Dane County Board Dist. 10 Vacancy
So tired of people who resign and people being appointed instead of elected into these positions.
Dane County Week Ahead 11/18/24
17 meetings this week, many agenda items on the county board agenda. No missing agendas that I know of!
Dane County Week Ahead 11/11/24
With the budget over, the county resumes normal functions, lots of actions on jail project, airport and Alliant Energy Center
Dane County Week Ahead 11/4/24
Only 7 meetings (2 with missing agendas) at the County Board this week now that their budget is all wrapped up!
Dane County Week Ahead 10/21/24
Meetings only on Monday and Tuesday, the budget will essentially be finalized by Wednesday with only the rubber stamp from County Board yet to come.
Dane County Week Ahead 10/14/24
Only 4 meetings, but tons of information on the Personnel and Finance Committee committee budget amendment presentations from committees
Forward Lookout on WORT 10/7/24
Rebecca Kemble joins Brenda Konkel for another preview of city and county meetings for the week of October 7, 2024.
Dane County Week Ahead 10/7/24
County Board meets Wednesday for budget and a regular meeting on Thursday, lots of budget meetings and 2 missing agendas.
Forward Lookout on WORT 9/30/24
We recorded on Sunday for today's show, and we have an extended version that goes beyond what you will here on WORT 89.9 FM.
Dane County Week Ahead 9/9/24
Public hearings on the Dane County Department budgets and more.
Dane County Week Ahead 9/3/24
Three county board meetings on Thursday? Well, kinda . . . 5:30, 6 and 7 . . .
Dane County Week Ahead 8/26/24
7 meetings this week as the summer winds to an end.
Dane County Week Ahead 8/19/24
Dane County has plenty of meetings for the mid-August get your vacations in before end of summer typical government committee slump.
In other news . . . 8/11-8/17/24
Other news and events that didn't quite count as local news in the Konkel Round up!
Dane County Week Ahead 8/12/24
County Board is taking it on the road this week from downtown Madison to Schumacher Farm Park in Waunakee
In other news . . . 8/6/24 – 8/10/24
This segment used to be called the round up, but that's also the name of the local news summary on the front page, so I gave it a fresh look!
Dane County Week Ahead 8/5/25
Joint Presentation to about the Huber Program to Health and Human Needs and Public Protection and Judiciary and more.
7/29/24 Dane County Week Ahead
The county only has one meeting this week?
Dane County Week Ahead 4/25/24
Also less meetings this week at the county, but enough to be interested in!
Dane County Week Ahead 3/4/24
County Board meets this week and a handful of other committee meetings this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 2/26/24
No meetings on leap day! That's what I expected to see. 7 meetings the rest of the week.
Dane County Week Ahead 2/19/24
Joint meeting of Public Protection and Judiciary and Health and Human Needs to look at Youth in the criminal justice system and other meetings this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 2/12/24
County Board (and City Council meet this week), very few other county meetings!
Dane County Week Ahead 2/5/24
I didn't spot any really big topics, but plenty of stuff going on this week with some full agendas.
Dane County Week Ahead 1/29/24
Same apologies for going dark over January, lots of life got in the way.
Dane County Week Ahead 12/11/23
Only one meeting this week! Only two agenda items.
Dane County Week Ahead 12/4/23
Lake levels, funding decisions, more talking about the jail and more this week at the county!
Dane County Week Ahead 11/27/23
Another meeting to decide what to do about cost overruns with the jail . . .
Dane County Week Ahead 11/6/23
Final budget meeting! County board has one night scheduled.
Dane County Week Ahead 10/23/23
Only 9 meetings this week, 4 meetings cancelled (no meetings on Thursday), Personnel and Finance Committee (last stop before the board votes) takes up the budget!
Dane County Week Ahead 10/2/23
Budget season is upon us, county board meets this week and more!
Dane County Week Ahead 9/25/23
13 meetings, all with agendas, but there are more agendas hanging in the city county building . . .
Dane County Week Ahead 9/18/23
County board and a whole lot of other meetings this week. Summer break is over!
Dane County Week Ahead 8/28/23
4 meetings at the county this week, all today or tomorrow
Dane County Week Ahead 8/21/23
County Board also has a very active week as the summer comes to a close. And doh! forgot to post this morning!
Dane County Week Ahead 8/7/23
Plenty of county meetings this week, 1 oddly blank agenda.
Dane County Week Ahead 7/31/23
August mode - only 6 meetings, 1 missing agenda.
Dane County Week Ahead 7/24
Opioid settlement funds, how should they be spent? And more . . .
Dane County Week Ahead 7/3/23
Only three meetings this week - 2 on Wednesday, 1 Thursday.
Dane County Week Ahead 6/19/23
A full set of meetings crammed into 4 days this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 6/5/23
Late, but here's the updates for the county this week!
Dane County Week Ahead 5/15/23
County Board meets this week along with several other committees.
Dane County Week Ahead 4/24/223
County legislative agenda making its way through the process and several other meetings this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 4/10/23
10 meetings, 3 Board of Canvassers, Joint meeting on jail funding and 2 missing agendas.
Dane County Week Ahead 3/27/23
Only 4 meetings scheduled this week - no meetings Wednesday or Thursday
Dane County Week Ahead 3/20/23
County jail to stop housing federal prisoners? And other interesting things on agendas this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 3/13/23
Shipping jail inmates to other counties and such fun stuff this week!
Dane County Week Ahead 2/27/23
Not quite finished, not sure if I'll get there today!
Dane County Week Ahead 2/20/23
Here's all the county meetings for this week, usual stuff!
Dane County Week Ahead 1/23/23
Full agenda of county meetings this week, mostly routine business but a few interesting items
Dane County Week Ahead 1/16/23
Couple cancelled meetings (Tree Board, Land Information Council), committee of the whole for County board on jail population, a declaration of emergency for Dec storm and one missing agenda!
Dane County Week Ahead 1/2/23
7 meetings at the county this week as the new year gets started . . . slowly. Except for the jail - that is full steam ahead.
Dane County Week Ahead 12/19/22
Only one meeting this week . . . happy holidays!
Dane County Week Ahead 12/12/22
County board active shooter training, lots of committee meetings.
Dane County Week Ahead 12/5/22
Looks like a typical week of committee meetings for the county board this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 11/28/22
Only 5 meetings this week and two of them are the same committee!
Dane County Week Ahead 11/21/22
5 meetings this week, a couple each day.
Dane County Week Ahead 11/7/22
Budget could be done as early as tonight, however they have 2 additional nights planned if needed.
Dane County Week Ahead 10/24/22
Budget season in full swing, and lots of other meetings this week!
Dane County Week Ahead 10/10/22
A few committees doing budget this week and other things
Dane County Week Ahead 10/3/22
It's budget time! No meetings Tuesday or Wednesday due to Yom Kippur.
Dane County Week Ahead 8/15/22
Just a few county meetings this week, including the board of canvassers finalizing election results.
Dane County Week Ahead 8/8/22
Dane County meeting on the jail this week . . . and more!
Dane County Week Ahead 7/25/22
County also has a a lot going on this last week of July!
Dane County Week Ahead 7/18/22
County board meeting this week and many more!
Dane County Week Ahead 7/11/22
This weeks county meetings, several are going to hybrid format.
Dane County Week Ahead 7/5/22
Only 3 meetings - unless they just haven't gotten the agendas done yet?
County Week Ahead 6/27/22
A couple meetings tomorrow and Wednesday, but only 5 meetings.
Dane County Week Ahead 6/20/23
Hybrid meetings starting at the county. PFAS sampling results and more this week.
County Week Ahead 6/6/22
County board meetings this week . . .
County Week Ahead 5/23/22
Also forgot to post! Interesting times at the county, joint meeting on the jail, gender nuetral bathrooms, investigation at the zoo . . .
DENIED! In favor of being more thoughtful.
Instead of authorizing $1,000 per county employee, new county board Personnel and Finance Committee votes against proposal in favor of more thoughtful exploration of county employee wages.
Dane County Week Ahead 5/9/22
County committee leadership votes and much more this week!
County Board Committee Appointments are out!
Perhaps the standing committees will start meeting next week? See who will be on which committees!
Dane County Week Ahead
Lots and lots of cancelled meetings this week as the county board adjusts to its new members. Bored by the post, read Konkel Round Up!
Dane County Week Ahead 4/18/22
Not much for the county board this week - but the new supervisors will get sworn in on Tuesday!
Dane County Week Ahead 4/4/22
County Board meets this week with many lame duck representatives after the election on Tuesday.
Dane County Week Ahead 3/14/22
Somehow the County Board can manage to get quorum for their virtual meeting!
Overdose Spike Alert Issued in Dane County
It's been going on for a few weeks now, but Public Health just issued this alert.
Dane County Week Ahead 3/7/22
Full week with full agendas, opioid overdose alert, lakes/flooding updates and complaints from staff of color in two departments caught my attention.
Dane County Week Ahead 2/28/22
County Board meets to vote on MORE money for the jail, will it pass?
Dane County Week Ahead 2/14/22
Jail consolidation, PFAS and more this week!
Dane County Week Ahead 1/31/22
A little bit of this and a little bit of that plus Dane County Board meets this week, but lots of routine items.
Dane County Week Ahead 1/24/22
More jail updates, county hiring outside council to sue over PFAS cleanup, lots of routine items.
Dane County Week Ahead 1/3/22
A few more meetings than the city, but still a slow start to the new year.
Dane County – 10 Supervisors not running for re-election
County Board shake up in the works! At least 10 new people will be on the board, and potentially up to 18 of the 37 supervisors.
Dane County Week Ahead 12/20/21
4 meetings, most on Tuesday this week. While everyone else slows down, work on the jail continues.
Dane County Week Ahead 11/29/21
A handful of meetings on this quiet last week of the month, beginning of December.
Dane County Week Ahead 11/22/21
Only 4 meetings this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 11/15/21
County Board redistricting public hearing, lots of finance items that were likely delayed due to budget.
Dane County Week Ahead 11/1/21
Budget season meetings cancelled, but still moving towards a final budget amendments.
Dane County Week Ahead 10/26/21
Budget, budget, budget, budget - Personnel and Finance meets three times this week!
Dane County Week Ahead 10/4/21
Budgeting and redistricting, redistricting and budgeting! It's that time of year folks!
Dane County Week Ahead 9/27/21
Final vote on county redistricting maps and a whole lot more this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 9/20/21
Just a few meetings this week. Public hearing on redistricting on Thursday at 7:00.
Dane County Week Ahead 8/30/21
Homelessness, affordable housing, lake levels, COVID, erosion control and stormwater management and other cheery things on agendas this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 8/23/21
It's your Tuesday/Thursday week ahead . . . no meetings today or Friday, only one Wednesday.
Dane County Week Ahead 8/9/21
Not many county meetings this week - 7. Reports, budget recommendations, redistricing and who wins district 20 election.
How will the Extended Eviction Moratorium affect Dane County
County Board Supervisor and Legal Action of Wisconsin Attorney Heidi Wegleitner gives us the preliminary scoop!
Dane County Week Ahead 7/26/21
PFAS, PFAS, PFAS and some other items on the agendas this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 7/12/21
Who should be responsible for the PFAS contamination at the airport - Airport Committee discusses and more . . .
Dane County Week Ahead 7/5/21
County meetings this week - redistricting, change orders for the jail and spending more COVID related funds.
Dane County Week Ahead 6/28/21
5 meetings with 11 relevant agenda items, slow last week of the month.
Dane County Week Ahead 6/21/21
Also not that many meetings this week - county board meets this week.
Dane County Week Ahead 6/14/21
Still virtual, still chugging along . . .
Dane County Week Ahead 6/7/21
Feels like this weeks agendas are a whole lot of reports and presentations, not much legislation.
Dane County Week Ahead 5/24/21
Plenty of County meetings - update on the Jail project and the ARP funds the county is getting.
Dane County Week Ahead 5/17/21
County board has the $13M for people without housing to go from hotels to housing - but will there be landlords to rent to them?
Another County Board Resignation/Appointment/Barely Noticed Special Election
It's the new trend, I've lost count but I think its the 6th in about 4 or 5 years.
Dane County Week Ahead 5/3/21
County board meets this week, budget discussions for 2022 are starting and more . . .
Dane County Week Ahead 4/26/21
How will the county plan on spending the next $106M in federal funds . . .
Dane County Week Ahead 4/19/21
How will the county spend the $106M coming to Dane County? Find out Thursday night!
Dane County Week Ahead 4/5/21
County Board meetings this week, redistricting committee continues their work and more.
Madison City, Schools and Dane County Week Ahead 3/29/31
I'm late, but you didn't miss much, MMSD and Dane County have no meetings this week. City only had 2 yesterday . . . and 12 the rest of the week. Spring break, I guess.
Dane County Week Ahead 3/22/21
Jail change order, continued work on criminal justice reform and talking with Journey Mental Health.
Dane County Week Ahead 3/15/21
Only 8 (or 9?) meetings this week, quite the opposite of City. County Board meets this week.
National Homelessness Law Center on McPike Park
A little late, since the park is already closed. But interesting comment about FEMA funds and how they are paying 100% reimbursement for funding of hotels.
Dane County Week Ahead 2/22/21
Opposing F35s, Phosphorus in the lakes, Diversifying POS Agencies, Criminal Justice efforts, affordable housing and more.
Dane County Week Ahead 2/15/21
No meetings today or Wednesday. County board meets this week along with 6 committees meetings.
Dane County Week Ahead 2/8/21
Most of the county work goes on in committees, so if you are interested in any of this weeks items, now is the time to pay attention!
Daily Round Up – 2/3/21
Oooooooooo - remember these . . . . I'm slowly getting a portion of my life back, so here's one for today!
Dane County Week Ahead 2/1/21
Redistricting committee continues to meet and county board meets this week.
Dane County Board Week Ahead 1/25/21
Alliant energy center, amending jail consultant contracts, more covid funding decisions, purchasing land, zoning issues and more.
Tiny House Villages Update
I've been a bit delinquent in blogging the past few months because I've been busy helping build a tiny house village. Check it out!
County Board Week Ahead 1/19/21
County Board meets this week, along with a handful of committees, 10 meetings total.
Airport Commission Projects – Public Hearing Tonight (UPDATED)
Nothing bugs me more than when there is a public hearing announced, and no readily available information on what the public hearing is about.
County Week Ahead 1/11/21
Click on the agendas to find out how to join the virtual meetings. Here's the summary of what they will be discussing.
County Week Ahead 1/4/21
County Board meets this week and committees are slowly coming back to life at the county - and redistricting committee meeting.
Week of 12/21/20
Short week ahead, no school meetings, less than a dozen city and county meetings combined.
County Week Ahead 12/21/20
5 meetings all on Tuesday this week.
Week of 12/14/20
Brenda Konkel from forwardlookout.com and WORT's Dylan Brogan preview local government meeting in Dane County and Madison.
Week of 12/7/20
As it happens, a lot of closed sessions meetings this week. Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel joins WORT's Dylan Brogan to preview local government meetings and agendas.
Dane County Week Ahead 12/7/20
County meetings this week - also a robust schedule!
Dane County Week Ahead 11/23/20
5 meetings this week at the county.
Week of 11/9/20
Big budget meetings this week in Dane County and Madison. Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel and WORT's Dylan Brogan preview this week in local government.
Dane County Week Ahead 11/9/20
It's budget week at the county too! They may finish tonight, if not they'll be back on Wednesday.
Updates on Occupy Madison Tiny House Village at Wiggies (1901 Aberg Ave)
I blogged this yesterday at Occupy Madison, but what we accomplished in 3.5 weeks (and years of preparation) bears repeating.
Week of 10/26/20
The lovely Chali Pittman fills in for Dylan Brogan so you'll be spared the bad jokes!
Dane County Week Ahead 10/26/20
Budget amendments are being presented to Personnel and Finance Committee this week. Now is the time for public input - Health and Human Needs and Public Protection and Judiciary are on Wednesday.
3 ways to help the Wiggies Tiny House Village (OM North) this week!
There is a council meeting tonight for zoning, county meeting Thursday for funding and of course, there is always fundraising!
Sad News – Dane County Supervisor Paul Rusk passed away
From the Dane County Board press release:
Dane County Week Ahead 10/5/20
Budget meetings on the County Executive's budget put out just last week - you've read the whole thing, right?
Week of 9/28/20
Dylan Brogan rants about reducing the size of the council! How about 100 alders? and more . . . go Dylan go!
Homeless Services Needed before winter
The Education and Advocacy Committee of the Homeless Services Consortium wrote the following letters to Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway and County Executive Joe Parisi.
Dane County Week Ahead 9/28/20
Meetings on Tuesday and Thursday, and only 5 meetings total including county board and Exec meetings on Thursday.
Thursday/Friday Daily Round Up 9/24 & 25
The Friday Round Up is always the largest one of the week, lots of city updates on Fridays.
Mon – Wed “Daily” Round Up 9/21-9/23
Late, but still relevant information to be shared.
Weekend Round Up – 9/20-21
Weekend local news desert - and forwardlookout was slacking this weekend, working on tiny houses and police budget report!
Dane County Week Ahead 9/21/20
Budget season not yet started, affordable housing funds and criminal justice reform at a couple meetings.
Thursday (9/17/20) and Friday (9/18/20) Round Up
Was a really busy end of the week, but here's what I have!
Wednesday 9/16/20 Round Up
News round up and commentary, Dane County be a good landlord, Green Party side of the story and more.
Madison’s current thinking on implementing “mental health ambulances”
Last night at the Public Safety Review Committee we heard a report from the Fire Department on their research and recommendations/thoughts.
Week of 9/14/20
The nearly didn't happen week ahead with WORT . . . thank you Jonah!
Monday, 9/14/20 Daily Round Up
DNR news on drinking water and PFAS, music as economic recovery and the local government news rundown.
Dane County Week Ahead 9/14/20
Public Hearing on Dane County Human Services Budget, County Board meeting, redistricting, lake levels, mental health restoration center and more.
County Budget Hearings Tonight – What are YOUR priorities?
Now is the time to weigh in! Sending a loud and clear message now can shape future discussions, to the extent the county has public discussions on the budget.
Details on UW quarantine and shift to on-line classes for 2 weeks
Here are the details from Chancellor Rebecca Blank on what is being ordered.
This week the County discusses Criminal Justice Reform AND Criminal Justice Reform
Which flavor of criminal justice reform do you support? Which one does your county board supervisor support? Two different committees this week will discuss.
What you need to know about the CDC Eviction Moratorium
Good news, all properties covered, not just federally financed properties. Bad news, you have to take action to be protected and there are some limits.
Dane County Week Ahead 9/8/20
10 meetings, 2 have missing agendas. County Board budget hearings start this week.
Daily Round Up – 9/4/20
Here's your news round up and various other announcements and tidbits that didn't make it in to their own post!
Jail Derailed? Not quite.
Not sure what to think of this. Paused is good, completely derailed is better. I think they should vote on resolution 145 and set a clear direction.
More Timely, Improved Round Up
Ok - going old school, the way my round ups used to be. Going to post more frequently with more news in here - things that could be their own posts if I had more time!
Delinquent Round Up
I'm not going to admit how many days its been . . . but its been a while. Here's some of the latest!
Week of August 31, 2020
Dylan and Brenda discuss upcoming meetings, that city council meeting looks like a long one!
Dane County Week Ahead 8/31/20
County board meets, Executive Committee may vote on redistricting and special presentation on mental health ambulances.
Supervisors and Alders raise concerns about UW “Smart” Restart (Updated)
Dane County moved "Forward" and cases spiked, now the UW is going to do a "Smart Restart" with likely similar results. Fancy well branded names can't fool science.
Dane County Week Ahead 8/24/20
No lull this August, a full round of meetings with full agendas.
Airport PFAS Website
Dane County Regional Airport has created a PFAS Information Web Page, video etc., what can you find there?
Dane County Board Supervisors: Job Center re-opening jeopardizes workers
Here is the letter of concern they wrote to Madison and Dane County Public Health Director Janel Heinrich.
We know what we need to do to curb gun violence
We have all the recommendations, we just don't have the follow through/political will to put the needed money in the budget.
Dane County Week Ahead 8/17/20
No August lull in county meetings!
Don’t Count on Trump’s Eviction Moratorium to help you!
I mean, you're not surprised are you? Fair warning, its empty promises.
Week of August 10, 2020
Brenda Konkel and Dylan Brogan discuss what is up in the week ahead in local government meetings.
Dane County Week Ahead 8/10/20
County Board meeting, Public Health giving an update, redistricting and potential decision on size of the county board, and more.
COVID 19 and homelessness, what’s the plan?
So, in this new world we are living in, everything is constantly changing and plans made are reworked as change occurs. Focusing on the big picture and long term is hard when we don't know what the long term will bring . . . but . . . . there is a train wreck coming.
Madison Area Round Up Mon 7/20 – Sun 7/26
All the usual updates of upates and round ups of round up - plus a few extra things thrown in.
With reduced jail populations, do we need a new jail?
Thursday the Health and Human Needs Committee voted in favor of halting the jail, jail populations are down at least 40%, Madison police are arresting less people, we have new leadership on the Criminal Justice Council, can we actually bring our ourselves to create real change in the criminal "justice" system? Will any of this make real, meaningful change?
Dane County Week Ahead 7/27/20
Only 5 meetings and all their meetings are on Monday and Tuesday.
Dane County Criminal Justice Council Gets New Leadership
And they heard about a new report on the jail population.
How should the county spend its remaining COVID-19 money?
I've lost track, they were down to $2M, then the state said they couldn't spend the money they way they designated it, and now I think they have $33.8M.
Dane County Week Ahead July 20, 2020
2 missing agendas and discussion of what to do with remaining COVID funds and more.
How large should the county board be?
The county board wants input on how large the county board should be - your thoughts?
Want to serve on the Dane County Redistricting Commission?
They are seeking applicants to be considered! Here's all the info if you're interested.
Getting serious about mental health ambulances?
I've heard people talking about this for at least the past 5 years . . . but are we getting ready to do something about it?
Week of July 13, 2020
Brenda and Dylan back at it - running down the weekly meetings for city, county and schools.
Dane County Week Ahead 7/13/20
Lake levels, more funding/toys for the sheriff's office, budget discussions and department equity reports for budget.
Is Dane County Board serious about Black Lives Matter?
We're about to find out. Will the County Board Supervisors vote to stop plans to build the jail? Will they get more than 4 or 5 votes?
Week of July 6th
Dylan and Brenda run down what's happening this week in local government
Dane County Week Ahead 7/6/20
County Board meetings this week, redistricting, recommendations from Behavioral Health Subcommittee of the Criminal Justice Council and more.
Week of June 29
Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel and WORT host Dylan Brogan walk us through this week in (virtual)public meetings in Madison and Dane County.
How will Dane County Spend its $95M in CARES Act money
Well, here's the list . . . look what has been flagged as ineligible.
Alders, County Board Supervisors call for COVID-19 rebound metrics and more
Contract tracers, mandate masks in public, close bars and restaurants for in-person service and more. Plus serious questions about Chamber of Commerce roles in reopening plan when our elected officials were not asked for input.
Wed – Sun Round Up 6/24 – 28
Rounds ups of round ups and info you might be interested in.
Dane County Phase 2 COVID 19 numbers rising and why we aren’t required to...
So, the Dane County numbers are going up, up and up (4 to 5 times more new cases) and the percentage of test coming back positive are like they were end of March and beginning of April. But there's no going back . . .only forward.
Dane County Board Criminal Justice Reform Package
It's not enough until they decide not to spend $150M on a new jail and and figure out how to keep the jail population down 40% like it is now. And the triage center has to be the number one priority, so there are options other than the jail.
Dane County Week Ahead 6/29/20
Youth Commission discussion on current events, Lakes and Watershed budget, courts impact on reduced jail population and more.
Round Up June 19 – 23, 2020
Updates of updates and more updates, city and county.
Week of 6/22/20
Here’s Brenda Konkel and Dylan Brogan with a preview of what’s happening this week in the city of Madison and Dane County.
Overture Cutting Staff Positions – More info on Overture’s future next week
I'm sure they'll be coming to the taxpayers with their hands out again during the next city budget . . . the only question is how much?
Mega Round Up June 4 – 18
Well that got away from me. I. Can't. Keep. Up. Interesting times we're living in. Here's some mostly City related items you might be interested in. For up to date news, see the Konkel Round Up on the home page. Updated multiple times per day.
Dane County Government Week Ahead 6/15/20
Money continues to be liberally distributed, county board gets diversity training and public health update, 5 year consolidated plan, redistricting and more.
Judge Chris Taylor!
I like the sound of that!!!! Was sad she'd no longer be my Assemblyperson, but this is awesome!
Dane County Week Ahead 6/8/20
COVID-19 updates (jail and others), PFAS contract amendments for airport, funding for more homeless services (including security) and more.
County Week Ahead 6/1/20
County board meets to spend millions of dollars, redistricting is moving forward . . . and more.
Round Up May 25 – 28
Salvation Army shelter and alder updates, what city committee meetings can and can't meet, protests, meeting info and more.
County Board Seeking Input on how to spend the spent $95M
With $93 of the $95 Million already named how it will be spent, the county board is looking for input. Two meetings tonight to weigh in.
Public Health responds to Alders and Supervisors
I feel like its a bit of a non-answer and unsatisfactory. They say they can't get the data and they agree with some parts of the letter.
Alders and Supervisors express concern over reopening plans
Well - thank you alders and supervisors! The response from leadership was not so great.
Dane County reopening plan not supported by science
This is the full email by Dr. Gregory Gelembiuk to city and county elected officials showing why reopening now is not a good idea. It's politics and threats of legal battles vs. science yet again.
Round Up May 19 – 24!
Not much over the holiday weekend, but several things from the end of last week.
Dane County Week Ahead
Continued discussions on where $95M goes in the community, Criminal Justice Council meeting, Parisi to present at food council and more.
Where will the County $95M in CARES Act Funding go?
Nearly half of it will be already be publicly committed before the county board even meets to discuss it tonight.
Round Up May 13 – 18
Ya caught me slackin'. Here's the various round ups and information that doesn't merit its own post (heads up - it's long!), plus a little bit of random musings from me.
Week of 5/18/20
Important meetings and agenda items this week in Madison, Dane County and the Madison school district. With Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel and WORT's Dylan Brogan
Dane County Week Ahead 5/18/20
8 meetings, jail consolidation committee updates, $3.5M for childcare, what will county spend its COVID-19 money on, redistricting and more.
Round Up May 10 – 12
Here's another round up of rounds up and additional city and county announcements you may be interested in.
County Budget Instructions from Executive Joe Parisi
Sometimes I just hate repeating the propaganda . . . but here it is . . . will the jail be going forward?
May 6 – 9 Round Up
One more week and I'm free from my consulting job and will have only one full-time job and Forward Lookout! Then blogging can "return to normal"!
Dane County Board Week Ahead 5/11/20
County Board back in full swing! Only one cancelled meeting. They've figured it out, just make sure you register 30 minutes before the meeting if you want to participate.
Week of May 4
Dylan Brogan joins Brenda Konkel from Forward Lookout to team up again to let you know what is in the week ahead - city, county and schools!
Dane County extended State of Emergency means . . .
2 different staff people explain, this extends county ability to get federal funding reimbursements through July 15th - the "safer at home" order still expires May 26th.
County Board a “rubber stamp” for $95M?
Tonight the Personnel and Finance Committee will meet to discuss several items but among them is spending FEMA emergency funds and $95M in CARES funding, but the decisions have already been made and the funding is already being spent.
Weekend Round Up – May 1 – 3
Alder and bike updates, F-16 night flights, water main flushing and that's about it for the weekend.
Dane County Week Ahead
Retroactively approving $3,000,000 for food, homeless services contracts and small business loans. Personnel & Finance, CDBG, Board of Health, County Board and more meeting this week.
Tues-Thursday Round Up
Finishing consulting jobs and having a new full time job is kicking my butt - so here's a whole bunch of things that could be their own post if I had more time. Just a few more weeks and I'll only have one job and a blog!
Weekend & Monday Round Up – April 25 – 27
I think I got it all, but some things may end up in today's round up.
6 Dane County Projects get WHEDA tax credit awards, other don’t (Updated)
The Valor (veterans affordable housing) and Salvation Army not funded at this time, Salvation Army not eligible.
Week of April 27th
Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel and WORT host Dylan Brogan walk us through this week in (virtual) local government. Development, development, development.
Dane County Board Week Ahead 4/27/20
County Board Chair says, time to get back to business, committees can meet again. 5 are meeting this week.
Dane County Board Chair committee appointments are out
These are the most powerful Dane County Committees and who the Dane County Board Chair Analiese Eicher appointed to each one of them.
Wednesday & Thursday Round Up – 4/22 & 4/23
Updates and round up, random thoughts, city face mask policy, golfing, stormwater, salt, virtual Sustainable Saturday and more.
Tuesday Round Up – 4/21/20
Alder daily round up, homeless services consortium updates and thank you to community, federal eviction moratorium, childcare for essential workers, demolitions and more.
Meet your new Madison and Dane County Leadership
Both the Madison City Council and the Dane County Board elected new leadership yesterday at their "organizational" meetings.
Madison/Dane County, where will you apply for eviction prevention dollars?
The United Way recently gave about $800,000 to over 50 agencies for eviction/homeless prevention. If you are a renter, where will you apply?
Dane County Board to discuss public comment rules for the next two years tonight
The Executive Committee and county board staff made quite a few changes to how the public can give input to the county board. I'm encouraged by the changes so far.
(Adopted?) Dane County Climate Action Plan
Yesterday the plan was "released" and the press release said it was "adopted" on the same day? Beyond that curiosity, what does the plan say?
Monday Round Up – April 20
Konkel's random musings, council elects new leadership at tonight's meeting, or not? Alder updates, WHEDA looking for affordable housing input and more.
Friday & Saturday Round Up, April 17 & 18
Konkel's musings, Alder and bike updates, metro feedback and detours, water main flushing, plant sale and more.
Dane County Week Ahead 4/20/20
Alliant Energy Center Redevelopment Committee, new County Board and Cultural Affairs Commission Grant Review Subcommittee meeting.
Tue-Thurs Round Up – April 14 -16
Three days worth of announcements, updates, petitions, etc.
Meet your new Dane County Board
11 of the 37 county board supervisors will be new this year. 8 ran unopposed. These County Board Supervisors will get sworn in on April 21st.
Round Up – Monday, 4/13/20
Alder round up, fire dept objects to closing streets, committee assignments for alders, help get masks to health care workers, Conservation Congress voting tips from League of Women Voters, stimulus checks for people who don't make enough money to file taxes and more.
Round Up – Friday/Saturday, April 10 & 11
Konkel's observations, Alder, homeless services and bike updates, COVID-19 Wall of Shame, surveys, petitions, Conservation Congress voting, new judge appointment and more.
County Week Ahead 4/13/20
Tallying the election results and Office of Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board meeting.
Join Jail Protest tomorrow!
Join the motorcade or help to circle the jail while practicing social distancing and making yourself heard!
The Party for Socialism and Liberation - Madison...
Brenda Konkel new Executive Director MACH OneHealth
So, things may slow down a bit around Forward Lookout! Duty calls! Many regular posts will continue, but it will be a little harder to keep up!
Eviction Ban Updates from Legal Action of Wisconsin
FAQs and a video on the Eviction ban that was declared by the Governor on March 27th and goes through May 26th, unless extended.
Round Up – Monday and Tuesday, April 7 & 8
Elections (old news), homeless services and alder updates. Bus survey, demolition, Adams Outdoor advertising and more.
Week of April 6, 2020
Local government meetings go virtual and boards of canvassers resemble a famous physics cat, in this episode of Forward Lookout for April 6, 2020.
Follow the (Coronavirus) money rolling in to Dane County
$95M is coming to the County, $24.4M for our bus system, $1.1M in CDBG funds, Small Businesses (including nonprofits) to get forgivable Payroll Protection loans, we've been declared a federal disaster area and more on the way? Who decides where that money will go?
Dane County Budget and Coronavirus
On Monday, March 30th the Personnel and Finance Committee got an update on "Fiscal Impact of Coronavirus on Dane County." The minutes are from March 9th, the recording doesn't seem to be available yet, and there are no attachments with this presentation.
County Week Ahead 4/6/20
County board actually doesn't meet again to do business until May. 1 meeting this week that has one item on the agenda.
Provide PPE to homeless medical shelter workers
How do people working in homeless medical shelters not have PPE? I was thinking about this all night. I'd volunteer to be in the shelters, but I have diabetes so I couldn't do it without proper protections in place. However, the shelters don't have PPE like police and fire do, not even at the medical shelter.
Dane County Board Meeting Recap 4-2-20
1.5 hours of the county board doing committee work on the county board floor. Good to see some actual discussion at one of these meetings! Allowing committee meetings virtually, extending board terms if election postponed, jail phone calls and visitation, counseling services for homeless in hotels, benefits fraud investigators and farewells from the 9 outgoing supervisors.
Virtual Rally Today at Noon
Yes, a virtual rally! It's on Zoom at noon today and they are rallying to postpone the election.
Amid Pandemic: City, County and School Board take time off
After meetings this week, neither the City Council nor the County Board will meet until April 21st (3 weeks), School Board not meeting until the 27th (4 weeks)? Each body will meet only once in April. The mayor seems to be the only decision maker at the city at this point, with the council rubber stamping decisions. What roles should our alders, supervisors and school board members be playing in this pandemic? How are they representing us in this crisis?
County Week Ahead 3/30/20
Last County Board meeting of this County Board, they won't meet again until April 21st to be sworn in after the elections - hopefully we have elections!
Governor’s Orders: Landlord Entry and Evictions Prohibited
The governor issued orders today halting eviction actions (except to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking) until May 26th. But you still will be responsible for paying your rent.
Equity? 2 weeks later – Madison’s men’s homeless shelters still not sufficient for social...
Homeless men continue to be crowded into spaces where they can't social distance, and won't have a solution for night time until Monday. Day spaces to remain over-crowded.
Round Up – Thursday 3/26/20
Alder, housing, election and homeless updates, golf survey, men's shelter finally getting a larger place on Monday and more.
Round Up – Wednesday 3/25/19
Alder, elections and Homeless Services Consortium Round Ups, Metro Driver with COVID-19, police stations close, democratic process shut down concerns, housing and homeless updates and much more.
And still, the homeless shelters wait . . .
The shelters need more space for people to be able to appropriately "social distance" and to meet basic needs, people without homes are being forced to risk their health.
Dane County Airport Noise Complaint Form Useless
I've filled out the noise report form on 4 occasions and never once gotten a response - and neither have many others.
Madison/Dane County Press Conference on COVID-19
A summary of what Madison, Dane County and the Public Health Department are doing due to coronavirus and reminders to the public.
CDC Advice for Homeless Populations
This is the press release from the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty that says what we should be doing in our community, according to the CDC.
Updates on Madison/Dane County homeless services amid COVID-19
Homeless services are not subject to the state and Madison/Dane County Public Health orders limited gathering to 10 or more people, instead, homeless people are being forced to congregate to get life sustaining needs met - food, shelter, etc.
County Board Cuts off Public Input on Health Care of Jail Inmates
Several residents of Dane County tried to bring their concerns to their elected officials on Thursday and were denied. And the Public Protection and Judiciary meeting is cancelled this week. How do residents communicate with their elected officials in the world of coronavirus?
How’d that Virtual Dane County Board Meeting Go?
Dane County Board had a 46 minute virtual meeting where they have a 10 minute roll call, cut off members of the public for not being germane, allow virtual committee meetings and delay seizures of properties for not paying taxes.
Dane County Week Ahead 3/23/20
Who knew public hearings would still be going on? County has 3 meetings this week.
Madison Area Round Up – 3/19/20
Mostly housing and homelessness related today . . . most other immediate needs issues have been resolved or are on their way.
Dane County Board to Meet Remotely on Thursday
The county figured it out before the city? Not what I expected! Here's the details of how you want access the meeting.
Round Up – 3/17/20 ( EXTREMELY UPDATED!)
Things are flying at me so quickly and there are so many things to report, much of it is getting dumped here if it is not included in the basic needs guide or the Konkel Round Up news aggregation. Both those resources are being updated as quickly as I can! See end of the post for actions you can take from home!
Week of March 16, 2020
The longer version than what you will you on WORT - Many government meetings are cancelled due to the coronavirus response. WORT's Dylan Brogan gets the latest from Brenda Konkel on what meetings are still conveying and what comes next.
What does a Wisconsin, Dane County or Madison “State of Emergency” do?
I have found few people who can tell me anything except what most think of - calling up the National Guard and FEMA money from the federal government. What else?
Dane County Board to Meet Remotely Thursday
County Board staff sent out an email with the following instructions for committees as well as notification that they will test the use of "go to meeting" to be used for the county board meeting on Thursday.
Madison and Dane County Sunday Press Conference on COVID-19 (Updated with order)
Today at 2:30 there is a press conference, you can watch it live here. They will be announcing limiting gatherings to 50 in Dane County, more school closings and more.
Coronavirus: Meeting Basic Needs in Dane County
Being homeless, one paycheck away from being evicted or not being able to put food on the table in good times is hard in Dane County. Coronavirus is shutting down programs and suspending supports for those in need.
Madison and Dane County Plans for Government Meetings by Phone
The Common Council will meet on Tuesday and the County Board will meet on Thursday. They both have plans to pass ordinances allowing them to meet by phone.
Dane County Week Ahead – 3/16/20 (Updated)
3 - 5 of the 10 meetings cancelled. County Board and Executive Committee meetings still scheduled.
Dane County Human Services “Vision: Next” planning process
Is Dane County Human Services "Vision: Next" planning process another good sign of change coming from Dane County. Sort of? Hopefully?
Dane County Suspends Evictions (Cases) for a Month!
Order came out today saying that Dane County Small Claims Court cases are suspended for a month.
County & Coronavirus: Skype and Fully Remote Meetings?
Just 10 minutes after I posted about coronavirus and putting local government engagement plans on steroids, County Board Analeise Eicher sent out the County Board's current plans.
Coronavirus: An Opportunity to Enhance Local Government Engagement? (Updated)
Could coronavirus put local government's plans to make government more accessible on steroids?
Week of March 9, 2020
The long version of what you can hear every Monday on WORT's evening news - the chatty version.
Evening F-16 flights at Dane County Airport this week
With the decision about the F-35s looming over the community, this seems like an odd choice. Feels like they are taunting us at this point.
Dane County to start audio recording meetings!
What a difference leadership makes at the county board level! For years leadership fought efforts to record meetings. Now, standing committees on the county board will be! Transparency and accountability!
Dane County Week Ahead 3/9/20
F-35s resolution, update on PFAS public meeting, jail needs two more change orders and more.
Who Signed on to the County F-35 Resolution?
The County board only sent letters for the draft EIS, this time they have a resolution before the county board.
Week of March 2, 2020
Audio version of the three Week Ahead Posts and longer version than you will hear on WORT 89.9 on the Monday evening news.
“Informal” City-County Homeless Shelter Committee Exposed
This morning Dean Mosiman from the State Journal had an excellent article about the "barely humane" men's homeless shelter. But did it expose illegal meetings by the "informal" city-county homeless shelter committee? And what exactly is this committee doing? Here's what I found out.
Does Dane County Census Office need more workers?
Elected officials keep talking about the census jobs they need to fill. Question is, do they need more people to apply, or do they just need to process the applications they have?
Dane County Week Ahead – 3/2/20
Updating public input rules, how many supervisors should they have after redistricting (currently 37), land purchases, AirBnB ordinance and more.
Rep. Chris Tayor and Community Response to Final EIS on F-35s
At 10:30 today there was a press conference where Rep. Chris Taylor and community leaders spoke about the final Envionrmental Impact Statement on the F-35s and what is said, or didn't say!
Local Government Ignores the Basics of Resident Engagement
This week the City of Madison agendas are a mess, the county only posts some agendas on-line, School Board meets in closed session more often than open and doesn't have minutes for months, and the School Board, City and County have been posting meeting a day or two before the meeting.
Dane County has ZERO paid lobbyists registered in 2020
In 2019 there were only 3 registrations from 2 organizations. In 2018 there were 3 registrations all from the same organization.
Dane County Redistricting is Coming!
I wrote about redistricting knowing that it is coming up "soon", then meetings got cancelled and it wasn't on the agenda for the next meeting to follow up. Here's what was discussed that was not in the minutes from the January meetings.
Dane County Week Ahead 2/24/20
Land purchases, establishing a fines and fees committee, figuring out the Human Services Board function and lots of routine items.
Media Fail: EIS on F-35s is a decision making tool, not a decision
Reading local headlines one would be led to believe that the EIS was some sort of determination that Madison is still the number one choice for F-35s. That is not what an EIS is . . .
How Did the Air National Guard Respond to Madison’s Comments on F-35s?
How did the Air National Guard respond to the over 6,000 comments made by the public during the comment period for the Draft EIS? I'm not impressed.
Final EIS for F35s is out – How did Madison Rank?
This is a quick look at the final Environmental Impact Statement released today by the Air National Guard. It contains their analysis of how they will impact our community or 4 others.
Second Denial of County Board Open Records Request
Who decided what is in the final Dane County budget package that is presented and passed WITHOUT DISCUSSION? I'm going to find out, one way or the other. Looks like I'm gonna need lawyers, guns and money. (ok, no guns.)
Who is the County Board thinking about giving a raise to now?
"Constitutional Officers Compensation" has been on the Personnel and Finance Commmittee agenda for the last two meetings. What's it all about?
Dane County Week Ahead – 2/17/20
Plans for Alliant Energy Center plowing ahead, county board meets, active shooter training and more.
Video: Warning, think before you eat Lake Monona and Starkweather Creek Fish
Only 1 meal (8 oz) of bluegill a week and the rest of the fish only each once a month. Don't touch the foam either. Other lakes haven't yet been tested, but will be.
Video: F-35s, PFAS, Truax and You – A Forum
In case you didn't brave the snowy weather on Sunday and missed the forum, here's the video for you and shorter clips if you want to skip around!
F-16s will be flying during evening hours this week
Here's the notice from the Wisconsin Air National Guard with the times that they will be taking off or landing at the Dane County Airport.
Dane County Board Week Ahead – 2/10/20
Purchasing properties for parks and emergency management, smoking at Alliant Energy Center, coronavirus updates, Airport Commission talks PFAS and more.
Recap: So, who got elected to Dane County Board leadership positions?
Last night the county board met to fill the positions of 1st Vice Chair and 2nd Vice chair. Who won the elections?
What are Dane County’s Plans for Redistricting?
I was going to go to the Executive Committee tonight and listen in, but the meeting was cancelled. But then I got curious!
Still waiting for open records request regarding County Board Budget
Who decides what is in the Dane County Budget amendment that takes all the county board supervisor amendments to the budget, and some news ones and decides what is in, what is out and what gets modified? Don't you want to know?
Week of February 3
This week in local government: The Dane County boards support a union for UW nurses. Madison takes aim at robots on sidewalks. And the Madison school district puts pen to paper on a contract for its new superintendent.
Dane County Week Ahead 2/3/20
County Board meeting Thursday, Redistricting, AirBnB ordinance at Public Health, presentation on Novel Coronavirus and more.
Round Up – 1/31/20
PFAS, digital inclusion, f-35s, eviction clinic closed this week, youth homeless county, upcoming demolitions, snow plow updates and more!
Week of January 27th, 2020
Dane County will get the latest design plans for the new jail. The city of Madison considers hiring new department heads and a lot of new housing units. And the Madison school board meets in closed session again, this time to discuss expected litigation.
What is the Dane County doing to clean up PFAS at the County Airport?
Here's what the County Attorney had to say to the Lakes and Watershed Commission last Thursday. They have complied with all the DNR requests. But can they do more?
Dane County/Madison Public Health on PFAS & Fish Advisories
Don't eat fish from Lake Monona or Starkweather Creek more than once a month, bluegills can be eaten once a week. See what else the public health department has to say!
Pierre Sprey on the F-35 Boondoggle (Video)
F-35s blow up if they get hit by lightening? They can't fly if the sun is out and its too hot? They won't be a defense for the midwest, they can only fly short distances without being refueled and more.
Dane County Week Ahead – 1/27/20
Purchasing more land, Alliant Energy Center agreements, purchasing property in Fitchburg for County Emergency Management, Jail Design Presentation, Human Services Board presentation to Health and Human Needs, Health Department Intergovernmental agreement and more.
Round Up 1/23/20
Didja miss me? 3 trips to the ER and 2 admissions, but I'm back! Here's a round up of a bunch of random that I didn't cover in the past week.
Homeless? No Dane County services for you!
Ugh. Well, some services yes, some no. Finally, the CCS program is going to do a one-year trial and will not require a "place of fixed habitation" to be able to get case management and substance abuse services.
Dane County Week Ahead – Committee Agendas
A look on what's on the Dane County committee agendas this week! PFAS updates at Lakes and Watershed meeting, jail deflection and diversion report, county board meeting and more.
Take Action: Trump trying to undo Fair Housing laws
Comment due to the federal government by March 16 - see below from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to get more info and submit comments. Consider commenting today.
Round Up
Hello world! Here's a little round up of things that have come up in the last week you may be interested in - all local government or community related.
Denied: Where did the final county budget package come from?
So, after waiting 64 days for a response I was informed that my open records request was denied. So I wrote a new one! I'm determined to find out who makes the final budget approved with little to no discussion or debate.
Dane County Week Ahead 1/13/20
Lame duck session in effect, last week the full county board cancelled their meeting, this week Public Protection and Judiciary and no agenda for Health and Human Needs.
Engage Dane: #irony
More illegal meetings? Some county board members, not a committee with open meetings, but a group appointed by Chair Sharon Corrigan came up with a report on how to increase public engagement, without engaging the public. Or the rest of the county board. Who even knows about the report?
No response from Dane County to my open records requests
So, I'm trying to figure out how the Personnel and Finance Committee hears a whole bunch of information about all kinds of budget amendments then goes away and comes back with a tidy package exactly balanced and has no discussion. Where is that discussion happening?
What Does the Dane County Zoo Commission Do?
I bet they were really busy during this time that the County Executive and the Zoological Society were fighting over $8 million dollars and the sheriff was investigating the theft! Not. So who does make decisions about the Zoo?
County Board vs. County Executive spat
Why does the county board need to hire an outside expert? The county board is planning to hire Pines Bach LLP as a consultant for $15,000 and if things can't be solved they will go to the Wisconsin Attorney General as a "neutral arbiter."
Week of January 6th, 2020
Dane County is getting feedback on how it provides mental health services, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway is talking transit and the search for a new superintendent for the Madison public schools continues.
Dane County meetings you won’t find on line
Sigh. There is a huge problem with the way I do the "county week ahead". I only include meetings available electronically on-line . . . but there is a whole other set of meetings that don't show up unless you drive to the city-county building and look at the bulletin board.
Who Governs Dane County and Madison Public Health Department?
The County Board and City Council both pass the department budget, and from time to time you see ordinances changes, but who is in charge the rest of the year? Looks like no one.
County Week Ahead 1/6/20
County Board meeting cancelled, public hearing on gaps in mental health and AODA treatment, parks plans and more.
Local Government Guide is Back!
This work was initially done by myself, Brenda Konkel, for Progressive Dane about 3 years ago. Technical difficulties happened and over the past three years I continued some of the work here at Forward Lookout. I'm in the process of merging the work and expanding the guide. Let me know what you think!
How Much is in Candidate Campaign Warchests?
I took a look at what people had in their campaign accounts coming in to the 2020 Spring Elections for Madison City Council, Madison School Board and Dane County Board of Supervisors - for those who had campaign accounts in 2019. Here's what I found.
Madison/Dane County/School Board Hide Behind Open Meetings Laws?
So, nothing is worse than when public officials use open meetings laws to thwart public information. I was reminded about how they did that with the Cap Times during the F-35s debate. See what I found in my open records request.
17 Illegal Dane County Board Meetings in 2019?
Command central of the county board meets in a "Pre-Board Meeting Chairs Meeting" on Thursday's at 3:30 a week before each board meeting. I'm told there are no agendas or minutes of these meetings. So, what do they talk about?
Madison and Dane County Week Ahead
There are two local government meetings this week at the City of Madison, Madison School Board and Dane County Board . . . that we know of.
Madison Area Round Up
A round up of things you may be missing around the holidays. Not much going on with local Madison, Dane County and School Board government, but here's a few things that may be of interest.
Dane County Board Recap
From Thursday night - the brief, final meeting of the year where they approve an additional $11M for jail consulting services, allow refugees in Dane County, mental health access center and more.
No Week Ahead!
Enjoy the government meeting free holiday week! No city, county or school board meetings scheduled for next week!
How many new faces will we see on the county board?
9 people have officially stepped down, 2 more seem extremely likely. 2 incumbents have challengers, could be up to 13 of 37 new faces as of now!
Refugees welcome in Dane County (Updated: And WI!)
Madison, WI - Dane County Board telling County Executive Joe Parisi to "offer consent to initial refugee resettlement" to comply with Presidential Executive Order.
Dane County Jail Consultants to get 197% Increase in Contracts
Madison, WI - $11M increase. Extended project timeline, revisions to plans, different sub-consultants added to the cost. A parting gift from 11 (or more?) outgoing supervisors.
Mapping Prejudice in Dane County?
Madison, WI - Tonight the County's Zoning and Land Regulation is going to be looking at if Dane County (including Madison) could do a project similar to what Hennepin County is doing - mapping structural racism in housing through deed restrictions. Check out what they found!
Week of December 16th
Madison, WI - A brief rundown of the week ahead for City, County and School Board meetings covered on Forward Lookout in podcast format.
Madison Voters: Check Your Voter Registration! (Updated)
Alders were asked to help spread the word. As of last Friday you may have been taken off the voter registration lists.
Dane County Week Ahead
Madison, WI - Dane County meetings about mapping prejudice, racial disparities in the criminal justice system, gaps in the behavioral health system, consent to receive refugees in Dane County, Universal Access Call Center and more.
No one running for some seats on School Board and County Board
41 seats up for elections, 2 are contested and 9 have no one filing anything. 2 people officially on the ballot so far. Papers due January 7th - 29 more days. Media silence, so who even knows they should be thinking about running?
Trumps Appointment of Robert Marbut will destroy US Homeless Policies
Madison, WI - Good grief! Our policies around homelessness were already in need of reform, but appointing this man who wants to hide homeless people, ban feeding them and criminalize homelessness to lead the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness is a nightmare. See what you can do ASAP.
What should the Madison Education Committee work on?
Officially, this is the City of Madison Committee, but it has Alders, Dane County Board Supervisors and School Board members along with Mayor and School Superintendent reps. It could be an impactful group! They voted to change the name to City, County, Schools Collaborative Committee (CCSCC). They were almost convinced to disband, but were re-energized with new members after the elections last spring and are discussing what they should be working on.
Dane County Week Ahead
Dane County committee meetings this week include discussions about equity plans, dredging, behavioral health call center and the Criminal Justice Council meeting.
Round Up for Madison and More – Fri 12/6/19
Madison, WI - The long night homeless memorial, police survey, census update, voter "mover" notice, new fair housing app, parks updates and more!
Public Health Madison & Dane County Immunization Policy Position Statement
Tonight Public Health Board for Madison and Dane County will be considering the following position statement and making the following recommendations:
Cats and Dogs Oh My!
Do you register your cat, or dog? Or bike for that matter? Cat fees going up, "dog license tax" going up! Fees and taxes going up, up, up as the city tries to stay under the state imposed levy limits.
Forward Lookout on WORT
The impact of F-35s on affordable housing, Urban Forestry fee going up and Madison elementary name change, all these agenda items and more with Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel and Dylan Brogan.
Beltline Shoulder Usage a Racial Equity Issue? (Updated)
Here's the city staff report on Beltline shoulder usage that will be discussed at the Transportation Policy and Planning Board tonight at 5:00. I was surprised by the staff spin on the issue.
Catching Up: What Happens When Town of Madison Goes Away
In October 2022, how will Madison and Fitchburg split the Town of Madison's assets? What will happen to their employees? How does this work with redistricting? Are the town's properties under assessed and what happens with the city's higher tax rates? How will we give Town residents the same level of service when we won't get levy increases sufficient to do the work? So many questions!
Time to Start Circulating Nomination Papers!
Today is the day that candidates for County Board (37 Seats!), School Board (3 seats) and City Council (1 seat) can start circulating nomination papers . . . but shockingly few have filed paperwork to allow them to begin!
Round Up Saturday 11/30/19
Looks like its time to clean out my inbox! Here's some things you might find of use! Parks, Bikes, Buses, Events, MPD survey, downtown neighborhood news and more.
Video from No F-35s Black Friday Protest at Capitol
Music (Mary Gaines and Chris Wagoner), great speakers (Vicki Berenson, Brian Benford, Angela Jenkins, Jesse Pycha-Holst, Brandi Grayson and Rebecca Kemble) and more music (Lou and Peter Berryman)!
County Week Ahead
F-35s impact on housing, Board of Health Immunization policy, lake management quarterly report, creating universal access center and more.
Thankful: A Tiny Step Towards Housing (formerly) Homeless Individuals
Recently Occupy Madison held a 5 year anniversary party for the Occupy Madison Tiny House Village - and it was a reminder that the hard work and perseverance was so worth it. Here's a brief look at the event and how you can help.
Black Friday No F35s Protest at the Capital
Music and speakers noon - 1, march at 1:00. Here's the details and other Safe Skies Clean Water updates.
Dane County Mental Health Report
Only the State Journal reported on this special meeting of the Dane County Board where they heard the results of the mental health study. Here's the rest of the details of that meeting including recommendations and exploring what those recommendations mean for Dane County.
County Board Supervisors Urge Appeal in Cardinal-Hickory Line Proposal
County is dragging its feet in filing an appeal, County Board members urge action before appeal deadline of December 16th.
County Week Ahead
4, er, 3 or 2? meetings - Public Works and Zoning.
Dane County Board Recap
Compromise reached (?) on mental health and substance abuse funding so no veto override, lawsuit (?) over Cardinal-Hickory line and routine items.
Who’s Running in Spring Elections?
41 seats are available for County Board, Madison School Board and City Council. People can start circulating nomination papers in 9 days! Are you ready?
Round Up, Tuesday, 11/19/19
A bit overdue, but here's what I've got!
County Executive Signs Budget, Vetoes What?
On November 15th the County Executive sent out a press release saying he signed the 2020 Budget. However, the County Board Agenda is being amended to include a veto over-ride. Say what?
County Week Ahead
Computer woes slowed me down, so I missed 2 meetings this week, but there are 17 more! Including County Board meeting this week.
Homeless Bills Stalled in Legislature til January
Here is the update from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness. This is an initiative both the city and county have given a couple thousands of dollars a year to.
Big Dane County Budget Night Meeting!
County Board budget night lasted less than an hour . . . no discussion on the capital budget. Limited discussion on two amendments to the operating budget totalling $2,480. No public input. But plenty of speecifying.
Round Up – Monday, 11/11/19
Snow plowing updates, F-35 updates, Judge Doyle Square neighborhood meeting, upcoming events and neighborhood meetings and more!
Final Vote on County Budget Monday
Well, they have meetings scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, but I'll eat my hat (and my scarf and gloves) if they aren't done Monday.
County Week Ahead
County Budget scheduled for three nights, but it takes about an hour. Jail presentation at Public Works and Transportation, Journey Mental Health Update at Health and Human Needs, fines for illegal stormwater discharge and more.
Dane County Board Recap
A little discussion on if county board chairs should get paid $100 more a month, some technical corrections and a spat about what gets referred to committees. Lots of absences!
Round Up, Thursday 11/7/19
Various city updates, Cookies with a Cop (?!?), Occupy Madison 5 year Anniversary, Housing Openings at the YWCA and more!
2 County Board Supervisors Already Declared Not Running in the Spring
Nomination papers to run for county board can officially start being circulated on December 1st (about 3 weeks!) Rumors of multiple incumbents not running are circulating. Will you run for county board?
County Board Finance Committee 43 Budget Amendments, 9 Fee Changes in 45 Minutes
Now that's efficiency! And lacking in transparency and public accountability! Who did actually decide what made it in to the amendment packets and what didn't?
County Board Budget “Uber Amendment” is out
Let's take a look at what magically appeared in what must have been discussions held behind closed doors between last Wednesday and tomorrow night when the Personnel and Finance Committee meets and likely unanimously approves this package with little public discussion.
Round Up – Monday 11/4/19 (UPDATED)
A hodgepodge of mostly City updates, including Free Thanksgiving meals and Madison Activist Calendar Updates.
County Week Ahead
Tuesday is the night when the Personnel and Finance Committee votes on their final recommendation to the budget, see what they are proposing later today. County Board meets Thursday.
3 Nights of County Board Budget Meetings
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the Personnel and Finance Committee heard presentation on amendments that passed committees and was the public's last chance to speak on the county budget. Very few non-county employees showed up to testify. The committee votes on their recommendation next Tuesday, 11/5 and County Board votes less than a week later on Monday, 11/11. Let's see what's still on the table!
Round Up, Thursday Oct. 31
Starts with the snowplowing updates, and can only get better from there!
Jail Project Updates
Tuesday night the "Jail Consolidation Committee" and Public Protection and Judiciary Committee had a meeting where they got a presentation on the jail progress. Wednesday night the jail project was presented to the Urban Design Commission.
Last Chance for Public Input on County Budget Amendments
Tonight, tomorrow night and Wednesday night!
Round Up – Monday, October 28
A little bit of this and a little bit of that. Updates, alerts, community meetings, etc.
County Board Pay Raises
On the 18 page Personnel and Finance agenda you will find that county board members are proposing giving supervisors (previous 33% increase) and the county board chair (previous 40% increase) more raises and paying committee chairs an additional $100/mo.
County Week Ahead
Budget, budget, budget, county board pay raises, jail updates and Intergovernmental agreement between City and County for Public Health.
What does the Dane County Mental Health Report Say?
Well, its 91 pages and still reading, but here's some highlights! Here's the main recommendations and some points of interest!
County Mental Health Study – Lacks Critical Information
Due to lack of cooperation from local providers, the long-awaited Dane County Mental Health Study is lacking in critical information
Familiar Faces?
A.k.a. "frequent flyers" . . . people with mental illness and substance abuse issues that are in and out of jail on a regular basis. (335 people with more than 10 stays in 3 years) What does the Criminal Justice Council think should be done?
County Board Budget Amendments
Here's the budget amendments being considered by county committees this week! Check the links frequently for changes.
County Week Ahead
21 meetings, plus 2 more that are cancelled. It's budget time!!
Round Up – Sat 10/19/19
Updates for the week ahead, a little weekend treat for you!
Thursday Round Up 10/17/19
So much going on, here's city announcements, school board announcements, community events and more.
Great Homeless Services and Housing Overview
This is an excellent overview of the city and to some extent county homeless services system, some challenges and how they are approaching the housing needs at this moment, after Rethke and Tree Lane. And why.
Homeless Services Consortium Recommendations for County Budget Tonight
Here's the recommendations of the City-County Homeless Issues Committee. In case you are going to the public hearing tonight, you might want to mention some of these needs. Please and thank you!
Tues. Round Up 10/15/19
Some changes here . . . but still plenty to round up! Let me know what you think!
County Board Budget Debate Heating Up!
I'm late to the party here, Executive Budget has been out for two weeks - public hearing tomorrow night in front of the entire county board and amendments will be flying through committees soon. Here's the info you need to know!
Weekend Round Up 10/14/19
Friday's was jam packed, this one is a little light. Lots of items in the news columns tho!
County Week Ahead
9 meetings. No meetings Monday or Tuesday? Budget meetings on Wednesday, County Board meeting Thursday.
Round Up! Fri 10/11/19
Running late today, read why! News, tons of city updates and here's what you need to know, longer than usual!
Will the Presidential Debate including Affordable Housing Issues?
Well . . . maybe. Here's something easy you can do TODAY! to help make it happen and further the fight for affordable housing. Post content is shamelessly stolen from the National Low Income Housing Coalition because it has such good information in addition to the call to action!
Round Up, Thurs. 10/10/19
News, events, city updates, meeting reminders and more!
Round Up & Mo’ Meetings – Wed 10/9/19
Should people drive on the beltline shoulder during peak traffic?, PFAS reports, Airport Commission rescheduled, news and more.
Weekend Round Up (10/7/19) & Mo’ Meetings
News, events, updates from the city and more!
Dane County Board Budget Process
Shamelessly stolen from Dane County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner's email to neighborhoods she represents. I haven't seen this detail of summary any where else.
County Week Ahead
One week after Parisi released his budget, several committees already have budget amendments (not attached) on their agendas. F-35s discussed by EOC and Equity and Inclusion. Listening session on homeless budget.
Are we ending homelessness in Dane County?
So hard to tell. Based on the point-in-time count (one of several measurements) compared to 5 years ago family homelessness is down by 37%, singles and chronic homelessness are about the same, and veterans increased by 4 persons.
Thursday Round Up and Mo’ Meetings
Mo' meetings, news and very little extra to add today. With Rosh Hashanah, budget, flooding and Koval's retirement, seems like there is room for little else!
Round Up – Wed 10/2/19 & Mo’ Meetings
Mo' meetings, news, city and county budgets are out, city updates, housing and homelessness updates and more.
What’s in Joe Parisi’s County Budget
Well, who knows, its hard to wade through quickly (1024 pages). Here's what he wants you to know! i.e. propaganda. We will hear more throughout the next few weeks as supervisors and members of the public dig in.
Weekend & Monday Round Up (10/1/19) & Mo’ Meetings
Skipped yesterday, trying to catch up - here's what I have.
Dane County Monitoring Forecasts of Heavy Rains
Dane County Press release regarding flooding . . . nothing to see here folks . . .
County Week Ahead
It's budget season! A couple meeting where departments start presenting their budgets. County Board meets on Thursday.
Friday Round Up 9/27/19
This is oh so very late . . . hopefully you are out having fun and starting your weekend. So, for the record, here's what I got and you can read later!
Flooding Updates
3 inches of rain predicted, what will that mean? Here's the latest email update. See info below to sign up for your own updates!
Thursday Round Up – 9/24/19
News, gardening events, looking for hosts for international students, fair housing training, Tenant Resource Center volunteers needed, etc.
F35 Comment Period Deadline Friday
Comments to the National Guard matter! That was the message from elected officials on Monday night at Hawthorne Elementary School (video included if you missed it) and the public did speak out! Excellent overview from Retired Colonel Rosanne Greco from S. Burlington VT. Updates from Safe Skies Clean Water Coalition included.
Decarcerate Dane! Panel Discussion Tonight
6:30 Central Library - M Adams (Freedom Inc, Black Lives Matter), Janie Ocejo (Madison Urban Ministry), Pam Oliver (scholar on racial disparities in criminal justice) and County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner!
Tuesday (9/23/19) Round Up & Mo’Meetings
Mo' Meetings, news, flooding updates and more.
Weekend Round Up
Weekend news and news buried on Friday (usually bad news), Decarceration community panel discussion and several other community events.
County Week Ahead
How much should County Board Supervisors and their Chair get paid, Zoo Budget, should they release report on why we can't add floors to the Dane County Jail, several reports and updates on criminal justice system matters, CDBG funding decisions and more.
Speak Out Against F-35s on Monday
Speak Out Against F-35s! Monday, September 23 - Help us spread the word and lift up the voices of the community, in the most affected areas.
Friday (9/20/19) Round Up
Flooding updates, bus detours, city project updates, BRT meeting, water main flushing and more.
Ask County Board Supervisors to Sign F-35 letter
I've heard of about 8 supervisors that are willing to sign on to the letter against F-35s. Other's are predicting 15 of the 37. Will your county board supervisor sign the letter tonight?
County Board Letter Against F35s
Hmmm, a letter, but not a resolution I wonder who will all sign on? Sounds like they don't want to bring an action before the board and be forced to listen to people impacted by this.
Round Up! Wednesday, 9/18/19
A little something besides F-35s, and of course, F-35s! Road closures, parent and student rights, transportation news, sandbags, Law Park planning and more.
Original vs. Alternate F-35 Resolution
So what's the difference? The West Side Alders essentially inputted the Chamber of Commerce talking points and then didn't say they "oppose" but request the Air Force to take the many pages of adverse impact into account. Mayor ducks and covers. Here's what we know about who is voting how!
Congressman Mark Pocan Calls for Further Noise Testing of F-35s
"Today, I formally request the Air Force in coordination with the 115th Fighter Wing test the F-35 flight pattern at Truax Air National Guard Base. Specifically, the Air Force should conduct a take-off and landing of the F-16 and the F-35 planes so community members will have a more accurate understanding of the noise impact from the F-35 mission."
Northside Planning Council Benefits and Harms Analysis of F-35s
Need they say more? Well, they did, they named what is going on here. Institutional Racism.
Round Up: Tuesday, 9/17/19 & Mo’ Meetings
Here's the news and other things of interest since I posted yesterday! 4 meetings, news, Alliant Energy Center, South Madison Plan, Front-End Justice Conversations and more.
Updates on F-35 Fighter Jets In Madison
Brenda Konkel filling in on A Public Affair on WORT-FM 89.9 Community Radio. Guests today are Supervisor Heidi Weglieitner and Alders Grant Foster and Rebecca Kemble.
WORT: Updates on F-35 Fighter Jets in Madison
Here's the podcast from the show I hosted today with Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner and Alders Rebecca Kemble and Grant Foster. And, all the links and additional information that I rattled off!
Rep. Chris Taylor: F-35 military jets pushed by Corporate Interests
She compares efforts to bring F-35s to Madison to ALEC in how "big corporate special interests, through they wealth and power, often dominate policy making, to the great detriment of actual people." It's time to speak up!
County Week Ahead
Alliant Energy Center looking for funding sources, budget items for persons experiencing homelessness, renaming Squaw Bay and a short board meeting.
Join those Saying No to F-35s in Madison
1,000 homes and countless businesses, plus schools and affordable housing will be impacted, creating a huge dead zone on the Northside of Madison. Take action today!
Madison’s Youth Climate Strike, Friday
Thanks to Carrie Sherpelz for passing along this information and the photo!
Quick Notes from Airport Meeting on Noise
Thanks to Mary Jo Walters who attended the Airport meeting and took these notes and photos! Airport paid homeowners $2,000 for easements years ago saying they are ok with the noise . . . end of story?
No issues with schools and youth in Madison?
Imagine if there was a committee where school board members, county board supervisors, city alderpersons and the community came together to discuss how to improve the lives of young people in Madison and Dane County. How powerful could that be? And why did former Mayor Paul Soglin and former School Superintendent Jen Cheatam, along with now School Board President Gloria Reyes keep trying to reign in that committee? Now that they are free . . . what could they be?
City’s Analysis of F-35s Impact on Madison
Here's the city staff's analysis of how F-35s will impact Madison, including more maps. The deadline for providing comments is Friday, September 27th. The full 1000-page draft EIS is available at http://www.angf35eis.com/Documents.aspx; the 40-page Executive Summary can be found here http://www.angf35eis.com/Resources/Documents/Draft_F-35A_EIS_Executive_Summary_August_2019.pdf. Everyone should provide comments!!!
Tenant Resource Center Welcomes Robin Sereno and an Apology!
Nearly a year after I was forced out of my 27 year career with the Tenant Resource Center (23 years as Executive Director), they have hired a new Executive Director! And, I got an apology.
County Week Ahead
Budget, sweet budget! Public Hearings Wednesday and Thursday! Also, airport noise, suing over not being able to build on top of the jail, affordable housing fund decisions and more.
County Week Ahead
County Board Inclusive Engagement Training, approving Bonds for borrowing and check to see what else may be of interest.
County Week Ahead
Community Justice Center discussion, long Zoning agenda including Tyrol Basin, equity plans, Specialized Transportation budget, Kassel Sister City and more.
Round Up!
It's been a while! Here's a few things that landed in front of me in the past week you might be interested in! Alder community meetings, city updates, community events, free trainings, surveys, focus groups and open houses to give your local government input, etc.
County Week Ahead
Of interest, Department Equity Plans, questionable contract extensions, "Familiar Faces" presentation on frequent users of county services and the quarterly lake levels management report.
County Week Ahead
8 meetings, County Board meeting will be at Vilas Zoo (insert your own joke here.)
County Week Ahead
4 meetings today, only one meeting each on Tuesday and Thursday.
County Week Ahead
No meetings Monday or Wednesday. Only 6 meetings this week.
Mo’ Meetings
As expected, here are more city meetings. I think I caught them all, here are the details on 8 more city meetings and 2 more county meetings.
County Week Ahead
This is probably off too due to the power outage on Friday and staff being sent home. I'd check back for updates if I don't do them.
County Week Ahead
Focus group for Dane County Human Services consumers, forging ahead with Alliant Energy Center, disparities in entertainment, presentations on Juvenile Detention expansion and Child Protective Services (CPS), Lakes and Watershed budget recommendations and more.
County Week Ahead
County Board meets this week, Airport Commission meets, investigating why we can't build more floors on the current jail and more.
County Week Ahead
Only 4 meetings, all of them Monday this week. Very long Personnel and Finance Agenda.
Tenant Resource Center Gains New Board of Directors in Historic Election
This press release was sent out at 6am this morning, but I don't think one single reporter called. I don't know what to make of that. I guess its not sexy enough, not like when someone gets fired.
County Week Ahead
Criminal Justice Council looks at decarcertation plans and changing its membership, purchasing land for Babcock Park and more.
Dane County’s priorities are all messed up
County Executive Joe Parisi likes to talk about Dane County values. And politicians like to say that a budget is a reflection of those values. Given recent events, what exactly are Dane County's values?
County Week Ahead
Very short county board meeting, but three new supervisors being sworn in. Alliant Energy Redevelopment committee meets to regroup on its funding, and Executive Committee will be discussing the size of the county board.
Round Up!
Random things you might be interested in, mostly related to local government and the City of Madison. Many additional government meetings.
County Week Ahead
Also many meetings! Question of the week - who was responsible for not being able to build additional floors on the current jail?
County Week Ahead
$225M or $1,000 for an average property tax payer for the jail, $10M for Pheasant Ridge property the largest decisions that the county has every made . . . and 40,000 residents won't have representation on Thursday . . . the three new county board supervisors elected on Tuesday won't be seated in time to vote on these items.
Local Government News Round Up
I'm catching up from taking a break from email for a long weekend, so I've missed a bit and I'm behind, so I thought I'd share because I'm guessing others are in my boat! This is last week and the holiday weekend local government news updates.
Recovery Coalition of Dane County Ask for Jail Vote Delay
"We feel that at the very least, the Dane County Board of Supervisors should postpone making a final decision on funding to the Jail until this study is complete."
County Week Ahead
All meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Personnel and Finance Committee will be voting on the $10M land purchase and $225M jail.
Round Up
A menagerie of local government and city of Madison things going on around town . . . this one was collected over the past week . . .
Where is Dane County Getting All Its Money?
$150M jail, $10M for the largest land purchase in Dane County's history, $90M for the Alliant Energy Center. In the past 10 years the entire capital budget averaged only $36M per year. Just one of these projects is a significant increase in county spending.
Local Government News Round Up
Last weeks local government news - check to make sure you didn't miss something of interest!
County Week Ahead
Who's going to pay for the Alliant Energy Center, 2 committees vote on the $150M jail, who sits on the County Zoo Board, purchasing land, Criminal Justice Council meets and more.
The Afforable Housing Crisis in Madison and Dane County
Brenda Konkel filling in on WORT-FM 89.9 Community Radio on A Public Affair with guests Olivia Parry from Dane County Planning and Development and Linette Rhodes, Community Development Supervisor with the City of Madison.
Jail Update – Flying By Quickly!
The resolution to double the price of the $76M jail to $150M will be introduced tonight and voted on in three weeks - while 37,200 - 45,000 Dane County residents have no representation on the County Board.
Local Government News Round Up
This is a bit late, I got into a gardening project or two last week and abandoned all thoughts of blogging, but it was half done, so I finished it! Here's the round up of last week's news in case you had your own gardening project or other distraction and didn't pay attention!
County Week Ahead
County Board meeting at East Highway Garage for tour of the landfill (insert joke here). Zoning has some items but not much else.
Dane County Board Jail Presentation
Last week the press started telling us the details of the 4 jail options. Thursday the County Board met in as a "Committee of the Whole" an hour before the County Board meeting to hear a presentation from Mead and Hunt (this blog post is primarily that meeting). Tonight, two county board committees are deciding which alternatives they want. Slam bam thank you mam and public input and racial equity analysis be damned.
Round Up
A smattering of things from all kinds of email lists and alerts that I have that may be of interest to you. Tends to be local government, neighborhood or gardening related.
County Week Ahead
A joint meeting on Tuesday to make recommendations on the jail and a joint meeting on Thursday to discuss lake levels.
Round Up
This round up is the bi-weekly round up of emails and info that reaches my email inbox that I think you might be interested in. This one seems REALLY city heavy.
Weekly Local News Round Up
My "round ups" have seen various formats and content over the years. Here's what I hope to become a weekly round up of local government news from the past week. Things I don't have time to blog about, but that should be on your radar screen.
Dane County Board Recap
This is the meeting after the meeting about the jail. The County Board's regularly scheduled business meeting. Usually consisting primarily of announcements and rubber stamping the committee recommendations, so I usually haven't been blogging it.
Jail Alternatives Workgroup Recommendations Progress
Ah, the jail. How long have we been talking about it? Remember those work groups that were formed in 2015 that made tons of recommendations? Let's take a peek at the progress being made on those recommendations over the past nearly 4 years!
Round Up and Mo’ Meetings!
Random things you might want or need to know! Or perhaps just frivolous and uninteresting items, you decide! Let me know!
City and County Affordable Housing Fund Debates Thursday
This is it! The new alders all ran for office saying they wanted to work on affordable housing. This is our big opportunity, $11 million dollars will be spent. Will it make a huge difference, or be more of the same old, same old? Will we see big radical meaningful changes?
Putting a $150,000,000 jail in perspective!
So, if you look at the 2008-2017 before the jail was in the the county capital budget, the capital budget averaged $35,851,962 per year. Now, they want one project to cost 4-5 times the amount of all capital costs. What will that do to our taxes? I haven't seen the answer to that question.
Round Up
Another smattering of events, notices, meetings, announcements and things going on around town.
County Week Ahead
County Board will be getting the report on why our ridiculous $76,000,000 jail is now going to cost $150,000,000.
Round Up!
Common Council Executive Committee Appointments, new Deputy Mayor, Weaponizing Truax, Crazy Legs Traffic Impacts and more.
Round Up (4/22/19)
Tons of meetings, events and public input opportunities in our community plus a few announcements.
Round Up (4/20/19)
Another round of things in my e-email inbox you might be interested in. Mostly City and Community Announcements
County Week Ahead
Only one meeting this week? 3 meetings were cancelled.
Immigration Resources With Links
I got this through one of the list serves from the Children's Hospital, but thought it might be of interest. It came with this note "This is not a comprehensive list but it’s a tool we created to use with our team and clients. It might be helpful to direct service staff."
Public Hearing on Bus Route Changes Next Wednesday
On Wednesday, April 24, Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. to discuss potential service updates proposed to go into effect in August.
City Watershed Studies and Meetings
On the West side of Madison the city has started several studies to address the flooding issues. Here's the info and some meetings you can attend to learn more.
Round Up
Almost 20 different things in my email inbox I think readers of this blog might be interested in! Cuz I can't make 20 more blogs than the ones I already do . . .
County Week Ahead
Only 11 10 meetings.
Round Up and Mo’ Meetings
Late noticed City meetings and a random sampling of things I found to be of interest, hopefully you do too! West Wilson St. and E Johnson St. road reconstructions, watershed study public meetings, Bernie's coming to town (will you be able to find him?), jumping worms and more.
County Board Week Ahead
County Board meets this week - Zoo is probably the biggest agenda item, but they are also adopting their legislative agenda, hiring or extending contracts for several staff people and more.
Round Up & Mo’ Meetings
This is truly random and quickly done over a couple days . . . it's been a crazy week that included a trip to Atlanta, a death in the family and the elections . . . so, this is what I have!
County Week Ahead
New Zoo budget and concessions operator, Lake Levels Task Force final Recommendations at EANR Committee, 2 county board supervisors appointed last summer up for elections (no one running against them - 3 recently vacated seats would be elected June 4), Buckeye Road and more.
County Week Ahead
Meetings on only Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Presentation to Health and Human Needs and Public Protection and Judiciary on the Mental Health Study, employee handbook meetings, Henry Vilas Zoo and more.
Round Up & Mo’ Meetings
A smattering of random things going on around town.
3 County Board Seats Open – Circulate Papers Friday
If the resolution passes the County Board on Thursday, candidates for three open seats will have less than a month to circulate nomination papers. Circulation starts Friday and papers are due April 9th - only 18 days!
Lake Levels Recommendations
The Yahara Chain of Lakes – Lake Levels Task Force meets tonight at 5:00 City-County Building – Room 354 to discuss Draft Task Force Recommendations Here's what they will be discussing tonight.
County Week Ahead
Lake Levels Committee has draft recommendations, annual employee handbook reviews, Lynn Green (Human Service Director) retiring, finally choosing the vendor for the mental health gaps study, setting dates of elections to fill seats vacated by Supervisors Kolar Kolar, Jeff Pertl and Jenni Dye and more.
Round Up
A random list of things that end up in my email inbox that I think you might be interested in.
City of Madison Buses to Sun Prairie?!
Zoinks! Did I miss something? Is it real? Is it actually happening? The Transportation Committee is discussing this tonight!
County Week Ahead
Finally approving a mental health study vendor and discussion about PFAS and lake levels.
County Week Ahead
Not many meetings this week. Racial disparities for homeless persons, public hearing on lake flooding, and county board to study more jail options, purchase park land and more.
Homeless Funding in Evers Budget
I went through the plan to see what Governor Evers saying he'd fully fund the recommendation of the Interagency Council on Homelessness really means. Here's what I found. This is no longer a report, its an actual action plan!
Who’s Getting Endorsements this Spring?
Many organizations hedged their bets and didn't endorse in the primaries, but some did. Here's the score!
When Will the County Board Fill 3 Empty Seats?
Also, did you know there are two county board supervisors running for election this spring? I know they plan to hold a special election to fill the three empty seats (Mary Kolar - District 1, Jeff Pertl District 17, Jenni Dye District 33), but when?
Round Up & Mo Meetings
A quick round up . . . may need to do another tomorrow once I sort through more emails!
Personnel and Finance OK Study of More Dane County Jail Options
Barely quorum, less than 10 minutes of discussion. Shoving it on through . . . even tho almost everyone seems to think that what they are studying won't answer their questions or result in any better options for the Dane County Jail. Activists don't need to derail the jail, the politicians seem to be doing it for us, since 2002.
County Week Ahead
Many routine items, Personnel and Finance will be discussion the jail, Criminal Justice Council gets report on Community Restorative Court and Council on Climate Change meets - the last two are during the day and you'll likely miss the meetings.
Video Tsunami – Part 2
Here's another video dump for those who have seen me at meeting with my camera and wonder where they go. They are also all on my youtube channel for now - until I get my livestreaming fixed again.
Wasted Jail Study Money
On election night, two influential county board committees met to decide what direction to go on the jail. Well, they claim that's not what they were doing, but lets face it, that is what they are doing. They are having the consultant study some more options. However, they couldn't change which options were studied. So only the one's that were "dictated" by the County Executive, the County Board Chair and the Chairs chose could be considered. Resulting in more wasted jail study money. The committee members repeatedly pointed out why at least the greenfield option was a non-starter. Here's the full video and the some videos of the highlights. Or lowlights.
Dane County Jail Switcheroo
So, initially, when the Dane County Jail was only going to cost $76 million, it was the most expensive public works project the county every had. Now, it could cost $150 million. So they are looking for another option. Tonight, election night, at 7:00 the Public Protection and Judiciary Committee will be talking about this "change order". But what happened to the mental health study and a restoration center?
County Week Ahead
This week they will be talking about Lake Levels, the Jail changes, Engage Dane and forming the Committee to work on Alliant Energy Center massive overhaul.
County Week Ahead
Most interesting things this week . . . Lake Levels Task Force meeting tonight, a vegitative roof for the city-county building and . . . manure . . . ? Lots of routine items, but 23 meetings, look to see if something might be interesting to you.
New County Human Services Director Announced
She still has to be approved by the County Board, but this is County Executive Joe Parisi's choice. As a comical side note, I applied. Never heard from them, hmmm. 🙂
Round Up (and one more city meeting!)
A few things going on around town you should know about . . . extra city meeting, mayoral forum, cops in schools, Venezuela, lake levels, free tax help, overture call for artists and help needs to pass state expungement laws!
Mo Meetings and Round Up
So irritating that before 9am there are already new city meetings posted that weren't there Friday afternoon . . . and a smattering of other things going on around town . . .
Catching Up with Flooding Issues (County)
So, on Monday (today) there will be a meeting of the Yahara Chain of Lakes - Lake Levels Task Force and they have two reports they will be looking at - one is a report from the technical work group (Feb. 1, 2019). The other is recommendations of the Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee of the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission and the Capital Area Regional Planning (May 4, 2017). So, what are the solutions? Here's a summary of my very un-expert view of the over 100 pages of reports.
County Week Ahead
12 meetings, county board meets this week, only 3 meetings before 4pm!
Round Up
Now that everything is done being closed, where do wild creatures go when it's cold out, grace period to pay your property taxes, school board forum and more.
(Most of) County Government Closed Til Friday
They were closed Monday, open today . . . and closed Wednesday and Thursday.
Vacanc(ies!) on the County Board (Updated)
I haven't seen an official notice . . . checked the county board site and their facebook page . . .
After I posted this...
County Week Ahead
Only 6 meetings.
Now the Mayor Considers Homeless “friends and neighbors”?
Get me a bucket. This press release does have some additional helpful information for dealing with the cold weather particularly about transfer point buses and the library hours. But really, does he think we don't all know what he really thinks about homeless people? Does he think we've forgotten everything he's tried to do? And he expects us to suddenly think he's being cooperative with . . . .well, anyone? Election year antics.
Cold Weather Accommodations for Homeless Individuals
Here's the info from the Homeless Services Consortium.
Also, this is a map from madison.com.
Greetings,
Several agencies are making special accommodations to help...
Know Youth Who Would Want to Serve County Government?
12 youth serve on county committees every year. They are full committee members and can participate in all the discussion, but their vote...
County Week Ahead
A couple cancelled meetings and meetings at 9am, 12:15pm and 12:15pm.
County Week Ahead
Meetings at noon, 2pm, 8:30pm, 3:45pm, 7am, 9am and most of the rest are on Thursday night before the board meeting and most of the Board agenda is on the Personnel and Finance Committee agenda 45 minutes before the board meeting.
County Week Ahead
16 meetings, 4 cancelled, meetings at inaccessible times like 2:30, 3:45, 7am, 8:15am, 9am and 3 pm. Routine week, initial borrowing resolution includes $20M...
City, County and Schools Week Ahead
4 city meetings, 1 county, 0 Schools
City, County and School Board Week Ahead
Only the city has meetings this week . . . and only has 3 meetings, or maybe 2 or maybe 1, not sure. No county or MMSD school meetings.
An Overview of Bus Rapid Transit by Al Matano
I organized an informational meeting on the on the future of transit in Dane County prior to the August meeting of the Dane County...
Petition Away!
After a full year of the City of Madison blocking electronic petitions, the signatures should start going through today! Yay! Unfortunately, how we got here was a little ugly
County Week Ahead
County Board Meeting this week . . . will anyone notice?
Iced In (by Mary Jo Walters)
Make some calls, get updated, ask, when will Marijuana be legal in Wisconsin?
Dignity? Respect?
So, I'm reposting something Tami Miller from Friends of the State St. Family wrote . . . because I am still thinking about it this morning.
Still Here! Tiny House Village Updates
I got a little distracted this week . . . for a good cause!
Dane County Board Elections – Why it Matters – Beware the Gang of Ten...
Earlier I wrote about filings of candidates for the 37 seats of members of the Dane County Board of Supervisors. With only 7 contested...
County Comp Plan Meeting Cancelled tonight
Heidi Wegleitner says . . .
Guess what happens when people are more likely to get information regarding county meetings from your blog than the county website? Government asks you to post the *notice of cancellation* of the Comp Plan Steering Committee meeting (on housing) which was scheduled for tonight. Please and thank you. And, I understand if you can't get to it. It is not your job. (But Todd V. is nice and he asked nicely, fwiw. 🙂
Smokin’ Hot – by Mary Jo Walters
This is now a blog post in a comment block, thanks Tori!
Eight ideas for a snowy day
Apropos of nothing, here are a couple of ideas that could make life better for the less well-off in Madison. It is by no means exhaustive, nor is it meant to be a list that solves all problems. Not everyone is going to like all of them, so it’s worth reminding folks that Brenda is not the only person who blogs here, so don’t go blaming her for these.
Let’s GoGo!!!!!
Please help spread the word, it is just as important as donating at this point!
Men’s (and Women/Family) Shelter Services During Cold Snap(s)
Ok - here's what he have for the next few days, slightly confusing, so hopefully people can help pass the info along to everyone and everyone . . . bans lifted through Wednesday morning!
MLK Day at Grace Episocal Church
Thanks to Grace Episcopal Church for opening their doors, Karen Andro from First United Methodist Church for coordinating volunteers and Bethel Lutheran Church for helping staff the day. Z! (and board members) from Shine was there most of the day as well.
1st & Last Pitch for Shared Open Spaces by Mary Jo Walters
First and LAST PITCH for SHARED OPEN SPACES in highly commercial areas of downtown Madison, Wisconsin.
The Next Homeless Emergency – All Week? (Updated – 1)
Bad weather coming up next week (or weeks?), no plans. -30 windchill predicted on Tuesday and no one works over the weekend to coordinate plans. 
How to Celebrate MLK Day (Updated – 4)
Shut down all the city and county services and buildings without a plan for the most vulnerable. Nothing says social and economic justice like letting people spend the all day in freezing temperatures. (15 F forecast)
Why Can’t We Plan for Winter, Holidays and Homeless Services?
This is just embarrassing. Apparently, its just too complex and we've never done it this way before - so we weren't prepared. Really? You gotta be kidding me.
County Week Ahead
Enjoy . . . guessing what they might be talking about and if there is anything you want to comment on, since we don't have the materials the committee members have, its hard to tell.
OM Build Tiny House Village!
By Occupy Madison, Inc. . . . a new place for our workshop and a place to park 11 tiny homes. It is at 2046 E Johnson St. (Sanchez Motors) where Johnson splits and goes past East High, North Street and towards E. Washington. Next to B-cycle and near the PDQ.
Dane County Board Elections Summary by Al Matano
On April 1, 2014, all members of the Dane County Board of Supervisors will stand for election. Currently there are 29 liberal or progressive...
50 – 60 New Units of Affordable Housing for the Homeless!
We have over 500 chronically homeless, mostly individuals in the City of Madison, so this is a significant start! Here's my summary of the meeting last night.
Surface Bubble – By Mary Jo Walters
The Mary P. Burke, 'The Bubbler' is where the Madison Public Library's Central location polling station is located. If true, does that mean that her name will have to be covered up on voting days?
Support Marijuana Referendum Tonight!
In our liberal, allegedly progressive community, this should be a no-brainer, right? Think again, questions about if they should ask the voters what they think have been raised. Gasp! Ask the voters what they think?
Congrats to the 30 Newly Elected/Uncontested County Board Supervisors!
Today at 5:00 was the filing deadline and only 7 of 37 seats will have elections this spring. Sad day for democracy . . . but congratulations to our newly elected officials!
Homeless Mortality Rates 3 to 9 times Greater than Housed Persons
Yesterday morning, I called the coroners office to confirm the death of a homeless person, for which I only had a first name. He experienced problems outside of Shelter 1, on his way to Shelter 2 or 3 for the evening. 911 was called, staff performed CPR and he died at the hospital. An autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death.
Best Practices: Winter Services for People Experiencing Homelessness
Wish I had seen this report a while ago . . . good stuff!
County Week Ahead
Sorry so late, no pressure to get it done before going to work . . . TRC closes when schools do
City Week Ahead (Finished)
It's unclear if these meetings are still going on in this weather . . . I'm guessing several get cancelled.
GOOD NEWS! No Homeless Person Should Have to Be Outside M, T or...
It should be the case any time of the year, but during this cold snap, extra efforts are being made and everyone should have a place to be warm. As soon as the extreme cold is over, back to having gaps in the "system".
How is this Supposed to Work?
I ask again, can you imagine being homeless in this weather - where temperatures are going to be cold enough that after 10 minutes outside you can get frostbite. A permanent, comprehensive day center is what we need. We desperately need it for the beginning of next week. A van carrying 15 people at a time can't possible help the over 200 single men and women experiencing homelessness - and that doesn't count the families.
Listen to the Children.
Our children, Madison children, experiencing homelessness. After you listen, give.
Better late than never?
A little after 11:00 tonight we were finally notified of the county's plan to deal with the holidays and the next few very cold and snowy days - and keeping homeless people from freezing to death or at least getting hypothermia or losing some toes to frostbite. Not much detail and I have NO idea how people are supposed to find out about the latest last minute plan that has been thrown together.
City and County Week Ahead
One meeting
City and County Week Ahead
Um, there is none. City lists one meeting that is cancelled and the county has nothing listed. Everyone enjoy the week off!
Homeless? Doors Closing Everywhere
While the holidays bring out extra generosity from the community in the form of gifts for kids and other items - it also poses some real practical problems, like agencies and businesses and other programs being closed. Today is the day when it seems that many of the programs are announcing when they are closed . . . a bad time of the year to be homeless.
Psssst . . . County Board (non?) Elections Coming Up!
Filing deadline for candidates is January 7th, question is, does anyone in Madison even know? Or care? Only 7 races in of 37 districts.
And the Answer is . . .
The county answers my previously denied open records request, kinda, they gave me the information, but my request is still denied.
No Guard, No Involuntary Commitment, No Services
Minor tweaks to the City County Building rules that probably won't do much different than what is already happening in the building - except make people feel like they are doing something. Of course, it all sounded good last night, but lets see how it gets implemented.
Why Not Just Tell Us?
Ok, why won't anyone say where the $50,000 for operating and $75,000 for renovating the day center is coming from. My first ever open records request denial - after about 20 years of submitting them without problems.
County Week Ahead
Last week before two weeks of mostly downtime.
The Right to be Publicly Critical
For nonprofit staff, that right is being denied or at least highly discouraged by the City (and County?).
Tent City #3, Seattle
This is the last of the villages/encampments we visited out west.
Monday Show Down?
Again. The Homeless Issues Committee was asked by the City-County Liaison Committee to look at solutions for the issues of homeless people being in the City-County Building. That meeting and conversation didn't take place because the staff blew it and didn't get the agenda out, even after they were reminded to do so . . . so that work wasn't done before the next meeting on the issue . . . which is Monday . . . sigh . . .
Camp Quixote and Quixote Village
Olympia Washington . . . perhaps the smallest city by the numbers, but clearly a larger metropolitan area. 50,000 population, roughly.
Random Round Up
Still catching up from vacation - so here's a few random things I didn't have more time for.
County Week Ahead
Another week . . . closer to having a better county board legislative software system!
Whoville and Eugene SLEEPS
Also in Eugene, is something that will look more familiar to Madison . . .
Opportunity Village
Eugene Oregon, a newer project, many years in the making. Of all the places we visited, we spent the most time here, we went to their weekly meeting.
Dignity Village
This is the oldest/longest running of the villages.
Right to Dream Too
It's a little awkward to think you know anything about a place by visiting for an hour, but here's some of my observations about the Right to Dream Too homeless "rest area" in downtown Portland, right at the entrance to the Chinatown area of the city - it was just a few blocks from our hotel.
Thankful.
Given the new perspective I have gotten working on the ground with homeless persons in the last few years, I don't even know where to begin with the list of things I am grateful for - because just the smallest things we all take for granted - like being able to change out of wet socks when I step in a puddle and then warm up - have all taken on new meaning. And with the recent Race to Equity report, I've relearned what a privilege it is to be white in this community. So I can't really make that list, but here is one good example of what I am thankful for, for so many reasons.
Get your Norwegian on!
Krumkake, lefse and . . .no luteisk?
Dane County Planning for Housing
This only happens once every 5 years, so Wednesday is the day to pay attention! What will Dane County put in its comprehensive plan for housing?
Bait and switch
They moved from trespassing ordinances and guards to banning people from the city-county building for violating rules - including having a heater in your office or skateboarding or not wearing shoes or engaging in political or campaign activity. I'm really confused.
Emerald Ash Borer is here in Madison!
No more denial!
County Week Ahead
6 meetings . . .
Soglin Proposes Barring People from City-County Building if they have no Business There
And hiring a guard to enforce the rules. Could you imagine if they had even suggested this at the capitol? Why is this ok for the city and county government? Meeting Monday to discuss proposal.
County Week Ahead
Budget done tonight.
Current Plan to Fininsh TIF Policy
Thanks to Chris Schmidt for shedding some light on the process and trying to make it more transparent.
Friends of the State Street Family “Outreach”
Hands down, my favorite group in town! Check out the unbelievable work they do!
Can people stay at Token Creek this winter?
I had to ask.
County Week Ahead
I just can't blog at work, this should have taken 20 minutes to finish . . . an hour and a half later, no progress. So, it is what it is so far. Will finish tomorrow.
TRC Silent Auction Tonight!
Brink Lounge, 701 East Washington Ave., 5 - 7 pm . . . check out all the goodies and thank the donors!
Media? Hello, Is there anybody out there?
I had a dream the other night that I showed up for the city budget meeting and no one was there to report on it but me, a blogger. No "real media". Well . . . even tho the budget was over with before 10pm last night, I just watched Channel 3 report that you could testify tonight or tomorrow night on the city budget . . . sigh . . .
TIF . . . Change our Policies or Not?
The Economic Development Commission recommended a bunch of changes last spring, the council created an ad hoc committee which has been meeting since July to review the recommendations and it seems they are contemplating some changes, but maybe not all those recommended by the Economic Development Commission . . . lets catch up with that conversation. Is the candy store wide open with no one there to guard it? Or are the EDC recommendations falling a little flat.
Last Chance to speak to County Human Services Budget (Part II)
Who knows what amendments might come up tonight or at the county board, you need to be psychic in order to testify on the county budget apparently. They will tell you after you testify, if they let you, what they will be voting on, maybe.
Last Chance to Speak to Human Services Budget
We finally have the Health and Human Needs amendments available to the public, and this will be the last time we get to speak, even tho it is the first time we actually have amendments and can see what they are voting on. Sigh . . .
A tale of two local governments . . .
I knock the city council for many things . . . but they are light years ahead of the county board.
Anti-Democracy County Board Members
A few members of the county board have been openly discussing their disdain for the public and the message is getting through loud and clear for me. This year's budget has been the worst! I don't know why they are so opposed to public input, but its kinda disgusting.
“Collective Community Ban”
Hey - I got an idea, can we collectively ban a few people I don't like from my community. For failing to use common sense . . .
Lice . . . A week later . . .
Follow up to this, not much has changed. Apparently, its a public health problem enough to send out an email . . . but not enough to actually solve the problem. I don't get it
City Meetings Added in the last 28 hours . . .
I am so annoyed by this . . . 4 so far . . . including the FREAKING ETHICS BOARD! There is no hope. The disregard towards the public is so engrained in the culture of city hall after Mayor Dave it is pathetic. Where are the watchdogs to make this better? We need Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway back!
Your Turn, Please Help.
If you read my blog even 1/3 of the time you are well versed to help . . . please email your alders and county board supes - it'll take only a few moments!
City Council Staff Member Doesn’t Like the Homeless in the Building
Now I know why the notice for the meeting went out a suspicious 2 days before the meeting . . .
Decieved – The Big Lie.
As a former member of an elected body, I hate it when you pass something with full expectations that one thing will happen, and then a completely different thing happens. As a member of the public, I hate it when an elected body passes something without really intending to follow through. As a human being, I hate being deceived.
More Indignities – Head Lice and the Homeless
Who will help them? As far as I can tell - no one . . . except a couple volunteers from a community group not funded by the city or a staff member from a church.
Board of Estimates – Operating Budget Amendments
Board of Estimates - items 2 - 10 passed in one motion. Only two items left, a presentation by the Finance Director for the City's Life Insurance program and the budget item. This is mostly "live blogged" so not as precise and missed a few parts.
ACK!
Sorry - light blogging week - busy with work. SB179 is currently kicking my ass. Nothing but work - tons of blogging...
Radical Changes to Tenant Landlord law near complete
Tuesday night the Wisconsin Senate passed SB 179, the third piece of legislation in two years to drastically alter tenant landlord law. This law removes over 20 Madison ordinances and changes over 20 statewide laws, resulting in over 75 law changes since 2011 Wisconsin Act 108. Here is a summary of some of the areas of the law that will be impacted:
County Week Ahead
Enjoy - budget time!
Partial Shower Solution for the Homeless?
From . . . wait for it . . . Dave Wiganowsky! 🙂
The Future of Madison Policing
WHAT DO WE WANT FOR POLICING IN MADISON?
WYOU Garage Sale . . .
and news . . .
Absurd Affordable Housing Market!
I am NOT picking on Porchlight! Seriously. But check this out - this is the "affordable housing" market we are working with . . .
Operating Budget – Public Health
A joint meeting of the Board of Estimates for the City and the Personnel and Finance Committee for the county - except the later does not have quorum. The meeting is to approve the Dane County and City of Madison Public Health Department Budget. Read on, you can read the rant about the "hobos"!
County Week Ahead
Budget deliberations begin . . .
$60,000 for Homeless Services instead of a Day Center
Third year in a row, worst plan yet.
Support Homeless Issues Committee at County Board Tonight
More wrangling over the lack of a comprehensive day center for this winter . . . how should we spend the $60,000.
HUD Wants Us To . . . Part IV: Leverage Mainstream Resources
Mainstream resources, how can we connect them to housing to help people be successful in housing?
HUD Wants Us To . . . Part III: Coordinated Assessment
Community Action Coalition and the Tenant Resource Center both applied for this funding. CAC was awarded $146,500 to provide this service starting October 1 through the end of next year and are planning to serve 450 people.
County Executive Budget “favorable” to Human Services
Of course, funding for TRC was restored, so I am happy, but there is other good news as well . . . but the county board will be left to struggle with how to pay the operating costs for the Day Resource Center (that doesn't yet exist).
Q&A on the Federal Government Shut Down
By the Public Interest Law Section of the Wisconsin Bar . . . helpful and cute.
A Homeless Person Sums It Up
This email came to me this morning and I thought it was a good summary of where we are at. Not my words, but someone experiencing it. From his perspective, things look really bleak going in to winter. Not necessarily new, but the promise of change, the hope of things getting better . . . may have made things worse for many.
Tiny Victory for Tiny Houses! (Now with Audio)
Alders Marsha Rummel, Ledell Zellers, Larry Palm, Lisa Subeck and Mike Verveer have proposed an ordinance that would allow tiny homes to be parked somewhere besides the streets. That ordinance went to plan commission last night and was unanimously approved! Plan commission struggled a bit, were unsatisfied with this as a solution, but in the end, knew this was better than nothing, but we were in need of better solutions. Good respectful discussion with a bit of frustration over there not being a bigger and better on-going plan to address the problem.
HUD Wants Us To . . . Part II: Consider The Story of...
Targeting most vulnerable with longest histories of homelessness, Vulnerability Index, Mayor prioritizing ending homelessness, Office of Homeless Policy, 10 year plan to end homelessness, Interagency Council on Homelessness and true partnerships!
Veto Rescinded. Reconsideration Instead.
Must have been some deal made behind the scenes. Here's what I know about the almost mayoral veto.
County Budget Process
The county has a much more extensive process for the public to participate in, but in many ways, it is much harder as you don't have copies of the amendments they are considering and you can't plan for their schedule if you are interested in something.
County Week Ahead
Here it is, in all its glory . . . hope you can interpret the alphabet soup without attachments.
HUD Wants Us To . . . Part I: Prioritize Chronically Homeless for...
HUD wants has some lofty goals of ending homelessness, some communities are taking this task very seriously. HUD is issuing statements about guidance of what they expect to see. In permanent supportive housing, HUD wants us to prioritize chronically homeless persons. Will we?
Approvals Needed for Rhythm and Booms
Are the Alders left almost entirely out of that process?
Late County Week Ahead
You only missed one meeting. 21 left to go!
Volunteers Needed!
For several things I'm involved in, check it out!
Random Round Up
A whole bunch of community and government meetings that you might want to participate in . . .
Capital Budget Presentations – Public Health
This is a department that has to have their budget passed by both the city and the county.
County Week Ahead
Only 13 meetings . . .
Unbelievable Insult! Oh, and No Warming Center this Winter.
This is the insult: At the same time the county is proposing to cut TRC services entirely ($95,000) so they can pay for a day center, they are not going to have the permanent comprehensive day center, but instead proposing to spend $60,000. $30,000 of it they will give to Porchlight to drive people around to various services Nov 1 - March 31, including apparently dropping them off at the Tenant Resource Center. Excuse me, but WTF?
County Comprehensive Planning Update
Ok, I went to the meeting last week. Of course, I was the only mere citizen, and there is a really good reasons...
County Week Ahead
More accurate, but there were changes last week.
In Sharp Contrast to the City Council
City Council was anti-disclosure, County Board, pro-disclosure. However, they are years behind he City on the matter of electronic filing of campaign finance reports.
Madison City Council Won’t Stand Up Against Citizen’s United?
Republican Party applauds them!!! What?! The Democrats on our City Council applauded by the Republicans?! I've been asked to explain and I can't. What happened, this should have been a slam dunk. Is it because the Council knows better than Mike McCabe and the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign? Or, they hate the Mayor? Or, they love the Chamber of Commerce and the Madison Area Builders Association?
CCB (Salt, ‘cides, tape, bike racks) and City-County Consolidations
This is a new blogging format for me. I'm attempting to do less verbatim, yet capturing the meetings for those interested and more analysis and comment.
City Week Ahead – Change Number One
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 9:01 AM
NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION
Meeting: MADISON ELECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE on 6/17/2013 4:30 PM at ROOM 108 CCB has been...
County Week Ahead
Unlike the city, this one rarely changes - cuz they're still MAILING items out to some committees - can't wait for their version of Legistar so items can be more accessible on-line!!!
Unaffordable Affordable Housing
There's a new "affordable housing" project - unfortunately, even people on section 8 (rent capped at the 40th percentile of area rents), but it could be a great opportunity for those just above those income limit.
SCTOD?
XTBKSOTYSLDHYSIT? Sometimes the alphabet soup drives me nuts, but if you live in S Madison or drive, walk or bike on John Nolen Drive or Broom or Blair or Wilson or the Bike Trail, you'll want to know what this is . . .
A Tale of Two Committees
Public Safety Review Committee and the Homeless Issues Committee had the same item on their agenda (city procedures for lost or abandoned property) on Tuesday and they had two very different reactions to the ordinance.
Wanna Tour a Frank Lloyd Wright House Tonight at 6:00?
It's free! And I bet you never even knew the house was there!!! And, the house will be impacted by the two new developments proposed for Webster St (hotel and apartments)
County’s “Buy Local” Ordinance Made More Effective
Wish the city would re-visit theirs and make it stronger!
Non-Profit Funding Shake Up?
Both the county and the city are looking at the way they are going to fund non=profits. I found out about both of them yesterday, and it seems many of the nonprofit leaders had no clue about it either.
Reality of the New Tenant Landlord Laws Sinking In
One painful interaction at a time.
Corporate Prom!
Do you have your prom dress ready? Your tuxedo and flowers for your girl? Have you lobbied your friends to vote for you for prom king and queen? You only have until tomorrow!
Real Life Heros – City Staff and Homeless Man
Wow, I'm so proud to know both people who came to the rescue and saved the life of a woman who was distraught over potentially being evicted by the CDA
County Budget Instructions – POSITIVE!
THE SKY ISN'T FALLING!!! The first time we have heard that from an Executive - City or County - IN YEARS! 10 or more . . . and yes, that was a COMPLIMENT for Joe Parisi. Thank you!
Is Today The Day Democracy Dies?
And then they came for democracy . . . Sounds dramatic and traumatic, but today is going to be an ugly day at the capital, perhaps worse than Act 10. While many people are focused on school vouchers, at the exact same time, something that has a much more far reaching effect, on everything, every issue that legislators and even local governments vote on.
County Board Tackles Poverty
I'll give them credit, it's a tough topic, much harder than approving a development or a new siren system. And there's no easy fixes, but there are things you can do to at least not make things worse, and get good information to make good decisions.
County Week Ahead
Because the county mails their agendas, these are usually all here on Mondays - I wish we could find a happy medium of having materials on time, and available electronically.
D-Day for Public Education
Today is the day that we have been discussing for weeks. Today is the day that the legislature starts discussing public school...
There Just Isn’t Enough Outrage for What Republicans are Doing to Our State
On Friday, when most people weren't paying attention . . . students were the latest victims. Why?
County Week Ahead (Updated/Finished)
25 meetings. . .
Bizarro E-mail?!
Wow. Occupy has been camping in the parks for quite some time (a year), but I've never seen anything like this . . . the campers I talked to had no idea what this is about . . . and I'm kinda creeped out by it.
Assembly Votes Today To Destroy Tenant Rights
At 5am this morning, I found out about 9 amendments to AB183 that the Assembly will be voting on today at 1:00 or at some time after that. Guess I better quick figure out what these amendments do . . . .
TRC Board Rarely Speaks Out About Legislation
But not this time! AB183 Will Harm Both Tenants and Landlords - Tenant Resource Center Board of Directors Speaks Out in Opposition of Bill Being Voted on Tomorrow
Mayor and Council Say Madison Should have Local Control! Don’t ruin our communities!
They are better Republicans than the Republicans in the Assembly . . . could the City be headed to court to challenge Local Control and Uniformity? I wish. I really don't know, but the mayor raises a really, really good issue (read why I love this mayor even tho we don't always agree!). Best quote: Ald. Lauren Cnare "this is about more than being mean to renters, its about ruining neighborhoods"!
Anti-Democracy Full Speed Ahead!
Even if you don't care about the 50+ tenant landlord law changes in AB183 (22 tenants rights at the state level and 25 or more at the local level), you should care about the sham that the Assembly Republicans, Realtors Association and Madison Area Apartment Association are making out of our democracy. Bill passed in 15 days or less?
More Complete list of Madison Ordianances in Jeopardy
This list still isn't complete, but its teh list of the Madison ordinances to protect tenants that are at risk due to LRB 1931 or now known as AB183. Hearing tomorrow at 10:00. Public_Notice_5-2-13_Housing_and_Real_Estate
10am Thursday, Hearing on Landlord Bill
Yeah, it doesn't even have a bill number yet!
Common Sense Housing Investment Act! (UPDATED)
Thank Congressman Mark Pocan for being the sixth Congressman to sign on as a co-sponsor.
Tenant’s Rights Attack – 33 more changes!
Late yesterday afternoon we learned of the newest attack on tenant rights. I gotta admit, when the Republicans attack tenants, they do it completely and thoroughly - and the particularly hate Madison, Fitchburg and Dane County tenants. Check out the long list of things they will be changing if successful.
New Tenants’ Rights Attack from the State
Looks like the are planning to rush this (New Attack on Tenants' Rights) through . . .
Housing Is A Human Right Summit Materials
In case you missed it or if you want an electronic copy, here's the materials that were in the folder.
Housing is a Human Right – Now what will we do about it?
The City and County both passed resolutions declaring Housing Is A Human Right . . . and now we are holding a Summit, tomorrow, to talk about what to do about it! Copies are made, rooms reserved, packets being stuffed, panelists readying themselves . . . now all we need is you!
Should Dane County Parks Screen Campers for Sex Offenses?
Sigh . . .the neighbors think so . . . I had some different questions.
Homeless Life Line Might Die?
Oh dear, you have no idea how vital the "Obama phones" are to people on the street, and Friday there will be a hearing to discontinue the program - please sign this petition.
Occupy vs. Dane Co. Parks = Mischief Managed
Ok, I guess all is good now. ?
Free Camping in Dane County Parks!!!
I must have missed the resolution, but it appears that there is now free camping in Dane County Parks - perhaps its just a little celebration of Earth Day?
Occupy Madison Forced to . . . Occupy Dane County Parks
Bizarre twist of events made Occupy Madison accidental Occupiers. The Parks Staff are refusing to take our money - but we keep paying.
It's been a bizarre week, yet again.
It's been a bizarre week, yet again. County Meanies Evicting Occupy from Lake Farm Park Noon Today
We've paid for three sites through tomorrow, but the county has given the campers a notice that they have to be out by noon today - they gave them the notice last night after 5:00. I have no idea what the campers will decide to do, we don't have transportation arranged for them with this short of notice and well, the county is just being mean.
Bizarro World: System FAIL! Part IV INSANITY!
The continuing saga, just when you think it can't get any worse, hospital refuses to let person with .49 BAC be admitted, wants us to take this person home, when we don't, they call the police and we are asked to leave because it is now a "police investigation" and because we were arguing with the doctor - and asked to speak to his supervisor, twice, the supervisor never appeared. I kid you not. I thought it couldn't get any weirder.
Injustice is a Powerful Motivator.
When will the county (i.e. County Executive Joe Parisi) realize that? They are so determined to just screw with homeless people - what is their motivation? See my email I just sent fueled by injustice.
New Obstacle to Allowing Homeless to Legally Camp
The city and county are just bound and determined to keep it illegal for homeless to camp anywhere in Dane County. Here's the latest obstacle the County Parks Departments sprung on us yesterday within two hours of being in the campground - their new magical rules they made up.
Occupy Moving Today
We said we were moving on the 16th of April when we could get in to the campgrounds, and we are . . . 3:00 today. A couple problems, of course . . .
System Fail! An Update
If you have been following the blogs about the person with the .6 BAC and lack of services for the person - I have more bad news. I only got 3.5 - 4 hours of sleep last night . . .
Oh, the Water . . .
I got that Van Morrison song stuck in my head. Here's an update about water and the lakes.
Jail Bird Results – Tresspassers for the Homeless
9 people, 9 different current results . . .
Cleaning Up After the Melt . . .
It's been a long ugly ride . . . I hope I never have to go back to Token Creek again! It was great to leave knowing that even tho the county told us not to clean up - we did - check it out!
Follow up – Making it Hard To Go To Rehab
.6 BAC . . . should be an automatic ticket to rehab, but its harder than you would think.
Things Going On Around Town
A whole bunch more . . .
City-wide Summit on Housing as a Human Right
Yesterday was the anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, and a broad Coalition of people are going to Meet April 27, 2013 to realize his vision.
Can you live with a .6 BAC?
Apparently, I spent 5.5 hours last night with someone who did. For months I have been trying to get the person help . . . but nothing has worked.
Things going on Around Town
A little round up of random items you might be interested in . . .
A Homeless Bill of Rights
Written by a homeless man I know, not sure what he intended to do with it, but I thought it was worth sharing - its simple and clear.
So Who Won?
How did all those groups that made endorsements do? Who can expect support for their issues on the Council (and elsewhere)?
Election Day Voter’s Guide – Common Council (Finished, For Now)
Brenda's picks, websites, endorsements, election night parties and more . . . for those of you who are going to call or text or email me and ask me what to do, here you go!
Today’s Question: Do our laws apply to Tim Bruer?
That is the question Michael Basford, the Chair of the Dane County Democratic Party is asking. I have a little different question.
TRC: Iron Chef Battle Is On!
14 chefs are furiously cooking at home right now, preparing tasty treats just for you tonight!!!
Candidates Tapped as Most Likely to Solve City’s Housing Crisis
Sorry - we gave no money. Not as sexy. Funny, we only endorsed two who got money from the Chamber of Commerce - coincidence - or clear difference of opinion of what we need for this city? Or, was it because those who got money from the Chamber didn't bother responding to our survey? See where their priorities are - with the people who need their help, or the people who can help them with money?
“Shocking” Levels of Contamination Found at Madison-Kipp Corporation in Recent Tests
Recent tests at Madison-Kipp Corporation reveal “shocking” levels of PCEs in groundwater beneath the factory and offsite, according to Dr. Lorne Everett, an international hydrogeology expert and key witness in the RCRA civil lawsuit brought by neighbors against Kipp. Everett, who has worked with hundreds of contaminated sites worldwide, concluded that Madison-Kipp is “one of the most contaminated sites that I’ve ever worked with.”
Those Numbers . . .
I keep rattling off the numbers, and everyone wants them, so here they are . . .
County Week Ahead
Only 9 meetings . . .
Suffer til we build housing?
Really Mayor Paul? You're killing me.
Absurd! Housing Market!
OK - LET ME MAKE THIS CLEAR, THIS IS NOT A RIP ON PORCHLIGHT, just an indication of the extreme difficulty in finding housing.
Day Shelter Updates
Week 17 update and upcoming volunteer appreciation event. 2 weeks left and then . . .
The Twilight Zone: The Madison Homeless Shelter System
by David Gegenhuber
County Week Ahead
Also unusual.
March Madness: Phase II & III
3 or 4 phases, phase 2 started last night, 3 starts today.
Phase 1 complete: 150 single men run out of days in the shelter on March 10th. They will only be let into shelter if it is less than 20 degrees or there is "extreme weather", definition of that, unknown
Examining The Homeless Shelter System – Part I
Earlier this week the Homeless Issues Committee held a meeting designed to look at the homeless shelter system policies. This will be a three part series that reveals what happened.
Embedded Bruer
Quite often in politics, it is much easier to elect the incumbent than to sit and think and compae the candidates and figue out...
March Madness (Homelessness) Rally
Here's most of the videos I have from the March Madness Rally. One more coming.
County Week Ahead
20+ meetings again . . .
We All Must Oppose The Expansion of School Vouchers
The Monona Grove Board of Education, building principals and district office administrators, and teachers (Monona Grove Education Association) join together to urge legislators to...
Property Owner Willing to Stand Up to City!
Willing to go to court to defend his right to have Occupy camp on his land.
Homeless: Damned if you do . . .
Wow. Occupy Madison found a piece of private property to move to, notified affected staff and elected officials, talked to the neighbors, did everything we were told to do, and now a week before we are to move, the property owner is being threatened with $11,460 in fines if we move there. I've been saying it for a while, but . . . there is NO LEGAL PLACE TO GO!
March Madness Rally – The Homelessness Madness
Friday, 5:00. Odd time? Yes. There is a method to our "madness". Come find out what it is!
Silly County Games
I go to a parks commission meeting and ask three questions, the chair of the committee, thanks me for coming, tells the staff to respond and when they respond, who do they send the response to . . . hint: anyone but me.
(The Rest of the) County Week Ahead
21 meetings!
Can’t Get An Answer from the County . . . Again
If you send an email and no one responds for 12 days and you have asked specific questions that need to be answered because the event happens in 18 days and may involve arrests, seizure of property and who knows what else, what do you do? WWBD? Something considered "annoying" and "counterproductive", I'm sure. 🙂
Daytime Warming Shelter Update
So, I always love it when people point our really obvious flaws about life in general in the city - besides lack of public restrooms and lockers that the homeless and everyone else could use - today's issue - garbage cans. It's always the simplest of things to solve the "issues".
How Much Affordable Housing Do We Need?
And how much would it cost? I've been working on some numbers and I am dying for someone to tell me I am wrong! Please.
MRFY: Doing Great Work Around Homeless Youth
I continue to be surprised by the numbers of homeless people on the streets, hidden all over the city. Perhaps some of the most compelling stories come from the young people - many of them out there on their own. Check this out.
Manski Out.
Groan.
Um, would have been nice to know this three days ago - in the interest of "honesty and transparency". And democracy. And...
What an Honor
These just got posted to Facebook, so I am just seeing them now, but it is one of the best compliments . . .
EANR: Let Occupiers Stay At Token Creek Til May 1 (Part I)
It was unanimous, with the conservatives leading the way! Wiggy was phenomenal - meaning he really understands what is going on at Token Creek and articulated it well. Such a bizarro world.
Who is doing more for Homelessness and Poverty?
Well, the city has their heads buried in the sand and are busy pointing fingers at the county . . . the county is working a little harder at the legislative level (head buried in sand at executive level). Check out just this week's meeting schedules for an example.
Stunning Housing News
Wait lists are so long for public housing they are closing the housing lists as of March 1st. I haven't seen it this bad in the 20 years I've been working in housing.
March 10th: 157 Homeless Men are Out of Days/Done At Shelter til November
And they are the lucky ones - women and families don't have these same opportunities . . .
Response to County’s “Offer” Regarding Token Creek
Not much of an "offer" . . .
Yes, Homelessness Is Increasing!
It's not our imaginations. Twice a year service providers are required to do a "Point in Time" study to see how many homeless persons we can count. From 2010 to 2013 the numbers have increased from 567 to 831 for the January 31 count. And not everyone was counted.
Impasse on City Stealing Homeless Persons Belongings
JFC, my blogs are depressing this morning, no more time for laying on the couch and being sick - its all out war on those without homes and low-income people when it comes to housing and homelessness - anyone else want to pile on . . . you're not going to believe this one.
Public Housing – Making it Harder to Obtain (Please email)
Yeah, the vacancy rate is about 2%, affordable housing is impossible to obtain and so lets make it harder to get into public housing - housing of last resort for many on fixed incomes.
County’s Crappy Choice . . . 4 days and Counting
I've been sick for the last three days and haven't blogged, but this is the choice offered to the folks abandoned at Token Creek on Monday and provided in writing yesterday.
9 days and counting . . . the sound, of silence . ....
Yeah, still no legal place to go. Marsha Rummel was the only one who spoke up at the council meeting on Tuesday, not ONE county board supervisor spoke up last night after our testimony. (But Heidi Wegleitner wasn't there - she was in Texas doing a presentation about housing issues in Madison to the American Bar Association. And David Wiganowsky introduced his resolution allowing and extension earlier in the evening.
10 days and counting . . .
There is no legal place to go . . . and the Mayor says that the Council shouldn't let people guilt them into feeling...
11 days and counting . . .
So, I was so pissed off about the Director of Planning and Community and Economic Development Director's comments, I forgot to do my daily update on having NO PLACE TO GO! This was briefly discussed at the council last night, I will get a full report on that tomorrow, but for now . . .
12 days and counting . . . UPDATED
So, a conservative (?!) on the county board is the one pushing to let the people stay at Token Creek.
13 days and Counting . . .
Occupy Madison has been asked to leave Token Creek Campground by February 17th and there is no legal place to go. No plans to move because we are out of options. Where should people go?
Token Creek Disaster Area – UPDATED
This is how the county treats the homeless. #$%#@! And now the van isn't going to pick people up today.
OM House News, Fundraiser Tonight, How You Can Help
Occupy Madison Inc. is working hard to create OM House (housing cooperative) and is working on other projects like OM Works (worker cooperative) to create opportunities for housing and work for those who currently are struggling in this economy. We hope you can join us for our fundraiser tonight!
Open Letter to City Officials on No Place to Go 2/17 – 4/16
Through a little mistake on the city's part, camping is not allowed (permitted or conditional) under any zoning in the new zoning code . . . hoping they can fix this. And be creative to help us solve our on-going issue of . . . say it with me . . . NO LEGAL PLACE TO GO!
Open Letter to County Officials on Token Creek Campground
They are unwilling to give us an extension past February 17th and we . . . say it with me . . . HAVE NO LEGAL PLACE TO GO!!! Still, yet, again.
County Week Ahead
Also fewer meetings due to fifth Tuesday, Wednesday (no meetings) and Thursday (no meetings)
Heroic Efforts to Save People’s Lives
No matter what the officials might tell you, not everyone gets into shelter and in this cold weather, that could mean the difference between life and death. Check out what various churches, community volunteers and private citizens have been doing!
Permanent Day Center Being Delayed
They are looking at a November 1 opening date. I found out this, and much more at the Homeless Issues Workgroup meeting yesterday.
No Legal Place to Go . . . 26 days and counting . ....
Occupy Madison, coming soon to a neighborhood near you? Yeah, here we go again! Do you hate this as much as I do?
Week 9 Homeless Day Center Update
Things going so much better than last year. Why? Staff attitude! Which created better attitudes all around. Oh, and check out the blog!
Occupy Madison Inc. Needs Your Help!
If you want to help Occupy Madison, we need volunteers, public supporters, donations and much more! If you're like to help, read below to find out how! And thank you!
This is cool . . .
From the Williamson Street Art Center . . .
Occu-PIE Fundraiser
January 29th, Fountain Bar, 5 - 7:30, Pie, Music by Combustible Trio, cash bar, good times. See you there! Let me know if you want to sponsor.
Why Does the County Resist the Simplest of Issues
Laundry and showers could be put in the Warming Center with relative ease and low cost. Fire safety issues also need to be addressed. And isn't the county embarrassed about the porta-potty location? I don't understand their bizarre resistance to making people's lives just the slightest little itty bit better. Instead, they do and say the goofiest of things.
First Draft: Who Will Live at OM House?
One of the biggest issues raised at the community meeting is wanting to know who will be living in the house. There are 8 rooms for 20 people. But how will we decide who lives there. We essentially explained the membershipping process, but that wasn't satisfactory, so here is a first draft in writing of how we will decide. Now, we need the community's help to let us know if there is something missing. Let the feedback begin!
County Week Ahead
Also short, no meetings on Thursday.
The Haters are Getting Aggressive
I'm used to haters, my email is full of examples of it (mostly from when I was an elected official), but it irks the hell out of me when it gets directed towards other people and it professes such ignorance. Check out the latest flyer circulating in the East High area against the homeless who are looking for a place to live. Saturday's meeting could be interesting.
How’s It Going at Token Creek?
I get asked this question about 5 times a day, and I don't really know what to say. It sucks. I personally hate it. But some find a reason to like it. I don't.
This blows . . .
Keeping track of city and county issues are hard enough. Schools are even harder, and now the state is making it hard too . . . just as they are going back into session and I am getting anxious about new landlords/tenant legislation and worrying it will turn my work world upside down again . . . they tell me this!
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Needs Your Help!
This is an amazing organization that does amazing work . . . to keep all of us who don't have time informed of the role of money in our state politics. A watchdog with a bite! My only complaint is they don't do enough local work, and that is only because what they do is so incredible! Anyways, they got some bad news and need your help!
County Economic Development Funds Available
$35,000 per job, they have enough money for 20 jobs.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day Events Coming Up
From the King Coaltion . . . plus additional events.
What A Difference!
Check out the 7 week update from the Day Center for Unhoused persons . . . and stop by and check it out if you have the chance . . . what a difference staffing attitudes make! Specifically, check out the police call information.
How to Get Boots to a Homeless Person
I have to say, as angry as I can get at most local politicians for burying their heads in the sand when it comes to homelessness, I am 100 times more proud of those ordinary people who find it unacceptable and are doing something about it . . . check out this one little example from yesterday.
Who Will Replace Scott McDonell on the County Board?
Special election coming up . . . if interested, its a short timeline to get papers and run a race for the April Elections.
Rally! Rally! Rally!
As the legislature goes back into session, does Wisconsin have the energy left to rally? I'm sure the legislature has a fresh new...
Will Candidates Be Knocked off the Ballot?
Joe Tarr raised an interesting issue that I was just chatting with a friend about - Statement of Interest forms.
Check Out All the Candidates!
So far, the only unopposed Alders are . . . Verveer, Bidar-Sielaff, King, Schmidt, Weier and Clear and two walk-ons Maurice Cheeks and Denise DeMarb. But the deadline is today so we'll see if that changes. And there aren't as many retirements as once expected - only Maniaci, Solomon, Rhodes-Conway and Jill Johnson stepping down.
City and County Week Ahead
Another short week . . .
Occupy Madison Building Purchase
If you ever worked on a real estate project, you know it lives and dies, sometimes daily. Today, the project is dead, for now. But the Isthmus just wrote a story that was, in my mind, premature. But hey, maybe someone out there can help us solve our current problem . . .
Grinch Award.
To Dane County . . . check out this wonderful work.
City and County Week Ahead . . . .
Uh, don't hold your breath . . .
What you need to (S)Know.
Lots of snow updates - basically everything is closed down, but they are attempting to pick up garbage, Madison Metro buses are not running, snow emergency in effect so move cars so you don't get tickets, Madison schools closed yesterday already, city and county offices shut down, campus in-person exams cancelled, yadda, yadda, yadda.
GOOD NEWS! I think some policies have changed at the Porchlight Shelters
Call me cynical, but I don't really believe it. It seems like so many people have different understandings of what the shelter rules are and it appears there is a really good reason for that.
County Board Meeting . . . Tonight?
Rescheduled due to the storm and earlier than usual - at 6:00
Severe Weather and the 400 Homeless Sleeping Outside
I'd really like to see all 400 show up and test the alleged rules of the shelter systems that seem to be shifting and don't seem to reflect reality. If we have a cooling shelter, why not a blizzard shelter?
Surveillance Cameras to protect the Privacy Rights of the Public?
New rules for the use of surveillance cameras by city departments.
WYOU Community Television – Alive and Well?
I"m no longer on the board and have had to move on to other things, but I still find the station very worthy of supporting in whatever way you can.
Bed Bugs!
Just a new fact of life? Or is there something you can do? WARNING: Reading this may make you itch or creep you out!
Are Lake View Hill Tickets REALLY Being Dropped?
Court dates for tomorrow have not been dropped, and no one is answering the question. I tried getting an answer but got the same...
City Lobbying Priorities for next State Legislative Session
For some very good reasons, I did not make it to the meeting yesterday where the alders gave their input into this agenda. But here it is . . . do you see anything missing?
Managing Scarce Homeless and Housing Services
Here's a little frustration of mine with homeless and housing services. Here today, gone tomorrow (or next week). Too much need!
Entitlements? Or Human Rights? Or Criminalization?
Yesterday was Human Rights Day and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty issued a report card on the Human Right to Housing - we didn't do well.
Safe, decent, affordable housing is a basic human right, recognized globally and defined with specificity in international law. But while the U.S. was a leader in establishing and championing international human rights law and institutions over 60 years ago, and continues to speak out as a leader on the global stage, unfortunately here at home our words do not match our reality.
Cut Food Stamps?
Action Alert from the Wisconsin Council of Churches. This drives me nuts, this is the one benefit that people down on their luck can apply for and get and get quickly. Unlike medical care, disability, housing assistance, child care assistance, etc.
Parisi’s Appearance – A little Defensive!
This was the first time most people had an opportunity to interact with our County Executive Joe Parisi - here is video of his committee testimony (without my snark) and the beginning (the rockier part) of the 1.5 hour discussion in the hallway, it did get better are this, but he didn't like the video taping.
BREAKTHROUGH! Parisi Talks! And Listens!
Yesterday was yet another amazing day in the saga of the fight for homeless rights and the Occupy saga.
(photo by Jen Thompson)
(photo by Jen Thompson) An Official Explanation – Removal of Homeless from Lake View Hill
Homeless Issues Committee gets a pretty bizarre explanation of what happened. A tale of two very different realities.
(Rest of the) County Week Ahead
Seems a little light this week . . . 13 meetings - only 10 left (sorry).
Occupy Update – Transportation?
After a week a Token Creek Park Campground - still no transportation, water, laundry, showers, etc. But hey, there's this!
5 PORTA-POTTIES
TRANSPORTATION OFFER NOT...
The Rest of the County Week Ahead
Earlier this week, I suffered from some technical difficulties and writers block on yesterday's post. Hopefully, I'll get back on track now - maybe, but hey, this is what you get for free!
I’m Speechless
This is one of the hardest posts I ever had to write and to add insult to injury, I completed it and then lost a bunch of work. So I'm just now getting around to trying to post something about what happened last Tuesday. I still can't believe a government could just pick up and relocate a group of people to a remote location out of sight and out of mind and . . . oh, nevermind. The irony of this happening at Thanksgiving just gives me images of what we did to Native Americans early in our country's history . . . I thought we had learned from that, but I guess not.
Another Listening Session
Another listening session with neighbors of Lake View Hill tonight to discuss the occupation . . . lots of finger pointing and anger - but now that it is over, will people show up?
Volunteers Needed for Warming Shelter
Occupy has occupied every spare minute of my time, but we also need volunteers to help Sarah make the Warming Center a success and to build for a permanent day center. So, help out if you can!
Donations Needed for Warming Shelter
The warming shelter opens today, and there is a long list of items that they need. But . . . uh, only the things on this list.
Crazy Occupy Weekend Recap
I can't believe this all happened in 72 hours . . . this is really insane. I can't believe how out of control things have gotten and how absurd it all is. Here we go . . . you're not going to believe all this!
Occupy Responds to Parisi’s Offer
They are suggesting we should move to Token Creek Park Campground. Here is our response.
Occupy Still There . . . County Should Stop Bluffing and Communicate
It's all beginning to blur together, county threatens to kick us out or give us tickets, we rally troops, nothing happens. Lather. ...
Gosh the County Can Be Rude!
Is it just me? Or is this lack of responses kinda stunning. How do you resolve a conflict when one party is simply ignoring the other . . .
Why is a Tent in the Cold Better than the Shelter?
During some down time between meetings yesterday, I asked folks to tell me what they didn't like about staying in shelter and why a tent in the cold is better. Here is what they had to say . . .
Occupy will Move by December 9th if . . .
Another long day yesterday, but probably one of the most significant things that the group decided is that they can move by the second Sunday in December if . . .
It was a long day yesterday
I took the day off and spent it with Occupy folks, and here's all the updates. Short story: County said they had to be out by noon. They didn't budge. Nothing happened. Homeless Services Consortium groups admit no one has rooms available for people who are homeless. Services simply don't exist.
Parisi Makes Soglin Look Like a Kitten When Dealing with the Unhoused.
Last night, Alder Anite Weier and County Board Supervisor Melissa Sargent held an alleged listening session. Before the meeting I heard that they were preparing to make the Occupiers move, and half way through the meeting Chaous walks in with a laminated 4 page letter that was hung on a stake in the ground in the dark telling people to be out by noon today - not even 24 hours notice. After an hour and a half of the meeting, they dropped the bomb and then didn't answer any questions. Short story: we won't be moving. And we have no idea what they are going to do.
Occupy Updates
Well, they have a new location. The neighborhood is up in arms, of course. And public officials are scrambling to figure out what they want to do. Here's the story. County Week Ahead
Their budget will be done tonight. Another 15 minute meeting?
County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner: Human Rights Crisis and We are Responsible
Kick ass email! I wonder if she got any responses. I suspect not.
Occupy Updates and Action Plan
So, eventful day again yesterday, here's all the updates and what you can do to help
The Mayor Said What?!
He loves to stick his foot in his mouth. "Mayor suggests involuntarily commitment for homeless at Occupy site". Knowing the people there,...
Yesterday was a Bad Day for Progress for the Homeless
Occupy got their eviction notice and the county board's Personnel and Finance Committee took the operating funds for the Homeless Day Center out of the budget. Always more work to be done and I knew the steps forward lately were just too good to be true. So, what's next for Occupy and the County Board?
County Board Budget Amendments – Personnel and Finance Recap
Part one today, the rest on Wednesday. These were all capital budget amendments.
Where Should the Homeless Go?
Madison still wants to know! Coming soon to a neighborhood near you?
Occupy Needs . . .
Ok - people keep asking me what they can do for Occupy, and here's the list . . .
County Week Ahead
Didn't even get this started last week, again, apologies.
An Apology and Some Assistance!
Police Chief Noble Wary apologizes to the homeless people who had their things thrown out by the city, says they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. County Executive Moe Parisi and Mayor Paul Soglin allow Occupy to stay and are sending staff to help them find housing.
Occupy Update
Today is day four of being back at the 800 E Washington site and the police or other city departments have not been back to ask people to leave or inspect the camp.
Financing Voodoo for the Edgewater – $66 Million!
No big deal, don't pay attention. Won't effect us.
We need An Apology, Compensation and Report Back!
Homeless Issues Committee Unanimously agreed to ask the police and city officials to apologize to the homeless persons who last all their worldly possession on State St. when the police and parks department broke the law and threw their stuff in a dump truck.
County Board Budget Hearing Recap Meeting
Carousel Bayrd running the meeting! Packed house! So, briefly . . . .
County Budget Public Hearing. Amendments and Confusing Process
I gotta say, I am just confused this year. Just when I think I know what is going on, I guess I figured out that I have no clue what is going on. Luckily, I can call supervisors and ask . . . but their process shouldn't be that confusing that you need someone to explain it to you.
County Week Ahead
Enjoy!
4:30 Rally at City-County Bulding . . .
Please read Tami Miller's words that were posted on Feeding the State St. Family Facebook group and then tell me, won't you be there today at 4:30 if you can!
TIF tiff – Give the companies as much as they want?
Dualing TIF committees and other issues. Yeah, live blogged again. This is the EDC subcommittee on TIF. For the geeks, and...
County Board Budget Schedule
At the moment . . . it changes . . .
What do the Bus Fare Increases Actually Mean
All the prices are going up, not just the one-ride price. Monthly bus passes would be up to $64. And the low-income price, essentially unaffordable.
County Week Ahead
Also, County Budget season!
Soglin Explains His 25% Number
I just had to ask, and he answered.
Am I Worthy? Am I from Madison?
Wow, I said Soglin has gone nuts - now is he just lying? This Mayoral hatred of the homeless is getting really bizarre
Parisi Changes to Human Services Budget
Alphabet soup time . . . good luck interpreting . . .
County Week Ahead
If you don't understand all the alphabet soup - its ok, I don't either, so I can't really help you out.
Soglin has gone nuts
He wants to bus the homeless out our of Madison. Seriously. Demonstration today at noon.
The Craziness in District 46!
Wisconsin's District 46, has been very ably represented by Sun Prairie Democrat Gary Hebl. Since Representative Hebl has the market cornered on...
Things Going on Around Town
Still trying to clear out my email . . . here's a bit, I have a bunch more!
Half Time Council President Proposal is Silly
This reeks of someone trying to score political points and ignores the real issues they should be addressing.
Board of Estimates Recap – TIF Discussion
There were three amendments in the capital budget regarding TIF - the discussion is 20 - 25 minutes long.
County Week Ahead
13 meetings here, but probably more complete!
County Board Recap, Part I
So, here we go . . . mostly live blogged . . .
The mysterious resolution . . . on the Homeless Day Shelter
It is essentially a brand new resolution - I just got it around 3:00. New language is bold and old language is deleted.
So, Secret Deal to Create a Warming Shelter Finally Public
Yay! There will be a warming shelter for the homeless this winter again. Boo! The process sucks and the details matter.
More Things Going on Around Town . . .
There was a lot, lot more . . . might have to do this again tomorrow!
What the City Council is Talking About Tonight
September 18, 2012 Common Council Meeting
Proposed Consent Agenda Exclusions
Things Going On Around Town Round Up
Not a media round up - but a round up of various emails I get about events, presentations, input sessions, etc.
Hey, Let’s Change TIF Policy . . . AGAIN!
I've been hearing rumors of this, saw an email that went out last week, and now we have the official word from the mayor . . .
Homeless, but still deserves respect
Daniel Callahan was recently ruthlessly kicked off the homeless issues committee and called a racist by County Executive Joe Parisi - but he is willing to fight back. Demands apology in the least, reinstatement or appointment of another homeless person in the least
County Week Ahead
Also no meetings tonight, but a packed rest of the week
Joe Parisi Can’t Be Serious!
I haven't seen anything so petty and disgusting and hearless since the days of Dave Cieslewicz
Homeless and Affordable Housing Advocated needed Tomorrow!
So, I send out one of these emails for the Affordable Housing Action Alliance and another person sent out the other from Occupy Madison/Activist...
County Week Ahead Sans Monday
Didn't get up early enough yesterday . . . but here's the rest of the week.
Summer is Over County Week Ahead
Three days of meetings as well, but none yesterday, so I procrastinated til today.
Strangest Meeting Location Yet . . .
You know how I pick on the city from time to time about silly meeting faux pas . . . well, the county outdid them times 100! Check this out . . .
Wake Up Call: Gaps in the Homeless Services “System”
So, as homelessness is getting more attention, you hear the mayor say the city is spending $3M on services and the county handing out lists of the services available and non-profits are telling us that services are "readily available" but lets take a look at what is really going on.
County Week Ahead
Here's a start on it . . .oops, no, I finished!
With Friends like These . . .
The Homeless Issues Committee has had two meetings and voted on three different resolutions so far . . . and as expected, the Homeless Issues Committee is supportive of solutions for various homeless issues . . . for the most part. The interesting thing is the people on the committee that voted against the solutions.
Moving Daze Extra Dazing this Year
The Tenant Resource Center really doesn't need any extra publicity this time of the year, we are slammed with calls and people stopping by, and this year its extra confusing with all the law changes, so we are open some extra hours. Here's some info for movers.
County Tries to Help Homeless
While the city tries to pass a panhandling ordinance and gets all grinchy about Hippie Christmas, the county tries to address basic needs of the homeless.
No Lull County Week Ahead
14 meetings at the county . . .
I hate this last minute slimy campaign crap . . .
Seriously! When overly exuberant kids on campus do this crap its one thing you might overlook, when people who have been around politics for...
Legal Obstacles to County Board Exercising It’s Authority.
The most offensive thing about this memo is that it was written 5 days before the meeting, yet not shared with the public or the lead sponsor. With staff like this . . . who needs political enemies.
Offending County Parks Memo
Following up from yesterday, here is the memo that they had all written that the public didn't get to see and they blindsided everyone with. I added a few comments.
Scott McDonell for County Clerk
I wrote a long explanation of why Scott McDonell has my enthusiastic support for County Clerk in a discussion on a list serve. Facebook...
Some good news for poor people in Dane County
Well, the job center is really not all that notorious for being a friendly place to go, but to not have it at all would be even more problematic. So, I guess this is good news!
What’s All the Fuss About
In my last post, I told you how the county parks staff sucks. Well, here's the resolution in question, the situation at Occu-Camp...
Staff Foul!
Wow. Last night the County Parks Department staff outdid even former Mayor Dave in slimy process. This is usually done when people don't want to look bad on the issues or can't win on the merits.
I’m So Disappointed in Kelda Helen Roys
And it appears, I'm not alone. Fellow legislators call on her to clean up her act!
Legislators Call on Rep. Roys to End False...
Dane County Day Center to Provide for Basic Needs Proposed
Homeless Day Center!
Occu-Potluck at Occu-Camp!
The Occupiers are back! Well, they've been scattered all over, but they never went away . . .
Progressive Dane Garden Party
Will you be there?
Metcalfe’s Union Busting
This is frustrating, remember the cool project everyone loved on E. Washington and how great everyone thought Metcalfe's was, or next time you bite into a brat at Brafest . . . well think again.
S. Livingston Railroad Crossing to be Closed
Proposed order was released yesterday . . . here are the conclusions:
Did you hear me rejoicing!
After working closely with and getting to know my new friends, this service is greatly needed for a few of them!
No ID Necessary to Vote, But Necessary for Food Pantry?
I find it interesting that people are outraged that they would need an ID to vote and worried about people being disenfranchised, but find it completely necessary to have an ID in order to give people food to feed their families and so they don't go hungry.
What Happened to Brenda’s Blogging?
Seems a little sparse lately. Why?
Mysterious Meeting tonight
Ok, I'm presenting at it, its for the County Board Supervisors and Alders, but I can't seem to find it anywhere.
Rainbow Bookstore is Doing a Play!
Yup - it's a fundraiser for your favorite bookstore! And a true community treasure that needs your support!
Obligatory Post
Yesterday sucked.
I have a new appreciation for . . .
So many things . . . . here's why . . .
Last Minute Voting Info
Sent to neighborhood leaders to help with questions about today . . .
Sunlight on the “Mushroom Patch”
There just is no end to the crap our state is dishing out . . . Tuesday can't come soon enough.
Worst Reporting Ever?
Or . . ..
What’s the FBI Doing in Cherokee Marsh?
Oh, not that FBI . . . .
Occupy: Oh, the Needles! The Hazards!
This is probably, personally, one of the most offensive comments that I have heard about Occupy. And the reason is, that in my...
Porchlight Breathalyzers
Uly explains why staying at Porchlight is problematic.
What did Will Say?
In the middle of the press conference the other day, I got distracted by something Will said . . .
MTI Shows Support for Occupy!
Thank you MTI, check out what they had to say . . .
Importance of Occupy
Life, or death.
Occupy Residents Have Something to Say to Soglin
Press Conference at 11:00 at Veteran's Park at the top of State St., behind the Veteran's Museum.
Go Dane County Board Women! It’s About Time!
They hold half the leadership positions for the first time ever!
Bus Stop Voter Registration!
More volunteers needed . . . League of Women Voters and City Clerks office is registering people at bus stops . . .. the process to get qualified to do so it outlined here as well. Remember, there is only one week to get people registered! Starting yesterday . . .
City Snubs Tenants – 50% of its residents
Last November, 6 months ago, the state passed a law removing many of the tenant protections in Madison. In March, they passed another bill eliminating tenant rights and increasing landlord rights. With a 2% vacancy rate right now, its a housing crisis for people looking for housing, rents are increasing at alarming rates and the city is doing what?
Upcoming Parks & Community Events
Olin Turville, Warner and others!
Olin-Turville Park Events
Join the Friends of Olin-Turville Park (FOOT), Madison Police Department, and Madison Parks for some fun, free, family...
Social Justice Center Turns 12 years old!
12 years . . . seems like only yesterday. Gives awards to Chuck & Connie Smalley and the TAA!
Blogger is BACK!!!!
Yippeeee!!! I think my 60 hour work weeks are over . . . kinda.
Verona Road Updates
The latest newsletter and upcoming meeting.
Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale Time!
This Saturday! Just in time for Mother's Day!
Tenant Resource Center Housing Law Seminars
Coming to an area near you!
Occupy: Not As Soglin Says
I can't believe how irresponsible Soglin is being in talking about the Occupy site. I wish he had visited it to see for himself and taken the time to meet some of the people staying there and find out about who they are, so he'd know how offensive his statements are
Occupy: Should They Stay or Should they Go Now?
Police are telling them one thing, the court and the city attorney said another . . .
Whoa, What Just Happened?
Occupy.
Summons, Complaint, Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Brief in Support filed, parties served (they deny it), hearing held, no order issued but an agreement reached that people can stay past noon on Monday (til 4:00), structures (hoophouses) can stay til Wedensday at noon no matter what and after a hearing on Monday at 4:00 they may be able to stay even longer!
County Board Committee Appointments!
Who will be primarily working on which issues . . .
Occupy Madison Events – The Final Countdown?
Party Saturday, clean up this weekend, rally and march Monday and . . . stay tuned.
Seeking Protest Videos, Photos, Etc for Archives
Honestly, I can't believe that this project is all coming together, but its really cool. Thanks to the many, many volunteers for the time and talents and materials!
County Board Will Address Occupy/Homelessness Too!
Thanking Occupy and creating the same committee the city did . . . despite council concerns that they wouldn't. They can't really fix what the council did, since they don't control the land that Occupy is on, but they're doing what they can.
Occupy Tear Down Incredibly Ironic and Unfair
Volunteers needed . . . along with laundry facilities, tools, etc. to help recycle Occupy.
Free 30 days in Shelter for Single Men
So, many people are missing the point of the Occupy tent city and what it provides to the homeless.
Here’s an Stupid Wrinkle for UW Student Tenants
Wow. Thank you Scott Walker. (yes, that's sarcasm) This sounds like it might even lead to deportation of international students?
What passed the Council Regarding Occupy
I hope this is right, I think it is . . .
I’m feeling the Council was Lied to
Something isn't adding up. And I think the homeless people at Occupy are the victims of a some cruel games that were played at the council meeting the other night.
I had this plan . . .
It's really hard to edit at work when there are all kinds of interruptions and lost trains of thought, so I thought I'd edit at home and blog at work . . .
Council Evicts Homeless Occupy Residents
When April 30th comes, almost 100 homeless people will have no where to go. Last night the council tripped all over themselves trying to convince themselves that they really cared about homelessness and affordable housing, but came up with excuse after excuse, helped by city staff, about why they had to vote to evict homeless people from their limited shelter and a place they spend with their new family that they call home.
Occupy Extension Tonight?
The City Council will be voting on a resolution tonight, and the County Board will vote on a similar one later, temporarily extending the time for Occupy/homeless tent ciy and looking for better solutions for the homeless camping there.
Congratulations Connie Deer!
One of our stalwarts here in Dane County gets a Statewide Fair Housing Award. Well deserved! And more!
Our new County Board Supervisor...
McDonell Official Announcement Running for County Clerk
Not really news, but its official with some big endorsements.
Answering Bridget’s Question
Why can't homeless get services?
Crane and Wolf Hunt in Wisconsin
Ribeye in the sky? Should we be hunting endangered species? Speak up tonight.
Need Leaf Mulch?
Get Mulched!
League of Women Voters to Look at Housing
Tomorrow night.
Limited County Week Ahead
Only 6 meetings.
Want to Influence How the City Deals with Homelessness
Now is the time, this is the place.
Affordable Housing Group Endorses Candidates
The Affordable Housing Action Alliance recently announced its endorsement of three candidates in the upcoming Dane County Board races. These candidates are knowledgeable on housing issues and are committed to helping low-income residents and renters by encouraging availability of affordable housing in Dane County.
Open Forum On Tenant’s Rights Tonight
Tonight, March 29, at 5:30 pm at the Fifth Quarter Studio (2nd Floor) in Union South. there will be an open forum on the past and future of tenants rights in Wisconsin.
Progressive Dane to Discuss Achievement Gap
I'm guessing this discussion may be a little different than others, but we'll see.
On your own again this week.
Sorry, one more week of weak blogging.
Help Take A Bite Out of Homelessness!
You know it! The chef's are back and ready to rumble!!!! Kitchen Stadium will be in the ballroom at the Brink Lounge (701 E Washington) tonight 5 - 7. 100% of the funds will go to PREVENT homelessness for families and individuals (unless you want to designate funds for TRC operations). Suggested donation $25, but everyone welcome, donate as you can.
Ooops, Major Screw Up in Tenant/landlord Legislation
I've been frantically trying to figure this all out this weekend . . . what do the new laws really mean, what are the arguments that tenants and landlords should make while going to small claims court, but I didn't even think of this one since I'm focused on residential . . . check this out!
Miserable Monday and Beyond
So, sad blogging news.
The Legislature has really Destroyed me this week
I keep trying to pay attention and find out if the tenant laws are changing and I guess I'm going to be on pins and needles again all day . . . and all night . . . again . . .
How Unaffordable is Madison/Dane County’s Housing?
The National Low Income Housing Coalition does my favorite, most useful report every year called Out of Reach. Their information is the easiest place to start to find out how bad housing is in Madison. Here's their snapshot of the area.
Robin Vos’ Slumlord Bill May Pass today!
So, this is it, the bills destroying tenants rights, and tipping the scales in favor of unscrupulous landlords is headed for passage.
Remembering . . . One Year Ago Today
Reposted from a year ago.
Green Party Looking for True Progressive Candidate to Challenge Walker
You can call it being a spoiler if you want, but so far, the choices to challenge Walker are uninspiring.
Months Later . . . City Attorney’s Office Chimes In
Finally! The official word. These tenant/landlord laws changed December 21st - now here's the city attorney's interpretation. And they seem to have changed their mind on Section 8.
County Week Ahead
Let's not forget about them . . .
MONDAY
Mar 5 12:00 PM Lakes & Watershed Commission Room 5415, 1550 Linden Dr.
- Nonregulatory Subcommittee
- Review and discuss materials...
Thank you Channel 3 for Advancing Civility!
So, Neil Heinen's editorials are not always hard hitting. Getting a board to have a definite agreed upon opinion on a subject without disagreement is probably not always easy, but they got it right on this one! And in the process, helped me make a point about nasty internet comments on other websites, like madison.com or thedailypage.com forum and how they should have a more responsible commenting policy.
Need An Attorney, Ask the Court to Appoint One!
Usually, they only appoint attorneys in criminal cases or in guardian ad litem cases, but now, you can (and should in some cases) ask...
Benford Endorses Wegleitner
Since some members of the press kept trying to make a story out of Progressive Dane's wonderful dilemma of having too many candidates who want to run - I thought people might find this of interest.
WYOU: One Year Stronger
If you had asked most people a year ago if WYOU would be here today, they would have said no. Well, HERE WE ARE!!! ONE YEAR STRONGER!!!!
What a GREAT! Bill
Of course, it has no chance of passing.
Just had to point this out. SB511 actually does something good - so it wouldn't...
All those Complaints from Reynolds Park/Day Center/Occupy Site
According to my alder and a neighbor, the drinking and behavior there is out of control. Well, I had to find out for myself how bad it is.
I May Have Done Something Stupid
But, thanks to the following people . . . I think its ok! 🙂
Don’t Forget the County Week Ahead
The press virtually ignores them, but they do some interesting and important things. When you can figure out what they are doing ....
Watch this.
907 homeless kids in our schools. 16 sleeping in their cars.
What a Good Idea!
Transparency in local government! I applaud Melissa Sargent for her proposal!
Where Do You Buy Your Healthy Food?
Hope to see you tonight . . .
I’m horrified . . .how did this happen?
I don't know how I missed this, but there is so much going on . . . but this is horrendous . . .
Tenants’ Rights Rollercoaster
I'm sitting in the capital, waiting for them to NOT do something, and to hear what they say about their inaction. Absurd, I know.
Expect New Voting Procedures Today
Bring your ID . . . a photo ID.
Military Advertising on our Buses
This is why I voted against all this advertising - is this worth $10,000?
Info I got from very helpful staff!
The Wisconsin National Guard is...
County Primary Week Ahead
A few county board primaries this week.
Help with WORT Pledge Drive Coming Up
Phone shifts available for people to answer phones and take pledges! I'm sure they would appreciate the help!
County Thumbs Up, City Thumbs Down
The benches are back! Thanks especially the County Board Supervisors and County Executive Parisi - for doing the right thing. Now, where were the alders? And why were they returned?
Evidence of Increasing Poverty
Warning: This isn't pretty.
Dane County Rocks! Free Birth Certificates for Voters!
Nice job folks!
Anti-Tenant Bill – Back to the Drawing Board
It was a "hot mess" as the kids say! So many issues with AB561/SB466 were raised during testimony yesterday, that they have to redraft the bill or make multiple amendments to clarify and fix unintended consequences.
Most Effective Sit In Ever!
It would have happened today at noon and 6:00
Details of How Tenants Are Going to Get Screwed
So, we finally finished (as much as humanly possible) the analysis of the "modernization" of landlord-tenant law bill- this is the best we could do to explain the bill and issues in plain English.
One Year Stronger & Remembering
Here's my video from last year on this day and the video from the Wisconsin Day Rally on Saturday.
Wisconsin Tenants About to Get Screwed
There's just no other way to put it . . . see what fresh new hell the Republican landlords have in store . . . 2 hearings and one vote on Wednesday, even tho it just got a bill number and became public late Monday.
Benches have to be removed, but not . . .
Check this out, in the hallway, leading up to the clerks office there is this . . . and it was there last week too.
One Year Stronger, County Week Ahead
Sorry I skipped last week - too busy. It's hard to feel bad tho when most of the agendas are either incomprehensible due to alphabet soup or jammed with reports and updates
A Brief Update on Two New Anti-Tenant Laws
This week there were two new anti-tenant bills that have been circulating up at the capitol. This is a brief update on what I know so far . . . subject to more investigation and interpretation! These will affect not just Madison and Dane County - this one affects ALL Wisconsin tenants!!!
Can you ban people from a public building?
The next salvo from the mayor's office is to institute a procedure to ban people from the city-county building like they do at the library or Lisa Link park. I think it raises a few questions.
AFSCME Calls for Humane Solutions for Homeless in City-County Building
This is a GREAT! letter from AFSCME - they rock! Thank you so much!
Kaleem Caire’s Initial Response to the Plan to Close the Achievement Gap
Ok, I've never done this one before, but this is from the interview on Channel 3 this morning.
The Voters are Going to Trample the Homeless!
There's a primary in district 2, quick, move the benches! It's a safety issue! Ya gotta be effing kidding me, I couldn't make this shit up. (And yes, call 911, I dropped the F-bomb)
Trapping in Dane County Parks: Action Needed Tonight
A letter and call to action for tonight - trapping in county parks?
Who Pays to Bury Poor People?
The county used to have a fund, it became a state function in last year's budget, but seems like that is not working out so well. Check this out.
New Overture Center Director
Here's the hype.
Wow, Interesting Madison Prep Debate.
Allen Ruff has been blogging about Kaleem Caire and in pointing out the facts, he has drawn criticism for attacking Caire. However, I...
How to Close the Achievement Gap
There is no doubt that almost every agrees this is an issue for the school district. Just not on how to get there. Tonight we get to hear Dan Nehrad's take on it . . . in Fitchburg, where the buses don't run.
Week of Action to Celebrate the Wisconsin Uprising.
February 11th-19th, 2012 - One Year Longer, One Year Stronger! These folks will be my guest today on WORT A Public Affair
Parisi: Reform CARPC
CARPC you ask? Its the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission.
If section 8 isn’t income . . .
Then how is it that SB107/Wisconsin Act 108 which restricts the city and county from having ordinances prohibiting landlords use of monthly household income purportedly negates our section 8 ordinances at the city and county level?
Co-op Conference Coming: June 7th Tentatively.
A city Economic Development Conference. While everyone else was at the Landmarks Commission meeting last night, I was at home, sick, on my couch watching Board of Estimates and there's a few gens in there that weren't reported in the news.
Thinking you need a Union?
Well, learn how to do it yourself! As "management" I probably shouldn't be encouraging this . . . but it would...
Services Available to the Homeless
We rarely get notice that there is an opening! So, here is a spot for one person - with conditions!
Support the Elephant Ban?
Here's some things you can do
Detox: The Other Side of the Story
Something seems potentially duplicitous about Chief Wray's letter that came out at 3:30 on the same day this memo came out from Lynn Green, perhaps they just crossed in the mail, but the timing is a little goofy.
Drug Test People Who Use Food Pantries?
I hosted A Public Affair on WORT on Monday and that was the question of one of my callers, who said he works in a food pantry. Seriously, it was.
Mayor’s Office War on the Homeless, Part III
Ok - so that list of police calls in Part II was a little bogus and over-exaggerated, but there were some real issues in there. Yesterday, two gems of emails came out from the Mayor's office. Here's the latest on the Mayor's office campaign to rid themselves of the homeless in the building
Mayor’s Office War on the Homeless, Part II
I told you this was long, be patient. In this post, we have people calling the police when people are singing or dropping the F-bomb! Imagine if we called the police every time someone got in an argument in the city-county building or dropped the F-bomb!
Mayor’s Office War on the Homeless, Part I
And they are passionate about it - I haven't quite figured out why its so important for them to get the homeless out of the City-County Building, but they are determined. And holy crap, I forgot about the Sargent vs O'Lauglin divergent views of the county. Do we have stockholders we need to watch out for? Or are we a community with a safety net? Or will we build an island for misfit toys to put people on?
County Week Ahead
I'll see if I can make any sense of their agendas . . .
Rally Against Citizen’s United/Occupy the Courts Tonight!
We can't have a real democracy if we can't have fair campaigns with candidates that are not bought by the highest bidder.
Detox Dispute: Chief Wray vs. County Executive
Chief Noble Wray asleep at the wheel last fall when the county board was debating their budget . . .
Another County Board Showdown Coming Tonight?
Chairman Urges Board to Approve Infrastructure Appropriation
$7.85 Million Needed to Fund Basic Operations Ahead of Annual Borrowing; Spending Already Approved in Capital Budget
Wednesday Round Up
Nothing about who is running for governor or which websites went black yesterday here, just local stuff that I can find!
Falk Announcing for Governor. Really? (Updated)
I've been listening to Rob rant for the last 20 minutes about what a bad choice this is . . . and of course, I'm not a Dem insider so I don't know what is going on but . . . this is bad for poor people
Tuesday (Everything but the Recall) Round Up
It will be short. Very short.
Thurs. – MLK Day Round Up
You'd think 5 days of news would be quite the challenge but besides the Packers and MLK day, there's not really that much.
MLK County Week Ahead
5 days of meetings, cuz they meet on Saturdays too.
How Not to Address Poverty
I've been looking into the county's efforts around poverty. I was going to give them a report card on the Task Force on Poverty Report, but of course, its near impossible to do on-line research on this so it is taking quite some time . . . but here's what I've found that I can share so far.
County Board Week Ahead
Also a day late, sorry
Round Up Resumes
The holidays made for weird news, so I didn't want to resume yesterday with the rounds, so I'm starting today and will try to do it several times a week if not daily. I'm only going to do local politics, so until the student papers resume printing, it might be a little sparse.
Learn about Alternatives for Frautchi/Rowland Vision
The 100 block of State St could be sleek and modern and exclusive, or . . . it could honor our history . . . you can learn more about an alternative vision for the block and why it is important and how we can save the landfills and reduce our carbon footprint.