⚡Madison utilities want another rate hike

🏗️ Downtown Shelter Picks Up After Five-Year Delay

• The Salvation Army of Dane County is finally getting started on building a new drop-in shelter for women and children, over five years after receiving city approval for the project.
• The nonprofit had planned to demolish its aging shelter at 630 E. Washington Ave. and build a new campus, with more beds, office and low-income apartments. While the 44-unit Shield Apartments was finished, the Salvation Army put the shelter project on hold during the pandemic to focus on housing residents.
• After that much delay, the project needs new approvals from the city. After that, it plans to raise $15 million and break ground next spring. (Hopefully.) [ 🔒 WSJ]

⚡ Are Energy Rate Hikes Imminent?

• Three of Wisconsin’s largest utilities want to increase rates next year and in 2027. Alliant Energy, Madison Gas & Electric, and Xcel Energy tell state regulators they need the rate hike to modernize aging infrastructure and build new resources for generating energy.
• But critics note the utilities already got an increase in 2023 and another big rate hike would hurt low-income families. The Public Service Commission will vote on their applications later this year. [WPR]

💸 County Faces Scrutiny Over Urban Triage Contracts

• The Dane County Department of Human Services awarded two six-figure contracts to a Madison nonprofit without getting the required approval from the full Dane County Board, according to a News 3 investigation.
• Under Dane County rules, contracts exceeding $100,000 must go before the board. But the department awarded contracts of $397,246 and $276,857 to Urban Triage, a Madison nonprofit focused on housing, education, and community building, with only committee votes.
• Urban Triage has received around $20 million over the years from the county for administering housing projects. Last fall, Dane County Supervisor Jeff Weigand called for a financial audit of the nonprofit after it went $100,000 over budget, but failed to get support from his colleagues on the board. [News 3, Urban Triage, Cap Times]

Nothing says springtime in Madison quite like the Dane County Farmers’ Market. The 2025 season kicks off April 12 on the Capitol Square.

City Cast Madison talked to DCFM manager Jamie Bugel to get some tips and tricks to help you navigate Square like a pro on Saturday mornings.

When’s the Best Time to Shop?

As they say, the early bird gets the worm. If it’s your first time shopping at the market, Bugel recommends getting there before 9 a.m.

“I know that's not always possible, but try to come before 9 a.m., do a lap and take photos so you can look back and be like, ‘Oh right, this thing looked good,’ or ‘They had asparagus this week, maybe it's not too late to get it next week.’ And that kind of helps you ground yourself in what is actually available on the Square seasonally,” she said.

Also, no pets are allowed at the market (unless they’re service animals, of course).

Where Should You Park?

Bugel recommends any of the city’s downtown garages. There are several within a block of the Capitol Square.

Beyond cars, biking, or taking the bus are always great options. Shoutout to Bus Rapid Transit!

Get To Know the Vendors

DCFM is a producers only market, which means a couple of things. First, everything sold at the market is produced or made by the folks running the stands. No re-sales allowed!

Being a producer only market also means you can truly get to know the people who grow and raise your food. Not sure if something is in season? Just ask!

“[The products are] so fresh, and you know it hasn't traveled more than however many miles just to stay in the state, which is also great,” Bugel said.

Vendors don’t always set up in the exact same spot week after week but many end up setting up on the same side of the Square from week to week.