd – Greenway View)
18113 Mcdivitt Rd – Ashford Ln
18114 Ardsley Ln – Ashford Ln
18115 McDivitt Rd (W of Todd Dr)
18116 Ardsley Cir
Area 6 (West): 4-6 runs per day
6006.1 Franklin Ave (University to Mason)
6006.2 Lynn Terrace
6007 Franklin Ave – Mason St (Regent to Shepard)
6007.2 Shepard Terrace
6007.3 Chamberlain Av – Shepard Ter (Franklin to S end Shepard)
6007.4 Van Hise Av – Shepard Ter (Franklin to S end Shepard)
6073 Barlow St
6074 Stevens St (Shepard to Quarry Park)
6008 Stevens St (Franklin to Grand)
6009 Kendall Ave (Franklin to Grand)
6010 Chamberlain Ave (Franklin to Grand)
6011 Van Hise (Grand to W end Van Hise)
6012 Mason St (Franklin to Grand)
6013 University (Franklin to Grand)
6013.1 Grand Ave (Regent to Kendall)
6014 Farley Ave – Park Place (University to Grand)
6015 Farley Ave – Park Place (Regent to Grand)
6018 University Ave – Birge Ter (Grand to E end Birge)
6019 Chamberlain Ave – Campus Dr (University to Paunack)
6020 Paunack Place
6021.1 Walnut St – University to Gifford Pinchot, 12″ Main
6022 Kendall Ave (Grand to Chestnut)
6023 Chamberlain Ave (Grand to Chestnut)
6024 Highland Ave – Speedway Rd (University to S end Speedway)
6025 Van Hise Ave (Grand to Elm)
6026 Chestnut St (University to Van Hise)
6027 Joss Ct – (Highland to Chestnut)
6028 Ash St (Regent to Van Hise)
6029 Chadbourne Ave (Ash to Roby)
6030 Van Hise Ave (Ash to Roby)